Calling All Stations with Christian Wolmar

Christian experiences in person London's brand new Silvertown Tunnel and the mandatory cycle shuttle bus [2:18]; elaborates on striking new figures for the construction costs of HS2 [09:55]; releases a narrative of his book 'Liberation Line' by engaging AI bots [19:35} and welcomes proposals to lower the age requirement for train drivers in Great Britain [43:40]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

One of the most exciting transport projects anywhere in the UK is the South Wales Metro which is now fully taking shape and promises to transform travel in and around the Cardiff Capital Region.  In an extended interview, Christian hears from the person widely acknowledged as the visionary behind this metamorphosis - Mark Barry, Professor of Practice in Connectivity at Cardiff University - about the commitment and determination needed from him and many others to reach this point as well as lessons which can be applied elsewhere in Wales and the wider UK [1:40].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian questions whether tougher punishments for reckless cyclists really should be a priority for legislation [31:30].  Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

Christian reports back to listeners on the latest leg of his worldwide exploration of high speed rail networks, this time with the extraordinary progress made in the People's Republic of China [1:22].  Mark Walker and Christian discuss the impact of and explanations for the recent total shutdown of London's Heathrow Airport as a result of a fire in the electricity distribution network [22:41].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian looks forward to the possibility of competition on rail services between the UK and continental Europe [29:52]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

In an episode all about roads and cars, Christian and Mark Walker discuss the troubles facing electric vehicle giant Tesla as the company's reputation becomes entwined with that of its leader, Elon Musk [1:40].  Christian interviews Transport Action Network founder and director Chris Todd on why the UK Government should cancel the vastly expensive Lower Thames Crossing road and look at public transport alternatives instead [13:00].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian looks at the possible impact on taxi fares throughout Great Britain of legal action being taken by private hire operator Uber [27:30]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

Christian brings listeners the second part of his report on rail developments in India with particular reference to the city of Mumbai [2:15]; Mark Walker and Christian discuss the growing pressure for a decision on how to replace HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe [19:03]; in a tribute from the departure lounge, Christian reflects on the life and work of Professor Rod Smith [26:09].

Christian reports live from India in the first part of his latest exploration of the country's vast and diverse railway system [1:23].  The new UK Government's consultation on establishing its own version of 'Great British Railways' is discussed by Christian and Mark Walker [6:53].  Richard Dilks - Chief Executive of CoMoUK - speaks to Christian about the opportunities for and challenges facing shared transport and those who wish to make use of the emerging options [27:16].  Almost literally from the departure lounge, Christian's final thought is on the dub(ai)ous pleasures of changing 'planes at a certain airport [46:55]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

Christian and Mark analyse the speech from UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP and her proposals on London Heathrow Airport, the Lower Thames Crossing and East West Railway [1:42].  Christian interviews Abi Taylor and Joe Thomas on the campaign for family-friendly trains in Great Britain [17:38] and Steve Montgomery, Managing Director of First Rail, on his company's ambitions to run more open access services [34:35].  In his final thought, Christian asks what sort of competitive landscape is being created for selling train tickets [44:59]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

Christian interviews Alan Hyde from 'Railway 200' on the exciting programme of celebrations marking the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway and of the industry which changed not just the UK but the whole world [1:28].  Co-presenter Mark Walker discusses with Christian the big changes underway in England's bus industry with completion of Manchester's franchised Bee Network and a new Bus Services Bill being introduced into Parliament [28:27].  In his final thought, Christian reflects on the communications expertise of retiring RMT union General Secretary, Mick Lynch [35:06].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine the brief but spectacular tenure of Louise Haigh MP at the helm of the UK Department for Transport  and ask what changes the past career and experience of new Secretary of State Heidi Alexander MP may bring [02:20].  Live from Tokyo, Christian reports on his experience of using the city's vast Metro system as well as Japan's pioneering high-speed Shinkansen main line network [15:30].  We have an interview with ASLEF President Dave Calfe on the rail drivers' union's new campaign for toilet and welfare facilities for train crew [36:50].  Finally, Christian asks whether Shanghai's maglev transport technology will find wider use [42:30]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

Christian applies his journalistic sonar to HS2's controversial bat mitigation measures, detecting new aspects to the saga [2:00]. Transport Planning Society Chair Ben Plowden is interviewed by Christian at the Society's conference ‘The Road Less Travelled: the Principles, Policies, Practicalities and Politics of Reducing Car Use in the UK' [13:43]. Co-presenter Mark Walker discusses with Christian the wide-ranging debut appearance of UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh MP at the House of Commons Transport Committee [25:00].  Finally, Christian applauds the commitment of one dedicated bus user [44:38]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/

Christian Wolmar interviews Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation on what last week's UK Budget by the Chancellor of the Exchequer says about current and future plans for road vehicle taxation as electrification spreads and discussion of journey-based usage charges grows [01:45].   Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker then examine, compare and look for themes in all of the transport-related Budget measures affecting rail, bus, roads and aviation [26:34].   Finally, Christian asks just how worried we should be about hacking of transport data systems [48:06]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/) Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast (https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast) Facebook - (https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/)https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551736964201 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551736964201) 'X' (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod (https://x.com/AllStationsPod)

Christian talks to train drivers' union ASLEF's Assistant General Secretary - Simon Weller - about what really happened when the UK Labour Government came into power and negotiated a settlement of the long-running pay dispute [2:30], including exploring in detail the issues around Sunday working, why the Conservatives' anti-strike measures failed and how new proposals for Great British Railways may change the landscape.  There's also a flash of inspiration from Wolmar with a solution to the perennial problem of boarding passenger aircraft [32:10].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine the controversies and challenges at London's Euston station [01:30], ask just how much fun the BBC's 'Nightsleeper' drama is [17:08], debate the pros and cons of the Lime bike hire scheme and other micro-mobility technologies [17:18] and consider whether the Lower Thames Crossing is doomed [27:19].

Launching Season 3, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker report from the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool on the keynote address by UK Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh MP [3:48]. Christian analyses a meeting discussing driverless cars addressed by Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood MP [13:50} and talks about his own presentation on transport challenges for the Labour Government given at the Public Transport Reception hosted by the Campaign for Better Transport and sponsored by Porterbrook [18:09]. Finally, Christian celebrates London Mayor Sadiq Khan's adoption of his own longstanding proposal for the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street [28:00].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker bring listeners right up to date with progress of the new UK Labour Government's rapid legislation to allow franchised passenger train operations to return to state control [01:45].  Mark discusses with Christian his recent Guardian article calling for the abandonment of all England's major road building schemes [23:22].  Finally, Christian previews the reissue of his book 'Fire and Steam' to mark the bicentenary of the world's first railway [33:14].

Christian looks skyward with HACAN Policy Director Paul Beckford to turn the spotlight on UK Airspace Modernisation and what this will mean for both passengers and residents living under the flightpaths [2:07].  Next, it's a discussion with TransPennine Express Managing Director Chris Jackson about restoring train service frequency and a host of innovations coming down the track [18:01].  Finally, Christian reflects on the agreement between the UK Government and trades union ASLEF which should see an end to the long-running train drivers' pay dispute in England [31:22].

In our first ever episode recorded in front of a live audience at the Cogitamus and Rail Forum #allchangerail seminar, Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker examine the outcome of the UK General Election and the appointments of Labour's Transport Ministers [1:08] along with publication of the new Government's extensive transport legislative programme in the King's Speech [06:00].  We then have a featured and extensive interview with Martin Tugwell - Chief Executive of Transport for the North - who discusses with Christian the agenda for investment across all modes in northern England [16:42].

Christian and Mark Walker look at the main UK parties' General Election manifesto pledges on transport with Labour's hot off the press [1:35]. Nautilus International General Secretary Mark Dickinson speaks to Christian about his union's manifesto for a thriving merchant shipping industry in the UK [15:17]. Christian recounts his cycling tour of the Normandy liberation sites raising funds for veterans' charity SSAFA [48:29].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine the transport policy choices facing the UK political parties contending to win the 2024 General Election [1:25].  Mark interviews Christian about his latest book - The Liberation Line - telling the heroic story of how the reconstruction of the railways in France after D-Day from June 1944 hastened the Allied victory over Nazi Germany [20:22].  Finally, Christian reflects on an early suggestion of possible disagreement between a possible Labour Government and the Mayor of London on the extent of transport devolution [35:00].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker visit the impressive HS2 station and viaduct construction sites in central Birmingham to see how the project is transforming the city's connectivity and skyline [1:30].  They also discuss the latest twists in the UK's roadspace culture wars including the insane conspiracy theories around '15-minute cities' [20:48].  Finally, Christian asks whether the classic car business is receiving disproportionate attention from the UK Department for Transport [31:02].

Taking a brief pause between media interviews on the Labour Party's freshly published plan for railways in Great Britain, Christian discusses with Mark Walker the strategy, proposals, details and still unanswered questions revealed in the Shadow Transport Secretary's paper [1:09].  Christian and Mark then examine the progress by the House of Commons Transport Committee in its pre-legislative scrutiny of the Conservative UK Government's draft Rail Reform Bill [28:51].  In his final thought, Christian examines some innovations by rail operators in sustainability....and privacy [34:03].

Christian speaks at length with Steve Norris, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the UK Department for Transport between 1992 and 1996, who was the key Rail Minister serving John Major's Conservative Government in delivering the privatisation of Great Britain's railways and the creation of new industry structures.  While reflecting on the passenger growth which followed the 1993 Railways Act as well as candidly examining the shortcomings which emerged, Steve has much to say about flaws in the rail reform programme being promoted by today's Conservative Government, plus some pointed questions for Labour's alternative [2:30].  With the Labour Party having just published proposals for bus reform across England, Christian looks at what this could mean for cities and regions aspiring to enjoy bus networks more like those taken for granted in London [31:48].

With further strikes scheduled in many of England's train companies, Christian speaks to Simon Weller, Assistant General Secretary of drivers' union ASLEF, about what the shape of a settlement to the long-running disputes over pay and conditions might look like [2:08 ].  Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss the latest developments in Great Britain's rail reform programme [16:52].  Christian then discusses with Simon Pirani of the Fare Free London campaign the merits and challenges in making public transport in major cities free at the point of use [24:19].  His final thought is on the breaking news of the Baltimore road bridge collapse [48:50].

A double interview edition where Christian discusses expanding active travel across the capital with Greater London's Walking & Cycling Commissioner, Dr Will Norman [1:39] and a new initiative to promote social mobility through railway employment with Steve White, Managing Director of Southeastern [21:27].  Christian also reflects that the big tech companies might have saved billions in wasted development costs on driverless cars if only they'd read his book on the futility of the concept [29:49].

With the Draft Rail Reform Bill published by the UK Government for scrutiny by the House of Commons Transport Committee, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss just what this says about the direction of travel after six years rail reform in Great Britain and ask whether any of the proposals will ever be implemented [01:30].  The centrepiece of this episode is Christian's interview with Jason Prince, recently-appointed Director of the Urban Transport Group, who sets out his organisation's agenda for delivering major improvements in sustainable transport across the UK's cities and towns [15:44].  Finally, Christian celebrates the rebranding of London's Overground rail network with individual names for lines reflecting the history and heritage of our capital city [42:03].

Christian sees for himself the hydrogen-powered bus fleet introduced through the pioneering partnership between Surrey County Council and Metrobus [01:30] before discussing with Mark Walker the findings of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee on the cancellation of the northern sections of HS2 [30:47].  Listeners then receive an update on Christian's new book - 'The Liberation Line' - which reveals the exciting yet forgotten story of the Allied engineers who rebuilt the railways of Normandy and beyond after D-Day to accelerate the defeat of Nazi Germany [30:05].  Finally, Christian notes the failed promises and ultimate demise of hyperloop [39:28].

In this special episode with just one item, Christian discusses with Jim Steer, Director of Greengauge 21, the prospects for restoration of the cancelled sections of Great Britain's new high speed railway - HS2 - and the difficult choices facing whichever party forms the next UK Government later in 2024.

Christian interviews Scotland's Railway's Managing Director Alex Hynes about how having a national transport strategy and the greatest possible collaboration between trains and track is powering innovation across the business [1:25] before taking a quizzical look with co-presenter Mark Walker at LNER's radical ticket reform proposals on its Edinburgh-London route [30:25].  The podcast also reflects on the continuing proliferation of abandoned e-bikes on the streets of UK cities and asks why so little is being done to regulate the providers [32:50].  Finally, Christian asks whether the possibility of a private sector solution for HS2 north of Birmingham may breathe new life into the cancelled project [36:33].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine a positive report on progress in jet airliner safety alongside extraordinary incidents in Tokyo and Portland [02:00].  We have an extended interview debunking myths about electric cars with Edmund King OBE, President of the AA [12:40] and explore the implications of a Daily Mirror report on the scale of bus service cuts across England [37:55].  Finally, 'Mystic Wolmar' stares into his crystal ball and makes predictions about the transport world for 2024 [43:44].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker consider the transport news and policy highlights of their first year of podcasting [1:10].  Christian celebrates 30 years of Eurotunnel operations with John Keefe, Chief Corporate and Public Affairs Officer at Getlink Group, asking what the future holds for the conveyance of road vehicles, growth in passenger train usage and expansion of rail freight traffic [5:33].  This is followed by a frank discussion with Sir John Armitt CBE, Chair of the UK National Infrastructure Commission, who reveals his organisation was not consulted about the abandonment of HS2 north of Birmingham in October, that he considers the sale of the acquired land unwise and that Great Britain now needs a new Integrated Rail Plan [24:39].  Finally, Christian praises the work and longevity of London's Railway Modelling Club Library [42:57]. 

Christian interviews the Aviation Environment Federation's Tim Johnson about just how green the first trans-Atlantic commercial flight using Sustainable Aviation Fuel really was [2:40].  Mark Walker and Christian discuss the rail, road and aviation measures contained in the UK Government's response to the Union Connectivity Review [24:14].  Our co-presenters also look at what rail patronage numbers in Great Britain say about post-pandemic recovery [36:53].  Finally, Christian asks what a recent legal decision on 'defeat devices' may expose about cheating on vehicle emissions [46:15].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker delve into the details of UK parliamentary bills covering automated vehicles [1:40] and pedicabs [11:42] and reveal why legislation on railways in Great Britain won't get beyond the draft stage [17:15].  Picking up on the recent UK Government ministerial reshuffle, Christian and Mark look at the biographies and responsibilities of three new office holders in the UK Department for Transport [24:29] before examining the underlying causes of the shortage of orders for new trains from British factories [29:14] and whether restrictions on rail passengers' luggage are anything new [37:09].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker consider the UK's Automated Vehicles Bill [1:45] and the Draft Rail Reform Bill [6:30].  Christian then interviews new Freightliner boss and rail industry legend Tim Shoveller about his career and the lessons he draws for the future [11:43] before speaking on site to Luton DART General Manager Linsey Sweet about just how Britain's newest transport system works [43:36].  Finally, Christian reflects on the possible settlement of England's long-running rail industrial disputes [48:53].

Breaking news brings an extra episode from Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker who scrutinise the complete abandonment of proposed rail station booking office closures in England after a huge public backlash [1:30] and the withdrawal of Cruise self-driving cars in the USA following safety concerns [16:30].  In his Final Thought from the Departure Lounge, Christian asks whether the two stories show the limitations of technology in transport [26:10].

In an antidote to intense recent coverage of HS2 and alternative schemes, Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker take a look at 5 transport stories from around the UK listeners may have missed [2:20].  Christian reports on what the House of Commons Transport Committee was told about August's air traffic chaos [11:14], how National Highways in England has been persuaded to reverse the infilling of a much-loved railway bridge [16:50] and why so many bus shelters have vanished from the streets of Croydon [23:10].  Finally, Christian asks why we can't have a comprehensive transport strategy for the UK [32:19].

In this special episode recorded in Liverpool focused on the 2023 principal UK political party conferences, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss the Conservatives' announcement on measures designed to protect the interests of motorists [1:10] along with the cancellation of the remaining sections of the HS2 high speed rail line and the diversion of investment funds to Network North [7:55].  We then have an extended interview about the impact of the latter announcement with Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership [14:51].  Christian and Mark then report from Liverpool on Labour's position in the immediate wake of the conference speech by the Shadow Transport Secretary and her reaffirmation of pledges on bus and rail reform [34:03].  Finally, Christian praises recent improvements to the rail network in the Liverpool City Region [39:23].

As the 2024 UK General Election looms ever closer, Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker examine why both the Conservative and Labour Parties are tying themselves in knots over HS2 [2:40] and whether the reform of Greater Manchester's bus network is the precursor to a wave of changes across the country [10:28].  Still with buses, Christian interviews Alex Warner about the 'Great Scenic Bus Competition' which aims to make travel on this mode of transport much more fun [17:44].  Returning to controversial infrastructure schemes, Christian looks into the findings of the inquiry into Edinburgh Trams [30:38].  Finally, Christian asks whether the UK Prime Minister is miscalculating by waging a culture war on behalf of the motorist [36:59].

Is Christian Wolmar's sceptical view of self-driving vehicles vindicated by the report from the House of Commons Transport Committee [1:59]?  Does the new default 20mph speed limit on residential streets in Wales point the way to better road safety or economic ruin [9:50]?  Will political choices leave the breathtaking HS2 Old Oak Common station as the terminus of a bizarre Acton to Aston railway [15:37}?  Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker set out to answer these questions.

We're back!  Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker launch Season 2 bringing you up to date with three of the summer's biggest transport stories - air traffic control in crisis [1:49], Greater London's ULEZ extension [5:19] and England's main line rail booking office review [8:58] - including the take on the latter of ASLEF union leader Mick Whelan [13:51].  We then take listeners on the first part of our audio visit to the HS2 high speed rail line construction sites - this time the Colne Valley [19:30].  Christian finally asks what needs to be done to protect the 'turn-up-and-go' railway in Great Britain.

SEASON ONE FINALE!  Christian examines in detail the advantages, challenges and myths around Low Traffic Neighbourhoods with Green member of Oxford City Council, Emily Kerr [2:53]; innovative passenger boarding technology at Eurostar is then explained by the company's Gwendoline Cazenave and Gareth Williams with Andrew Budd from iProov [24:50]; and no season finale would be complete without a cliffhanger ending [44:00].  Christian Wolmar and Mark Walker will be back for Season 2 in September.

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss the furious reaction to suggestions that booking offices at most of England's main line rail stations will be closed and the arguments put forward by advocates of this policy [01:30]; Christian undertakes a cab ride between London Paddington and Oxford with Great Western Railway Managing Director Mark Hopwood (and some very skilful drivers) in which they discuss a range of issues including the benefits of infrastructure and station investments, incomplete electrification, integration with local buses and the restoration of Nuneham Viaduct [11:47]; finally, Christian examines the agreement at the International Maritime Organisation on measures to reduce carbon emissions from merchant shipping [37:13].

EXCLUSIVE!  With industrial disputes continuing to affect most main line passenger rail services in Great Britain, Christian hears from ASLEF train drivers' trades union leader Mick Whelan that there has been no contact from UK Department for Transport Ministers since 6 January [1:04].  Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker also follow-up the item from Episode 20 about the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway [10:12] while the centrepiece of this episode is an extended interview with Howard Smith, Director of Transport for London's Elizabeth Line, who explains the challenges which preceded the breathtaking success of this new railway [13:13].  Finally, Christian puts the newly-released paperback edition of his book 'British Rail: A New History' in historical context [41:33].

Podcasting from Cambridge, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss the effectiveness of the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway [00:00], the challenges of introducing a congestion charge for the City [06:18] and the status of the East West Railway project [14:10].  They then consider the lessons of the 2016 fatal crash on Croydon's tram system following the recent acquittal of the driver on criminal charges [16:45].  Finally, Christian asks what kind of public transport improvements might encourage motorists to leave their cars at home [27:43].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss how the tragic and very serious accident in Odisha should not be used to reinforce obsolete tropes about safety on Indian Railways [00:00]; Christian then returns to the subject of calls for graduated driving licences for young people in the UK by interviewing two trustees of the Under 17 Car Club which strives to enhance the skills and competences of young drivers from the outset [07:42] before reflecting on the transport infrastructure legacy of former Prime Minister (and now former MP) Boris Johnson [35:39].

What a week!  Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker review the extraordinary impact of this podcast's revelation of UK Department for Transport plans to cut passenger wifi provision on franchised rail services in England, including an extensive debate in the House of Lords of the UK Parliament (to whom we are very grateful for the audio clips).  Christian also reflects on what recent troubles with UK Border Force e-gates at airports may tell us about our vulnerability to hackers.

SCOOP!  Calling All Stations brings news that the UK Department for Transport is trying to switch off passenger wifi on the train services it controls in Great Britain.  Christian Wolmar has the exclusive as our top story.  In a special edition focused on rail in Great Britain, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss the status of the reform programme [10:00], positive developments on post-pandemic usage recovery along with particular marketing initiatives in Scotland [18:50] and how not every European rail initiative is as successful as we might imagine [21:10].

Revealed - the latest position on reshaping Great Britain's main line rail industry.  In this podcast, Christian speaks at length with Anit Chandarana, Lead Director at the Great British Railways Transition Team on the work of the GBRTT, the wide range of reform issues the team is addressing and the prospects for legislation implementing the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail in what remains of the present UK parliamentary term.  Christian also reflects on the right royal endorsement for the success of Transport for London's Elizabeth Line [26:35].

A preview of Christian's next book - 'The Liberation Line' - telling the story of the Allies' amazing reconstruction of railways in France and beyond following the Normandy landings of 1944 [01:15] is followed by an in-depth interview with Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Transport Focus, the principal consumer watchdog organisation for rail, bus and road users in Great Britain [09:30], after which Christian asks whether BBC Radio should still have to broadcast the Shipping Forecast in an increasingly digital age [33:07].

This week, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine the cutbacks to the UK Government's Smart Motorways programme in England [1:30], analyse what the grilling of UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper MP by the House of Commons Transport Committee tells us about the rail reform programme for Great Britain [8:12], discuss why two-wheeled forms of innovative transport may be falling out of favour in the UK and elsewhere [23:27] and reflect on whether or not young drivers deserve more restrictions on their freedoms [29:44].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker take a close look at the saga of the new ferries for island shipping services in Scotland [01:30], scrutinise promises of hands-free driving on Great Britain's motorways [11:15], reflect upon the renaissance of sleeper trains in Europe [17:00] and cheer on prospects for smoother boarding of flights from UK airports [23:45].

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker look at the latest developments with HS2 and Euston [01:30], the controversies around Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 15-Minute Cities [14:19], the UK Government's response to the Independent Review of Net Zero by Chris Skidmore MP [26:45] and how Queens Park Rangers are leading the way on sustainable travel in professional football [40:29].