3/12 China’s high speed rail achievements and Heathrow’s shutdown
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].
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33:14
3/11 Tesla troubles and Lower Thames Crossing tensions
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].
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30:38
3/10 Indian railway adventure (part 2), pressing deadline for HS2 and tribute to Professor Rod Smith
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].
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29:48
3/9 Indian railway adventure (part 1), Great British Railways consultation and benefits of shared transport
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].
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49:33
3/8 Reeves on planes, trains and automobiles plus family-friendly and more competitive rail travel
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].
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About Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast
Christian Wolmar, Mark Walker and guests keep you up to date with the most engaging news stories, policy developments and interviews from across the world of transport.
You can find more from Christian and the transport sector including interviews, articles, books and speaking engagements here: https://www.christianwolmar.co.uk, or join the conversation on social media by following: AllStationsPod on X (https://x.com/AllStationsPod)
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