Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine what the ministerial appointments and announcements from the new UK Labour Government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham MP indicate about the direction for transport policy [1:21].  In a discussion recorded live at London's Owl Bookshop with fellow author Andrew Martin, Christian explores some of the issues covered in his latest book, 'Fast Track: The Extraordinary Story of High-Speed Rail' [20:21].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian suggests that Great British Railways might benefit from a snappier marketing brand [60:05].

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Christian discusses the pros and cons of the Railways Bill for conveying goods by train in Great Britain with Maggie Simpson, Director General of trade association the Rail Freight Group [1:46], after which Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker update listeners on the latest progress with the legislation [19:44].  Having been one of the first people to read Christian's new book - 'Fast Track: The Extraordinary Story of High-Speed Rail' - Mark asks the author to develop the themes of his latest work [31:48].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian asks what can be done about the literally growing problem of bigger and bigger cars on the UK's roads [57:36].

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An episode all about metal wheels on metal rails.  Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker look at the latest parliamentary progress of the Railways Bill setting-up Great British Railways [01:56].  Porterbrook CEO Mary Grant explains how her company's investment in the newly electrified test track at its Long Marston Innovation Centre will boost capability in the UK's rail sector [20:10].  In an extended discussion, author Mick Hamer takes Christian through the covert campaign that killed off the British tram exposed in his new book, 'The Great Tramways Conspiracy' [27:15].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian celebrates the UK Government's renewed commitment to investing in on-train Wi-Fi and the role of this podcast in securing that outcome [65:39].

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Christian examines two aspects of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz for the transport sector: civil aviation with Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent of The Independent [1:40]; and maritime shipping with Sascha Meijer, General Secretary of the Nautilus International trade union [13:10].  Christian then discusses with co-presenter Mark Walker the five transport bills announced through the King's Speech by the UK Government for the new session of Parliament [27:45].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian reflects on the contrasting approaches to cycling in the UK and the Netherlands [39:44].

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While researching the history and current plight of Africa's railways for a forthcoming book of his own, Christian takes time out to speak to David Williams, author of 'On the Railway: The Great South African Train Story' [2:31].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian asks whether passenger safety precautions on airliners are up to date [44:34].

Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here:

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