Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast

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].
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Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker explore the themes and details of 'Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport' published by the UK Government on 2 April 2026 as the integrated national transport strategy for England [1:38].  Picking up a recurring podcast theme of road safety, Christian speaks to Louise Liddle who has channelled personal tragedy into a campaign for higher investigatory and driving standards reaching the top levels of government [27:06].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian outlines his next book and his research in Africa which will inform the project [45:05].
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Christian speaks to legendary British Rail senior manager Chris Green OBE about the pioneering launch of the ScotRail business in the early 1980s, how this experience was than applied to Network South East across London and the surrounding counties and the lessons which could be learned by Great British Railways [1:24].  Turning to the future, Christian explores with Thomas Ableman of Freewheeling his study into how the integrated public transport model developed in Switzerland might be deployed in rural areas of Great Britain [36:11].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian asks why the failed new highway scheme under Stonehenge has cost the taxpayer £179 million [52:30].
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As the Welsh Government publishes 'Today, Tomorrow, Together - A vision for rail across Wales and Borders', Christian speaks exclusively to Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport & North Wales, about how train services are being envisioned as well as covering Welsh bus reform and the controversial 20mph speed limit policy for local roads [2:36].  Christian discusses with broadcaster and former minister Michael Portillo his love of railways, finding a surprising twist on his current political outlook [29:43].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian examines progress in the pedestrianisation of London's Oxford Street [39:38].
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Christian speaks to Leo Murray, Chief Executive of Riding Sunbeams, about his company's quest to connect Britain's railways directly to renewable electricity sources [01:30], Ian Brown CBE, Policy Director at Railfuture, about the campaign's aim for a bigger and better railway [16:30] and Chris Todd, outgoing Director at Transport Action Network, about the case for choosing rail, bus, active travel and road maintenance schemes over new highways [26:54].
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In an exclusive interview prior to the publication of his book - 'When Something Happens' - Gerald Corbett discusses with Christian his years as Chief Executive of Railtrack, the new company at the heart of John Major's Conservative Government's controversial fragmentation and privatisation of Great Britain's main line railway industry, including the tragic fatal train crashes at the turn of the century which shocked the country and led to fundamental reforms of railway safety.

With the UK Government intent on beginning robotaxi trials in London during 2026, Christian hears from Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, on why the capital's cabbies are robustly optimistic about their future [3:03].  Christian discusses with co-presenter Mark Walker the proposals in the UK Government's Road Safety Strategy for Great Britain and associated reforms of pavement parking in England to explore whether any meaningful changes will be seen during the lifetime of the present Parliament [32:20].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian comments on the 'Bakerl0.0' advertising controversy [46:06].
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In our final (and seasonal) episode for 2025, Christian and Mark Walker look back on the year's transport highlights [1:58].  Christian explores with Dr Steve Denton FREng, Vice President at the Royal Academy of Engineering, the report 'Reviving Our Aged Infrastructure' published by the National Engineering Policy Centre [16:10].  After a look ahead by our presenters into what 2026 may bring in transport policy and initiatives [35:30], Christian gives a shout out to everyone working to keep our networks functioning over the festive period [45:04].  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our listeners from the Calling All Stations team!
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