Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast

This week, Christian's prominent scepticism about the promise of autonomous road vehicles is questioned by Members of Parliament on the House of Commons Transport Committee [00:48], he interviews Rail Forum Chief Executive Elaine Clark on issues being addressed by this thriving supply chain trade association [20:25], explores with Severn Valley Railway Managing Director Jonathan Dunster the challe...

Joined by co-presenter Mark Walker, Christian this week reflects on how public transport provision in Northern Ireland differs from that in Great Britain [1:28], considers a major report on possible sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels in civil aviation [9:36], analyses recent serious rail accidents in the United States of America and Greece [19:50] and renews his critique of the hype over aut...

We apologise in advance for the less that perfect audio quality in some parts of this episode. This week, Christian discusses plans for rail investment in Cornwall with Great Western Railway's Mark Hopwood [00:36], attends the Parliamentary Reception supporting Growth Track 360's campaign for better public transport linking North Wales and North West England [10:43], examines positively the UK Gov...

Rail reform in Great Britain special!  Christian discusses the recent speech by UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper MP on the next steps for reform of Great Britain's railways with legendary editor of RAIL magazine Nigel Harris.  Also listen at the very end for the mysterious case of the disappearing British Rail sandwich #sandwichgate.

This week, Christian explains the expansion of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone [00:57], examines trials of driverless buses in Scotland and Oxfordshire [09:35], takes a deep dive into UK Levelling Up Fund grants for transport projects with a special focus on South East Wales [16:56] and argues that HS2 should be built all the way to Euston [27:52].

Christian's thrilling and informative cab ride with GB Railfreight is bookended by a discussion of the importance of Chris Skidmore MP's review of Net Zero for the UK Government and reflections on attempts to launch artificial satellites from Cornwall.  There are also some harsh words for the unintended consequences of e-bike hire schemes.

Christian examines the pros and cons of Smart Motorways, festive getaways by airline, the centenary of railway grouping, fast parcel transit on trains and the latest industrial relations developments while looking ahead to transport prospects in 2023.

Christian pays tribute to a giant figure of the transport industry, reflects on the current industrial relations scene and finances of Great Britain's railways and examines bus fare capping, e-scooter technology and whether airliners can ever be truly safe without co-pilots.

Leading UK and international transport writer and journalist, Christian Wolmar, explores current issues across a range of modes including railways, cycling, autonomous vehicles and even space travel.  He takes a deep dive into the underlying causes of - and possible solutions to - the ongoing wave of workforce strikes affecting the railways of Great Britain.