Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast

Calling All Stations with Christian Wolmar, Episode 14

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].

Calling All Stations with Christian Wolmar, Episode 13

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].

Calling All Stations with Christian Wolmar, Episode 12

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].

Calling All Stations with Christian Wolmar, Episode 11

Christian and Mark Walker discuss the announcement of Derby as the future headquarters for Great British Railways [01:00], Christian talks about reducing road accidents with David Davies, Executive Director of the Parliamentary Advisory Committee on Transport Safety [10:30] and discusses city region developments with outgoing Urban Transport Group Director Jonathan Bray [22:00] before inviting ideas for naming London Overground's individual lines [33:28].

Calling All Stations with Christian Wolmar, Episode 10

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss recent changes to the construction timetable for Great Britain's new high speed railway HS2 [01:22], possible further proposals for reform of the bus regulatory regime in England [12:10], the unprecedented order for new civil aircraft by Air India [19:27] and the decision by the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer not to increase fuel duty for road vehicles [25:04].

Calling All Stations with Christian Wolmar, Episode 9

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 challenges facing the heritage rail sector [24:17] and deplores the culture wars affecting our pavements and roadspace [38:54].

Calling All Stations with Christian Wolmar, Episode 8

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 autonomous vehicles [32:42].

Calling All Stations with Christian Wolmar, Episode 7

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 Government's financial support for Active Travel England [20:00] and welcomes the Welsh Government's Roads Review [23:44].

Calling All Stations with Christian Wolmar, Episode 6

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.

Calling All Stations with Christian Wolmar, Episode 5

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].