Episode 66. Encouraging People to Choose Rail

In an era where sustainable transport solutions are more critical than ever, rail travel is emerging as a preferred choice for many. In our latest podcast episode, Anthony Smith, chair of the Independent Rail Retailers, discusses the pivotal role these retailers play in encouraging more people to choose rail.Anthony highlights the importance of customer-focused retailing, which is essential for meeting the evolving needs of passengers. With a strong emphasis on innovation in ticketing, independent rail retailers are at the forefront of developing solutions that make rail travel more accessible and appealing. From split ticketing to digital ticketing solutions, these innovations are helping to drive growth in the rail market.A significant portion of online ticket sales, approximately 90%, is processed through independent rail retailers. This demonstrates their influence and the trust passengers place in them for value and service quality. As Anthony notes, competition among retailers fosters better outcomes for consumers, driving them to innovate and enhance customer experiences.Looking ahead, the introduction of Great British Railways presents both challenges and opportunities for independent retailers. Anthony emphasises the need for a level playing field to ensure fair competition between public and private entities. As the rail landscape evolves, the collaboration between these retailers and the government will be crucial in shaping a modern, efficient rail network.Fare simplification is another key topic discussed in the episode. While the idea of simplifying fares sounds appealing, Anthony warns that it may lead to increased costs. The focus should be on presenting clear options to customers, ensuring they understand the choices available to them without losing sight of affordability.As we navigate the complexities of the rail industry, it's clear that independent rail retailers are not just selling tickets; they are champions for passengers, striving to enhance the overall rail experience. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the future of rail travel looks promising.To learn more about how these retailers are making a difference and what the future holds for rail travel in the UK, make sure you listen to the latest episode of the RTM podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode from Rail Technology Magazine, we delve into the crucial topic of freight transport and its evolution towards a net-zero railway. With climate change at the forefront of global discussions, the rail freight sector must adapt and innovate to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets.Our expert panel, featuring Phil Smart, Daniel Fredrikson, Joshua Jordan-Boddey, and Toby Rackliff, provides invaluable insights into the importance of freight transport for the UK economy. Phil Smart highlights that every individual is a user of the freight railway, whether they realise it or not, emphasising the role of rail in transporting goods that are essential to our daily lives.A significant focus of the discussion is the need to transition freight from road to rail, particularly in congested areas like the M62 corridor. Daniel Fredriksson points out that raising awareness about the existing rail services and terminals is key to facilitating this shift. Innovations such as intermodal services are already making strides in this direction, but more needs to be done to improve connectivity and capacity.Decarbonisation is another critical theme explored in the episode. The panel discusses the potential of alternative energy solutions such as hydrogen fuel cells and battery-powered trains. While hydrogen technology is being trialled in other countries, experts caution that it may not yet be a viable solution for heavy freight transport. Instead, electrification remains the most effective way to reduce emissions and improve efficiency in the rail freight sector.The conversation also touches on the importance of technology in enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact. With advancements in digital monitoring and data analytics, rail operators can optimise maintenance and improve the performance of freight services.As the episode concludes, the panel emphasises the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in the freight sector, including government, industry, and local authorities. By working together, they can create a more sustainable and efficient rail freight network that meets the demands of a decarbonised future.For anyone interested in the future of freight transport and sustainability, this episode is a must-listen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rail industry faces challenges like an aging workforce and gaps in understanding diversity, particularly for disabled and LGBT+ employees. EDI is essential for a safer, more reliable railway, better service delivery, and attracting diverse talent. The Rail Industry Association and Women in Rail launched the EDI Charter to promote diversity and gender balance, with over 160 companies participating. Network Rail's Everyone Belongs strategy aims to create an inclusive environment and attract top talent through targeted recruitment and mixed interview panels. But what else can be done to make the industry attractive and inclusive? Would continuous investment programs retain skills, grow expertise, and create sustainable jobs? Listen to this podcast to understand the challenges and what the future holds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The railway industry stands at a pivotal moment, grappling with the need to adapt its workforce strategies to meet the challenges of the future. In our latest podcast episode, we hear from Brad Smith, the Operations Manager for Wessex Route at Network Rail. As we delve into the complexities of maintaining a 24/7 operational team, Brad highlights the evolving expectations of employees, particularly in light of generational shifts. With Gen Z projected to comprise over 30% of the global workforce by 2030, it is crucial for the railway to understand that this new generation seeks more than just a paycheque; they desire purpose, flexibility, and opportunities for personal growth. One of the key takeaways from the discussion is the importance of structuring the workforce effectively to avoid burnout and ensure operational continuity. Brad emphasises that the railway cannot afford to be overstaffed or understaffed. Instead, a balanced approach is necessary to maintain efficiency and keep the railway running smoothly. This involves leveraging technology, such as predictive analytics and AI-driven scheduling, to optimise staffing levels and enhance productivity.Moreover, the conversation touches on the imperative of fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Brad points out that diversity isn't merely a buzzword; it is a business necessity that can lead to improved decision-making and operational effectiveness. Inclusive teams are not only more engaged but also demonstrate lower turnover rates, which is vital for an industry that never sleeps. As we navigate through the challenges of an ageing workforce and skills gaps, the episode underscores the significance of investing in training and development. Apprenticeships and structured career pathways are essential for building internal capabilities and nurturing future leaders from within the organisation.In conclusion, the railway industry must rethink its people strategy to thrive in an era of rapid change. By embracing new working practices, investing in talent development, and committing to diversity and inclusion, we can ensure that the railway is not only sustainable but also future-proof for generations to come. Listen to the episode for a deeper dive into these critical topics and learn how the railway can adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The railway industry is undergoing a transformative journey in how it approaches competence management. In the latest episode of the Rail Technology Magazine podcast, host Jonathan Dean is joined by Gabriel Stroud, CEO and co-founder of AssessTech, and Emma Lowe, a Occupational Psychologist, to explore the shift from compliance-based competence to a developmental approach. Developmental competence management is about more than just ticking boxes; it's about empowering individuals to take ownership of their professional growth. Gabriel and Emma discuss how this approach can lead to a more confident and capable workforce, capable of handling high-pressure situations with poise and precision. This shift not only enhances individual performance but also boosts organisational efficiency and safety. One of the key elements discussed is the role of feedback. Continuous feedback loops ensure that employees are not only meeting compliance standards but are also growing their skills and knowledge. Gabriel emphasises the importance of building confidence in one's competence, transforming assessments from a source of anxiety to an opportunity for growth. Emma highlights the significance of balancing technical and non-technical skills. While technical skills are essential, non-technical skills such as communication, decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are equally critical. These skills often determine how well an individual can apply their technical knowledge in real-world scenarios. The podcast also delves into the importance of a robust verification strategy. Verification acts as a feedback mechanism, ensuring that competence assessments are not only conducted but are effective and meaningful. This strategy helps organisations identify areas for improvement and tailor their training programs accordingly. As the railway industry continues to evolve, adopting a developmental approach to competence management could serve as a model for other sectors. By focusing on continuous improvement and fostering a culture of learning, organisations can not only comply with regulations but also drive innovation and excellence. Listen to the full episode to discover more about how developmental competence management can transform your organisation and prepare your workforce for the challenges of tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the bustling heart of London, beneath the city's streets, a silent revolution is taking place. Transport for London (TfL) is undertaking an ambitious project to bring mobile coverage to the London Underground, transforming the way commuters stay connected. In a recent episode of the Rail Technology Magazine Podcast, host Peter Johnson sat down with Matt Griffin, Head of Commercial Telecoms at TfL, to delve into the intricacies of this monumental task.The journey to bring mobile coverage to the tube began back in 2017 with initial tests on the Waterloo and City line. By March 2020, the eastern half of the Jubilee line boasted the first permanent mobile coverage. Fast forward to today, and the project is more than halfway complete, with about a third of the infrastructure already live. Matt, who has been at the helm since the early days, shares insights into the timeline and the progress made so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jon Hill and Ben Parrish from Genetec join the latest episode of the Rail Technology Magazine Podcast. The pair explain the current inefficiencies in the rail industry when it comes to retrieving security footage and discuss Genetec’s Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS), Clearance, which helps to streamline the process.Jon explains how the manual method of sharing footage on DVDs and USBs presents serious security issues, while Ben discusses the challenge presented by having a 30-day window to respond to subject access requests, given current inefficiencies.The pair discuss how Clearance has helped operators such as Scotrail to communicate better internally and increase efficiency when handling video requests. They present Clearance as a transformative solution for the rail industry, improving security operations and efficiency while complying with data and compliance regulations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Railway Industry Association (RIA) Chief Executive Darren Caplan joins the latest episode of the Rail Technology Magazine Podcast. Darren discusses the future of the UK’s rail industry under the new Labour Government, identifying a certain amount of continuity from the previous Government, including plans for continued devolution and the establishment of Great British Railways.Darren also stresses the importance of incentivising increased passenger numbers and revenue growth, despite a recent recommendation by the National Audit Office that the Department of Transport may have to dissuade people to travel by rail.He presents his views on the capacity issues presented by the cancellation of the Northern leg of HS2 and how the new Government must act quickly and decisively to prevent serious capacity problems in 5 to 10 years’ time.Darren also shows optimism for the future of the rail industry given positive global trends, and emphasises the crucial role that the sector has to play in achieving decarbonisation targets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are joined by the Head of Air Operations at Network Rail, Bradley Sparkes, and National Aerial Survey Specialist, Sean Leahy.Bradley and Sean offer some fascinating insight into how Network Rail patrols the British railway from the sky, identifying faults on helicopter and drone explorations.Sean discusses the technology his team uses, meaning they are capable of observing faults that may otherwise go unnoticed while flying at hundreds of feet. He also gives insight into his team’s thermal imaging operations, which identify faults that would escape the naked eye.Bradley also explains how demand for the Air Operations Team’s services has proliferated, with a 92% increase in callouts for route proofing in recent months, and how they are capable of covering vast expanses of the network so efficiently and thoroughly.Both Bradley and Sean are excellent guests with incredible stories of observing our rail network from above, and share some brilliant insights about the technology at their disposal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Gibb is a non executive director of DOHL and was formerly the CEO of Scottish Rail Holdings and COO of Virgin West Coast. He has over 40 years of experience in the rail industry and watched on like the rest of us as Phases 2a and 2b of HS2 were cancelled. Chris joins host Peter Johnson on the latest edition of the Rail Technology Magazine podcast to discuss a personal project he has worked on to maximise the UK rail network with only the London-Birmingham high-speed line being constructed.Chris has formed a plan to make the best use of HS2 and create the maximum benefit for all passengers and freight. He talks about the existing issues which would prevent the rail network from running at maximum capacity once HS2 becomes operational and sets out a roadmap to 2042 which includes proposals to build a “New Northern Line” and achieve maximum efficiency at the lowest cost.Chris also introduces his concept of an “Italian model”, under which different fleets could run as efficiently as possible on both high-speed and conventional railway network lines. With little over five years until the first HS2 services are scheduled to run, Chris believes it is time for a constructive debate and discussion about how best to maximise existing UK rail infrastructure including HS2 Phase 1 to deliver the best outcomes. He recognises that there is currently no other plan to achieve this and with his proposal hopes to start the ball rolling for a crucial discussion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.