4/9 Wales’s rail vision plus Michael Portillo’s outlook

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]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

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]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

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]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

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! Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker discuss the full range of transport-related items in the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget statement issued on 26 November 2025 [1:38].  With the UK Department for Transport consulting on England's walking, wheeling and cycling strategy, Christian explores with leading writer in the field Laura Laker whether the thinking is ambitious enough [26:02].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian draws lessons from the fiasco of the Manchester to London ghost train [47:20]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

With the UK Government publishing its much anticipated Railways Bill, Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker analyse what the legislation says about Labour's intentions for industry reforms and anticipate where controversy will flourish [1:10].  Christian meets Olympic and World championship legend Chris Boardman CBE at the launch of a pamphlet promoting access to cycling for people in deprived communities [25:40].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian applauds the railway personnel, emergency services and health professionals who responded so magnificently to the incident at Huntingdon [33:04].

Christian speaks to Transport for Wales Chief Executive Officer James Price about the transformation of rail services across the nation currently underway, with particular focus on the South Wales Metro [1:30].  With possible UK autonomous vehicle trials in the news, Christian visits the Smart Mobility Living Lab and hears about its work from Beata Szoboszlai, TRL's Head of Innovation Partnerships [30:40].  In his final thought from the departure lounge, Christian considers plans for the pedestrianisation of London's Oxford Street [45:53]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

Our launch episode for Season 4 includes interviews with Andrew Gilligan on why he believes the money sought for Northern Powerhouse Rail could be better invested in other railway enhancements for the North of England [3:02] and with Graeme Bickerdike who is campaigning to save the disused Queensbury rail tunnel in Yorkshire as a cycling commuter and tourism route [28:56].  Christian also asks why the British Transport Police has advertised how easy it is to steal a bike [54:12]. Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social

In our Season 3 finale, Christian talks at length with the UK Minister of State for Transport and Minister for Rail, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, about the eagerly anticipated Railways Bill which will implement the Labour Government's plans for Great British Railways.  Their conversation covers crucial issues such the timing of the Bill, fares reform, investment, open access, capacity allocation between operators and the HS2 reset as well as changes to bus provision across England and the upcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy. Join us for Season 4 - coming this autumn! Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here: X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/AllStationsPod  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Calling_all_Stations_podcast/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@calling_all_stations_podcast  Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/p/Calling-All-Stations-The-Transport-Podcast-61551736964201/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/callingallstations.bsky.social