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].

Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here:

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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].

Find 'Calling All Stations - the transport podcast' on social media channels here:

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