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.

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.

The needs of customers and the industry at large forms the heart of this debate, as the panel discuss where ensuring the industry needs are in sync with the passengers needs. Of course, to deliver on these improvements, requires budget – And the panel produce a lively debate on where and how spending should be prioritised in a time of restricted budgets and a stiff economic climate.

Panellists on this debate are;

James Corker, Rail Sector Director, Skanska UK PLC

Paul Harwood, Programme Director, GBRTT

Elena Stebbings, Project Director, Mott MacDonald

Andrew Inskip, Senior Estimator, Severfield PLC

Join us in our first leaders debate from TransCity Rail North 2023, brought to you by Mott MacDonald,  where our panellists discuss how putting passengers first can reframe the conversation for the North and deliver better outcomes for both the industry and the passengers
Panellists on this debate are;

Karen Heppenstall, Head of Rail, Midlands Connect

Tricia Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Northern Trains

Darren Oldham, Rail and Road Director, Transport for the North

Ken Norbury, Transportation Unit General Manager, Mott MacDonald

Jessica Patterson, Buildings & Cities Social Outcomes Lead, Mott MacDonald

In the final episode of our TCR South 2023 Leaders Debate series, we take a look at one of the hottest topics – AI Technology

Digitising the railway, complex route networks, tight timetables and growing passenger numbers, IoT and AI artificial will play a major role in the future of the rail industry. This discussion covers all of the major talking points on how AI will affect and eventually change rail.

Panellists on this debate are;

Brad Smith Head of Public & Passenger Safety, Network Rail

Vaibhav Puri, Director Future Labs, Rail Safety & Standards Board

Danny Gonzalez, Digital Experience Transformation Director, GBRTT

In episode three of our TCR South 2023 Leaders Debate series, the ambitious Southern Integrated Delivery takes centre stage.

The debate looks at the southern regions huge £9 billion renewals programme and the trailblazing alliance that has been brought together to achieve it.

The detailed conversation looks at how it was formed, its approach and the opportunities across the whole of the region that the programme aims to deliver. 

Panellists on this debate are;

• Tim Coucher, Alliance Director, Network Rail 
• Sian Thomas, Director of Engineering and Asset Management, Southern Region, Network Rail
• Paul Jones, Operations Director, VolkerRail
• Will Rule, Ecosystem Lead, SRE (Avista Strategy)

In episode two of our TCR South 2023, Leaders Debate series, we explore collaboration and what needs to be done within the industry to adopt new solutions.

The debate, brought to you by LNER was titled “How do we encourage industry collaboration and the spread and adoption of new solutions to cross-industry challenges”

It touches upon the need for an industry so used to working in silo’s to begin working together to push forward innovation, especially in the space of new technologies. Buit also, given the challenges that exist from policy, cost and budget across the rail industry, this debate asks if the time is now to overcome them together.

Panellists on this debate are;

• Milda Manomaityte, Innovation Director, Railway Industry Association
• Mark Moaby, Acting Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, LNER
• Alicia Andrews, Commercial Director, Southeastern Railway

How does rail manage in a world where every resource comes at a premium? How does it improve and drive changes in the way it does things?

These are questions posed in the first Leaders Debate at this year’s Trans City Rail South event; In an era of scarce resources, where does the rail industry focus efforts to modernise and drive productivity? – Brought to you by Arup.

Guests for the panel discussion included;

·         Chris Myers, Associate Director Digital Services, Arup

·         Phil Harrison, Director, Arup

·         Rubina Greenwood, Senior Programme Manager, Future Command, Control & Signalling, Network Rail

·         Martin Fenner, Business Development Director, Tilt Consulting

The panel discussed how the industry is moving at a fast pace, changing how data is collected and evolving ways of working to suit the new technologies that rail is presented with.

This episode, with four of the industry leaders within the sector, explores through a lively panel discussion how exactly they tackle these changes and how to prioritise future ambitions.

This is the first of the TCR South 2023 Leaders debate series, which was held at the end of September, in London.

In this episode of the Rail Technology Magazine Podcast, we take a look back at this years TransCity Rail South event, review some of the key speeches and discussions with highlights from Tim Walden, Rob Thomas, Rubina Greenwood.

Collaboration, technological advances, digital evolution and capital investment were key themes discussed over the one-day event, held in the centre of London.

Climate change and how the rail industry is tackling it, is a key question which the industry is needing to confront. But as we look towards an unpredictable future, rail is beginning to get ahead of the challenge with its continued technological advance.

Network Rail is at the forefront of this, and in this episode of Rail Technology Magazine, we chat with Mona Silhota, Technical Head of Drainage and Lineside for Network Rail as well as Michael Brown, Head of Delivery for Intelligent Infrastructure at Network Rail.

Both of them discuss how they are combatting challenges, not only with climate change but also with maintenance and asset management and the role that ever-improving technology and data modelling plays in predicting the world around us.

There is also discussion on Network Rail’s Intelligent Infrastructure and how it is utilising data to turn reactivity into proactivity.

This month’s podcast is with the Head of Digital Ticketing Services at the Rail Delivery Group, John Backway.

The podcast covers some of the most pressing issues within the sector currently. John chats about how digital ticketing is changing how people interact with the rail network around them and how the advancing technology is making printed ticketing a redundant practice.

Efficiencies for customers is at the heart of work that Rail Delivery Group does and this is a key part of John’s remit. The podcast covers how digital ticketing helps drive those efficiencies, applying a common sense approach to how to utilise technology and how he thinks it is changing the industry.

The latest episode of the Rail Technology Magazine Podcast features Danny Vaughan, the Head of Metrolink in Manchester.

Danny has worked in light rail for 25 years and has overseen expansion projects across the city – Including the recently opened Trafford Park Line.

He discusses how light rail offers options and flexibility where mainline rail cannot, the hopeful future of TfGM’s all encompassing Bee Network, which hopes to change and simplify how transport in Manchester works and Metrolink’s place in that future.

Danny also expands on his experience, how he hopes for a better transport system and what he thinks technology within the industry can achieve.

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.

On the latest episode of the Rail Technology Magazine podcast features Will Doyle, CEO of Rail Diary.

Will has grown Rail Diary since its inception into a key project management tool that uses data and intelligence to help site and commercial managers make decisions with all of the information in front of them.

We look at how data is changing the landscape for both on-site project management within the rail industry and how digitalisation is helping commercial decisions to be made. 

Will shares his of experiences starting a company and ,how he navigated the early setbacks and how he managed to convince some of the biggest players in the industry to try Rail Diary.

Discover the next innovations within the industries and what the digital landscape within rail could look like in a few years.

The Rail Technology Magazine Podcast covers the some of the biggest topics within rail including innovation, policy and how the industry is tackling climate change. Our guests bring you unique and exclusive podcast episodes packed full of news, views and insight from rail industry leaders and innovators, responsible for shaping the future of the UK's railway.

Get the answers to the most pressing questions for the railway industry. 

The Rail Technology Podcast is available to stream below and is also available on Spotify, Google Play, Apple Podcast and many more...

The latest episode of Track Talk, the rail industry podcast is now available, bringing you closer to the leaders responsible for building, shaping and delivering transformational rail services and infrastructure across the UK.

The new episode of the podcast, released today, features Andrew Haines, Chief Executive at Network Rail, and Richard Hill, Local Operations Manager at Network Rail. They offer their key industry insight as to how the role of business leaders helps drive action to combat climate change across the rail sector. 

The discussion touches upon topics such as the way that the railway industry needs to adapt to a more circular economic role, how we can help local and wider communities by volunteering or employee engagement programmes, and the ways that decarbonisation can, not just improve the environmental sustainability of the sector, but also provide passengers with enhanced journeys. 

Covering everything from the environment, infrastructure and workforce to how the pandemic shaped the industry and how the sector keeps trains on the track during periods of extreme weather, our guests bring you unique and exclusive podcast episodes packed full of news, views and insight from rail industry leaders and innovators, responsible for shaping the future of the UK's railway.

Get the answers to the most pressing questions for the railway industry. 

Our Track Talk Rail Podcast is available to stream below, or also available on Spotify, Google Play, Apple Podcast and many more...

 

 

In this latest edition of the Track Talk we sat down with Malcolm Holmes, Executive Director at West Midlands Rail Executive, to discuss his current role and the state of the rail sector within the Midands, then focusing the conversation on Malcolm’s “radical shift” as he transitions into his new role, helming operations for a heritage steam railway. 

Acting as the current new General Manager of the Great Central railway, an eight-and-a-half-mile stream railway in Leicestershire, Malcolm will be overseeing the day-to-day running of the railway, whilst working alongside the board and directors. This represents an operational management role, as opposed to his former strategic managerial position. 

This new episode of the Track Talk podcast acts as a love letter to the cultural importance of heritage rail across the UK, touching upon the social value that these tourist attractions can bring to the modern rail sector. To find out more about Malcolm and how we can support these traditional steam railways, please enjoy the conversation and tune in for some informative fun. 

 

This episode of Track Talk sees a discussion with Conservative MP for Milton Keynes South Iain Stewart, Chair of the Transport Committee. The focus of this episode revolves around disruptive technologies within the rail sector, specifically the impact that the new, innovative advancements and trends might have across all modes of transport. The Transport Committee are taking proposals from people in the sector who are in the know about innovations that deserve more attention, so we have given them the platform to discuss the process and hear what the committee is looking for.

During the TransCityRail North event in Manchester, Skanska led a panel discussion that included Ruth Todd, Chief Commercial Officer at HS2,   Andrew Wilson, Regional Manager at the Supply Chain Sustainability School, Ciara Pryce, Chief Operating Officer at VGC Group and Andrew Spencer, Head of Procurement & Supply Chain HS2 at Skanska.

The discussion was aimed to highlight how, as the UK UK continues to deliver world leading rail infrastructure projects whilst maintaining and upgrading the existing railway it’s imperative that the client, major contractors and SME's collaborate to drive the innovation needed to deliver a first class programme of infrastructure investment. 

The conversation began with Andrew Wilson explaining how the Supply Chain Sustainability School came about 10 years ago and explaining the benefits of using the tools available with Andrew Spencer explaining how useful and important its been for major contractor Skanska.

Ruth later explained how HS2 are quite advanced in gender balance with 42% females in the organisation, Ciara Pryce then goes on to discuss the importance of early contractor engagement.

During the TransCityRail North event in Manchester, AECOM led a panel discussion that included Eoin O'Neill, Network Rail's Capital Delivery Director for the North West and Central Region, Conor Linnell, AECOM's Rail Leader for the North West and Central Region, and Georgia Ehrmann, Avanti West Coast's Head of Network Development and Planning.

The need for more industry collaboration was evident throughout the debate, with Eoin O'Neill encouraging the supply chain to think of Network Rail as a colleague rather than a customer. Eoin also outlined how Network Rail is striving to make it simpler for SMEs to participate in CP7 possibilities, making it clear to attendees that while Eastern suspended their CP7 procurement on Friday with hopes to relaunch it soon, NW&C has no plans to do the same.

Connor provided AECOM's perspective, emphasising that in his wide experience if we are all working toward the same goal but not together, efficiencies are lost.

Georgia offered some intriguing statistics to the discussion, stating that research has shown that every £1 invested in rail in the North generates £2.50 in economic growth.

Key rail industry stakeholders for an in-depth discussion exploring how we deliver a customer focussed sustainable Net-Zero railway.

This panel discussion is an interesting discussion exploring the innovation needed to deliver the decarbonisation of the UK’s railway.

Speakers Include:

Felix Chamberlain, Head of Sustainability, Network Rail
Christopher Harris, Carbon & Sustainability Manager, East West Rail
Mark Fenton, Carbon Manager, HS2
Amy Dickinson Head Of Sustainability, South Western Railway
Costas Panagiotakopoulos, Energy Manager, South Western Railway

The successful delivery of £billions worth of infrastructure investment is dependent upon an innovative and well-informed supply chain, which works in tandem with key rail industry stakeholders.

During this conversation, we look at the changing face of procurement as we transition towards Great British Railways and the impacts this will have across the whole industry. In a sector striving to eliminate carbon, create circular economies, protecting our natural environment and biodiversity whilst demonstrating social values, this transition must incorporate these factors whilst not forgetting passenger needs.

Panellists Include:

Kevin McNally, Head of Asset Investment – Rail & Sponsored Services | Engineering & Asset Strategy, Transport for London
Carol Williams, Head of Procurement, Laing O'Rourke
Ann-Marie Morrison, Client Account Director for Network Rail, Costain

During the TransCityRail South event in London, event partners ARUP lead a panel discussion on how we (whether clients, partners or guardians) of our rail infrastructure assets can work more effectively as a team to instil resilience constrained by limited budgets as the effects of climate change become more apparent on the management of our transport systems.

We were joined by:

Mona Sihota, Network Technical Head of Drainage and Off-Track, Network Rail
Sharon Lee, Director of Transport Asset Management, Arup
Councillor Martin Wrigley, Executive Member for Homes, Communities & Cost of Living Crisis
Sian Thomas, Director of Engineering and Asset Management, Southern Region

Sian Thomas explained how we need to be brave and bold to reach 70% carbon reduction by 2035, and she sees it more as an opportunity than a challenge; however, Mona Sihota disagreed and discussed how it is a challenge, not an opportunity, and it’s now that we need to be absolutely bold, and address climate change today before it’s too late… Sharon Lee also discussed how as suppliers we need to work on collaboration across the system to face the effects of climate change together.

If you would like to be involved in our upcoming TransCityRail event, through speaking, exhibiting or attendance click here.

Leaders debate Live at TransCityRail South, 28 September 2022 

The current control period benefited from £40billion for rail capital projects seeing HS2 run at £22.8billion up to 2025. A further £17.5billion in capital funding has been issued for renewals, upgrades, and enhancements, whilst the London Underground alone spends around £1billion on renewals and new capital investment annually delivering a customer-focused railway for passengers and freight.

During this session, the supply chain gets to understand where these £billions are being spent and gets to learn of the innovation needed.

Hosted by Helen Fospero

Speakers Include:
Tim Walden, Capital Delivery Director Southern Region, Network Rail
Richard Moody, Head of Strategic Planning (Freight & Network Strategy), Network Rail
Kevin McNally, Head of Asset Investment – Rail & Sponsored Services | Engineering & Asset Strategy, Transport for London

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.

Connor Fairhurst, host of Rail Technology Magazine's Track Talk podcast, chatted with Monica Barbosa, Head of Account Development at RSS Infrastructure, on episode 30 of the podcast.

Monica spoke on RSS's Integrated Infrastructure Solutions, the importance of safety in the rail industry in terms of both employee safety and mental health care, and how RSS is leading the way in supporting Network Rail's Safety Task Force.

Monica went on to say how important supply chain collaboration is, how SMEs always have the potential and motivation to innovate, and how free tools like the supply chain school for SMEs are available.

On episode 29 of RTM's Track Talk podcast host Connor Fairhurst spoke with Dr Brian Haddock, Seasons and Climate Specialist for Transport Modes from Network Rail on how the rail industry can futureproof against extreme weather events and potential service disruption.

On Episode 28 of RTM's Track Talk podcast, host Matt Roberts is joined by Neil Robertson, Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) for an honest conversation around the challenges facing the rail industry, how we can create new opportunities in the sector - particularly through apprenticeships, both for new arrivals to rail and those already in the industry - and how NSAR is involved with delivering this work, as we look to bolster and futureproof our workforce.

On Episode 27 of RTM's Track Talk, host Matt Roberts is joined by Chris Griffiths, Head of Product Sustainability at Marshalls to discuss the opportunities to improve sustainability around our railway stations, the need for standardisation of sustainability metrics to allow for better industry comparisons and what the next steps of the conversation around climate change must be: adaptation.

On Episode 26 of RTM's Track Talk podcast, brought to you in collaboration with KeTech, our host Matt Roberts sits down with Martin Howard, Customer Service Officer at Chiltern Railways to discuss the work that they have been doing to improve the journey and experiences of their passengers in their stations and on their routes.

On this week’s episode of RTM’s Track Talk, host Ailsa Cowen is joined by Gareth Dennis, a Railway Engineer and Writer. Gareth dissects the strong anti-devolution agenda affecting the industry, how our railways are a jack of all trades and master of none and how HS2 is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

Gareth discusses the 40% cut in Transport for the North’s operational budget. He says, “there’s no sensible reason to cut this money other than the fact the current Transport Minister has created his own what he calls Acceleration Unit’ to do the work that Transport for the North was supposed to be doing.”

He speaks enthusiastically about HS2 stating, “the main benefit of HS2 is not actually on HS2 it’s on the existing railway network.” He also discusses, “if the Eastern leg of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail is dropped it would be a dismal abandonment, not just of the North but also the North East and the Midlands.”

In relation to the lack of William’s Review, he says, “we’re in the sci-fi fantasy future at the point where we need to get a grip and handle what transport really should look like.”

Looking towards the future he said that the biggest challenge right now is what happens after Covid. “The industry really needs to rally round and shout very loudly about how important it will be as part of Britain’s recovery.”

On this week’s episode of RTM’s Track Talk, host Ailsa Cowen is joined by two guests. Paul Appleton, Deputy Director of Railway Safety and HM Deputy Chief Inspector of Railways at ORR and George Bearfield, Health and Safety Director at Rock Rail. They discuss the increasing awareness of cyber safety in the rail world and why our cyber security is vital.

Paul spoke of how all our new modern trains are all heavily software-based. He explained how we’ve moved away from the electromechanical based systems meaning we need to make sure that we’re all ready to deal with any cyber security issues that may arise.

George reiterated how the risk to our cyber security is live and growing and Paul echoed his point by saying “sheer awareness” is a big issue.

Paul described that one of the biggest issues you find is that each part of the industry will have and operate its “own private language” which causes issues and that it’s not the safety departments responsibility to run the train system safely, it’s everybody's.

George said the “UK is generally world-class when it comes to cyber security, from the likes of GCHQ and right back to Alan Turing, the Bletchley code breakers”, meaning we know how to do this.

Paul and George repeat the message throughout that knowing our vulnerabilities, what are the things we need to protect against and learning are of high importance for the future.  

On this week’s episode of RTM’s Track Talk, host Ailsa Cowen is joined by Jim McMahon MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport. Jim divulges why we should be leading from the front on technology and innovation, the dangers around trimming back on HS2, and his belief in the potential of the North, as a real powerhouse and not just as a slogan.

 

Jim discusses the gaps in support from Government during the pandemic for rail operators, particularly open-access operators, “we would like to see them extend the support they’ve offered to franchise holders towards our open access providers like Hull Trains.”

 

HS2 is another big talking point due to recent speculations around the eastern leg being completely wiped out. Jim details, “if you start trimming back that project, you’re not going to get the full benefits of it” and “we should have north, south connectivity, we should have east, west connectivity.”

 

Jim also talks about accessibility in our rail stations, “the idea that on the current trend we’ll be waiting 50 years to have fully accessible stations is just not good enough at all.”

 

He also highlights that, “had the North of England had the same money as London and the south, over the last decade we would have had an additional £66bn. What do we get in this budget? £4bn.”

 

In terms of the future, he explained “when we see investment in the industry when we see investment in revenue and capital from the government, you’re also seeing a direct investment in the future.”

On this week’s episode of RTM’s Track Talk, host Ailsa Cowen is joined by Steve White, Chief Operating Officer at Govia Thameslink Railway. Steve discusses GTR’s trains testing negative for Covid-19, turning the organisation jar upside down and sprinkling fairy dust across the railways.

Steve speaks about progress and how “there’s a whole generation of people now who are looking to make sure their travel choices are sustainable ones.”

In terms of passenger numbers, Steve tells us this means “a huge revenue shortfall” and that “DfT are subsidizing that shortfall. In our business alone to the tune of more than £3 million a day.”

Steve identifies that “this pandemic has been really difficult for a lot of people” in terms of mental wellbeing. GTR also recently appointed a Head of Suicide Prevention and have since “made over 400 lifesaving interventions in the last 12 months, that’s more than one a day.”

He also speaks of acts of kindness throughout the pandemic, with one example being a group of train drivers donating their travel money to the NHS. 

 Steve reflects that “we’ve now got a chance to take the best of what we’ve already created and build from here.”   

On this week’s episode of RTM’s Track Talk, host Ailsa Cowen is joined by Maria Machancoses, Director of Midlands Connect. Maria talks about the importance of HS2 to the Midlands and the UK, collaborating with DfT and how we need to embrace the railways again. 

Maria discusses the importance of HS2 to the East Midlands and how it cannot, “be looked at as Phase 1, Phase 2… it needs to be looked at as a whole network. That’s what will make a real difference to the UK.” 

She also talks about the Midlands collaboration with DfT, saying there has been, “an appetite for the government to work with the East Midlands in regards to future franchises, future timetabling but obviously in terms of what’s next we’re still waiting announcement from budget.”

Electrification is another big talking point, with Maria pointing out that only 30% of the network is able to carry electric trains, “in a climate change emergency this isn’t good enough.” 

Passenger confidence needs to be reinstated and Maria is very aware of this obstacle, “we’ve got to give people a sense that this horrendous pandemic will go away.” 

In terms of looking ahead to the future, Maria wishes for the “world to see Britain bring in again another revolution in terms of the green railway.” 

In this episode of the Rail Technology Magazine Podcast, we chat to Vaibhav Puri, Director of Sector Strategy and Transformation at the Rail Safety and Standards Board.

Vaibhav discusses in detail the role of the RSSB in how innovation in rail should be regulated and controlled and what needs to be done to make it as much an environment for innovation and technological transformation as possible.

But as the industry gets to grips with the changing world around it, it also wrestles with how to look after the data it inevitably will handle and Vaibhav discusses how best to handle data, the framework that need to exist to ensure privacy is in place and the capabilities of emerging technologies to change how the industry works with it.

Vaibhav is an influential voice in the evolution of the UK and EU railway legislation, including supporting the Department for Transport and the sector in transitioning seamlessly to a post-EU exit legal landscape and he explains how his role has evolved as the industry navigates its way through the changes that are happening.

Artificial intelligence is also discussed and we chat about its new role and its vast capabilities to fundamentally change the way rail looks in the future.

But with great change, there is a race to ensure that the industry adjusts appropriately and the wider rail community are on board and up-to-date, Vaibhav discusses how the board are reacting and proactively helping facilitate these changes.

We also discuss technology advancements in rail since Vaibhav started his role at RSSB and also what regulation frameworks might need to happen once Great British Railways is established.

On this week’s episode of RTM’s Track Talk, host Ailsa Cowen is joined by Tom Moran, Managing Director of Thameslink & Great Northern. Tom spoke about living with a Victorian rail network, the importance of a diverse workforce, turning stations into art galleries and how the days of having a timetable booklet are gone.  

Tom explained GTR’s three main areas of focus for transforming their stations, “how we can make things work better for passengers, making sure the stations look smarter and we’re also working hard to make our stations more sustainable.” 

Accessibility is also discussed with Tom stating, “I believe very firmly that the current situation isn’t good enough, it’s nowhere near good enough.” 

He also speaks highly of their doubling of female train driver applicants in the past 12 months following a dedicated recruitment campaign and GTR wish to have a 50/50 gender split on all of their training programmes by the end of next year. 

In reference to GTRs response to Covid-19, Tom had nothing but praise for his colleagues. “Nine months of completely unprecedented circumstances, but at every single minute of every day, we’ve kept the railway running.”

His hopes for the future focus on, “the more we can make train travel and trains themselves fully sustainable the better.” 

On this week’s episode of RTM’s Track Talk, host Ailsa Cowen is joined by Ed Akers, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Coast Upgrade. Ed gives an update on the £1.2bn project, the importance of collaboration and why the project feels like performing open heart surgery on a live patient. 

Ed talks to us about the Werrington Grade Separation and how the 11,000-ton curved concrete box structure, which is “about as long as and as heavy as the Eiffel Tower” is being put into place. 

He discusses the issue of trains carrying empty seats and how he isn’t concerned about all this momentous work on the ECML and people may still be hesitant travel, “It’s not just about the here and now for the ECML programme, it’s about the future.”

The upgrade programme has also recently announced a £10 million co-investment partnership with the University of Leeds and upon reflection Ed said, “it’s vital that the industry looks wider, not just to itself but also to other expertise.”

He tells us about how local suppliers helped keep the project going in the first lockdown, and continue to do so. “It’s really important that we continue to look after local communities and local employers and suppliers wherever we can because you never know when they are going to come through for you.”

Ed also spoke with passion about the future of our railways, “I really hope in 10 years’ time we see a greater roll out of electrification.” 

On this week’s episode of RTM’s Track Talk, host Ailsa Cowen is joined by Neil Walker, Exports Director at the Railway Industry Association. Neil talks about InnoTrans 2021, how he and his team support UK rail companies when it comes to exporting and why rail is such a vibrant sector. 

Neil tells us about his role at RIA, where he helps members export all around the world by working alongside the Department for Transport and the Department for International Trade. 

He also tells us about RIA’s recent joining of Reshoring UK and how it will, “support RIA members who are looking to fill gaps in their supply chain.” 

RIA have held numerous webinars over the past few months, where rail the industry from Estonia to Denmark to Poland have been able to discuss their recent innovations. 

He also spoke about InnoTrans being cancelled this year due to the Covid-19 outbreak, but looking ahead to the exciting event in Berlin next year, “for 2021, RIA will have two pavilions, and currently we have 19 countries represented across those pavilions.” 

Neil also discussed where he’d like to see the industry in 10 years’ time, and how he hopes the UK’s list of exporters continues to grow. 

This week host Ailsa Cowen is joined by two guests from Network Rail. Martin Mason, Programme Manager, at Network Rail’s Digital Railway and Kelley Quirk, Programme Manager, at Network Rail’s Intelligent Infrastructure programme. 

They discuss Network Rail’s Intelligent Infrastructure Programme and the rollout of the Track Decision Support Tool.

Kelley and Martin work closely together and sit across two teams within the Intelligent Infrastructure programme. 

Martin described their partnership as, “It’s like ying and yang. Without the two we can’t create the product.”

Kelley stated that, “Intelligent Infrastructure is a crucial programme for Network Rail” and described their work as, “turning the wealth of data into intelligent information.”

The Track Decision Support Tool is also the height of discussion. With both guests illustrating how the tool aids the network. 

Kelley describes the Track Decision Support Tool as providing, “maintenance teams with predications on what fault will occur and how, and allow them enough time to plan an effective intervention earlier.”

Martin said, “it’s a cultural shift from the way we work at the moment. The technology, aspiration and vision, it comes hand and hand with being able to manage the business change side. And to be able to support our frontline staff.”

They also discuss how we’ve got a really old railway and everything that they’re doing supports maintaining that in the best possible way. 

David Ollerhead, Programme Director at Network Rail’s Open for Business Programme, joins host Ailsa Cowen for episode 15 of Rail Technology Magazine’s podcast, Track Talk. David discusses playing with trains as a child, investment into our railway and removing barriers for third parties. 

His career at Network Rail began nine years ago but he self-confessed his interest possibly began earlier after admitting, “I did play with train tacks when I was younger.” 

He divulges into how we should be, “maintaining and enhancing the railway” by “unlocking rail investment.” 

SME’s are also talked about with David revealing Network Rail are, “eager to work with SME’s and the supply chain” after working with 3,000 SME’s in the last financial year. 

The newly formed Acceleration Unit from the Department of Transport is also a “statement of confidence,” according to David. 

His enthusiasm for eliminating carbon emissions is also a big talking point, with him stating, “I do see the rail industry as a major contributor towards sustainability.” 

David’s passion for the railway is unquestionable. He tells the listener to “be confident there’s a long-term future for the railway.” 

Louise Coward, Head of Insight at Transport Focus, joins host Ailsa Cowen for episode 15 of Rail Technology Magazine’s podcast, Track Talk. Louise talks about a ‘Head Out to Help Out’ campaign, keeping passengers safe and their ongoing projects.

She divulges into the RPI increase on rail fares and says this is not the right kind of issue for passengers right now because Covid-19 has completely changed the way we travel. 

She calls for, “’let’s have better products that will fit the way people are going to be using the railways” in a world where working from home could be happening more regularly. 

She also states that, “a real assurance piece is to be done so that people know they’re being looked after” in relation to people knowing they’re safe on the railways with regards to Covid-19. 

She says the rail industry is going to have to work hard to reinstate passenger confidence as, “people are feeling more uncertain about the future now because the earth beneath us has been shaken.” 

She also talks about their National Rail Passenger Survey, which has been running for more than 20 years. 

Transport Focus has a community of rail uses that report to them on a weekly basis, Louise said they tell them how they respond to new initiatives, what they think of new changes as we all go back to the new normal.

Harriet Glen, Head of Programme Close Out at Crossrail, joins us on this week’s episode of RTM’s Track Talk to discuss the largest construction project in Europe. 

Harriet gives us an update on the project that was brought to a standstill during lockdown but her “team are working around the clock to provide a detailed recovery plan.”

She also told us how and why Crossrail have led the way in, “diversifying and attracting the next generation of talent,” and why bringing in a range of thinkers from different backgrounds is so important.  

Crossrail have also taken care of their employees during lockdown, Harriet spoke about why, “asking the simple question of how are you doing” is so vital. 

Diversity and inclusion were also discussed, with Harriet recalling her first day at TfL and seeing an “array of grey suits.” But she told us how Crossrail have “a male ally” in the form of their CEO, Mark Wild, who has curated a board of diverse members. 

With the “new normal” coming into play and “all hands on deck,” it’s clear Harriet and her team will not let anything stop them delivering the momentous project, not even a pandemic.  

David Rowe, Head of Strategy at Network Rail in the newly established Technical Authority, joins host Ailsa Cowen for episode 13 of Rail Technology Magazine’s podcast, Track Talk, to talk all things innovation in the rail industry. 

David divulges into how the rail industry is built on new technology and the importance of giving voice and choice to passengers and freight users. 

He also spoke avidly about Network Rail’s Research and Development Portfolio, which is approaching 200 projects. 

He also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities, encouraging and supporting young people to create a more diverse workforce.  

The unavoidable Covid-19 outbreak was also discussed, with David stating that the rail world is in its element when responding to a crisis. 

He also specified that all the challenges before Covid-19 have not gone away but it’s important when it comes to recovery that we enjoy the journey into a slightly different world.    

Adeline Ginn MBE, Founder & Chair of Women in Rail, joined host Ailsa Cowen for episode 12 of Rail Technology Magazine’s podcast, Track Talk, to discuss all things gender balance, diversity and inclusion. The charity WR have played an enormous part in promoting diversity within the rail sector since it began in 2012, by this time Adeline had over 10 years of experience in the business. Adeline was quick to point out WR is ran by volunteers but also has up to 4,000 male and female members, as both genders have a huge part to play in encouraging inclusion.

She spoke avidly about giving companies and organisations guidance on being more open about how they’re working to promote gender balance and making women feel less isolated. WR carried out an industry survey in 2015, which they repeated in 2017, and found that 16.4% of the workforce in rail are women, meaning there’s still a way to go. It was clear Adeline could have spoken about WR’s work for hours, her hard-work and desire for diversity is undeniable.  

Saba Yussouf, CEO of Invisi Smart Technologies UK, joins host Ailsa Cowen for episode 11 of Rail Technology Magazine's podcast Track Talk. 

This partnered episode allows the rail industry to hear about a revolutionary piece of technology that has been developed to kill all bacteria and viruses that, once sprayed onto any surface, stays in place for year. 

Meaning this could be a game changer for the industry when fighting against the Covid-19 outbreak and getting the industry rolling back into normality as soon as possible.

If you want to know more about how this protective spray could keep rail staff and passengers safe, this podcast is for you. 

In this episode of the Rail Technology Magazine Podcast, we chat to Suzanne Donnelly, Director of Passenger Revenue at Great British Railway Transition Team. 

Great British Railways has a remit to fundamentally change the way that rail in this country is run. It has at its core, a programme of change for the network, and how it can be the best in class for passengers and the industry.

Suzanne discusses the role that GBRTT will play in this change, and the steps that are being put in place to ensure that passengers and operators can embrace the future for rail and work together.

But how does the industry do this? Suzanne explains the initiatives that GBRTT have spearheaded since the transition began, including the enormously successful Great British Sale and the ticketing technology that is being implemented on certain routes.

But Suzanne also looks to the future, and how revenue generation and the passenger are forming an integral part of GBRTT’s mission to fuse the industry together into a common focus.

Suzanne has 16 years of experience in various commercial roles within the transport industry and is uniquely placed to offer insight into how rail can adopt technology, and commercial strategies to grow its revenue and sustainability. The podcast offers a great opportunity to hear how the future could look and how the present is looking for passengers and freight on the UK rail network

Kate Jennings, Policy Director at the Railway Industry Association (RIA), joins guest host Matt Roberts for episode 10 of Rail Technology Magazine's podcast - now under its new name Track Talk - to talk about how the rail industry innovates during coronavirus, the role RIA is playing and the power rail has in the UK's economic recovery coming out of this pandemic.

This episode of Track Talk is brought to you in association with Invisi Smart Technologies.

Debbie Francis, Direct Rail Services, joins us in the RTM Podcast room to discuss the rail industry from a freight perspective. Debbie is a rail fanatic, leading the way in a male dominated area of the rail industry. 

With hosts Matt Roberts and Ailsa Cowen, the conversation flowed from Debbie’s involvement in the NHS, coming out of school with no qualifications and why she is proud to be a Northerner. 

Do you think HS2 will happen? Do you think it will benefit the North? Debbie is here to give her opinion on why the project will enhance the North’s capability and connectivity. 

Passionate about growing diversity within the freight industry, Debbie tells us about her work in furthering equality in the sector and why increasing the number of female train drivers is so important. 

Debbie is a woman with more than one string to her bow and is keen to promote why transport is paramount and key for growth in the North.  

Martin Frobisher, Group director, Safety, Technical & Engineering at Network Rail, joins us in the RTM Podcast room to discuss the renewable railway of the future and safety on the track. As a Director of industry giant, Network Rail, Martin has a lot of advice regarding safety and security on railways, but it might not be what you think.

With hosts Emily Rodgers and Ailsa Cowen, the conversation kept flowing in the RTM podcast room in Manchester as we hear all Martin’s role in ensuring the 42,000 network rail staff are working safely, and how this can spread to the wider supply chain.

 

Find out Martin’s opinion on the Oakervee review, his work with RSSB and what aspect he thinks ‘Britain’s railway has got it right’.

 

Martin believes that technology is the key to a safer railway and that modern systems can take people away from the path of trains and a Safety Taskforce that has already seen a 30% reduction in the number of people working with lookout flags making a 70% reduction in near missed from people using that method of work.

Another area of passion for Martin is environmental, he talks in depth about a fully electric railway and says a zero-carbon railway is the really big picture for the next 20/30 years.

 

Regional Director for the Rail Delivery Group and former journalist for Sky News and the BBC, Robert Nisbet joins us in the studio to discuss his career move into the rail industry and how technology is improving Britain’s railways year on year. 

On the agenda in the most recent RTM podcast Robert discusses the history of railways and the connection between that and Britain’s national history. He believes that rail will play a huge role going for, as it has done in the past, with high speed rail being at the forefront of future plans. 

With the latest government review advising against the cancellation of HS2, Robert discusses why HS2 will have not only a financial benefit to the country but also an environmental one with it helping the government to meet its carbon neutral target by 2050. 

Since taking on his role just 4 weeks before the May 2018 timetable change, Robert has championed the rail industry to the media as well as defended the industry’s ongoing commitment to bettering the services they offer. 

Robert also discusses the importance of maintaining relationships between rail providers and customers through transparent ticket prices, minimal delays and more accessible trains and train stations. Robert believes that improving technology on Britain’s railways will lead to a better experience for not only passengers but also the companies running them.