One day. Seven trains. 700 miles…
From the south coast of England to the northern tip of Scotland. Together with a friend, I made an epic journey by rail on June 23 Impressive scenery and space to work – although a cup of tea would have been nice! It’s Friday, June 23, and I am off on an...
Understanding the role of immigrants
It is impossible to think about or even talk about diversifying our industry without broaching the sensitive subject of immigration Siggy Cragwell, 83, has worked on the railway for 61 years after coming to the UK as part of the Windrush generation in 1962 By Nafisa Nathani With any discussion around diversity, we...
Railway legislation delay feels like ‘CBA’
The railway is trapped in limbo as planned reforms are held up. Meanwhile, turning around TransPennine Express is a huge task The TPE franchise has been a poisoned chalice since Day 1 Doom and gloom, I know and yes, I’ve documented the ills of the current set-up in UK rail at length...
Let’s shout about public transport!
Better Transport Week is a chance to celebrate the good work and enthusiasm from those involved in delivering public transport The creation of a wonderfully updated St Pancras station, officially reopened in 2007, offered a powerful and confident statement about the future of the railway and its place in society This year...
Ditch Wi-Fi? Their brains are buffering
Media reports suggesting that free Wi-Fi is set to be scrapped on trains make me question if anyone cares about business travellers ‘Free Wi-Fi is seen as a human right’ Having written a column in this esteemed mag for 12 ½ years, you’ll understand that every now and again, the print deadline...
Fares are firmly on the political agenda
Fares are no longer just about balancing public transport’s books. The sector must recognise this shift and become more proactive Vienna’s annual ticket for one euro a day is an example of a cheap, flat and simple fare offer That sound you hear is the sound of one of the core constructs...
We’ve lost our way with transport maps
Maps are in decline and where they do exist they are hidden or diluted in value, but they are a great way to communicate our offer Maps like this one, created by Best Impressions, open up our eyes to opportunities Try as I might, I struggle to find a sector where companies...
Rethinking mental health support
We need to change our models of mental health support to be more accommodating to the needs of a diverse workforce Delivering a high quality railway service depends on a workforce that feels supported, cared for and appreciated By Nafisa Nathani Mental health is of real concern in the rail industry due to...
Buses are in reverse – but who has a plan?
Labour’s recent announcement on buses was about who controls the levers. There was no mention of money or other support Last week’s policy announcement from the Labour party on buses means both main parties are now devoting time and space to this key method of public transport. This is very welcome, not...
Making the most of our open top buses
My rough estimate is that open toppers are worth £30m a year. The bus industry does them well – but what more can be done? East Yorkshire’s open top Beachcomber buses returned on April 1, running up to every 20 minutes between Scarborough’s North and South bays Never mind the weather being...
Transport legends – past, present, future
Who have been national treasures of transport, our equivalents of Dame Judi Dench and Sir David Attenborough? Who’ll be next? Legendary railway pioneer Adrian Shooter was honoured with a statue at London Marylebone station last August Last week’s memorial service for the late railway icon Adrian Shooter made me reflect on the...
Looking back on my 30 years in transport