‘I just said, I’d love to do that’
Lord Hendy tells ‘Lunch with Leon’ podcast why he was keen to accept mission to reform the railway Lord Hendy (left) with Leon Daniels Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill was sitting at his desk on a sunny afternoon when the phone rang. It was the Number 10 switchboard informing him that the...
200 years of rail: An opportunity for reform
We have a once-in-a-generation chance to bring decision-making closer to the communities served, says Jason Prince HS2 construction workers mark the 200th anniversary of rail travel at the Colne Valley viaduct As many of you will doubtless know, on the 27th of September 1825, in the north-east of England, the world witnessed...
Cheaper, greener, better!
Karl Holbrook considers how open access train operators are flipping the script on UK train travel Lumo’s all-electric fleet produces significantly lower emissions than planes, aligning with the UK’s Net Zero ambitions Rail is rarely out of the headlines – often for the wrong reasons. High fares, overcrowding, and delays have frustrated passengers...
Rail reforms: What do passengers want?
While much debate has focused on what passengers should want, relatively little attention has been given to what actually works Rail is not always an affordable option BY Anthony Smith The way we buy train tickets in Britain is changing. With the government pressing ahead with rail reform, now is the time...
An environment to flourish and learn
With its own bespoke academy, ‘if you want to be an apprentice engineer within the bus industry, First Bus is the place to be’ New First Bus engineering apprentice cohort 2024 First Bus is proud to offer engineering apprenticeships as our commitment to developing future talent and bridging the skills gap in...
Trailblazing apprenticeships – and stotties
Open access rail companies are proving the industry isn’t one-size-fits-all. Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, Karl Holbrook explores how Lumo and Hull Trains are breaking down barriers, boosting diversity, and bringing fresh perspectives to rail… Apprenticeship success stories: Sam Bentley (left) and Mark Rudd The rail industry has often been seen as a...
Green technology, green skills
Fast-growing Wrightbus employs more than 70 apprentices, and is aiming to recruit a further 60 Wrightbus chief executive Jean-Marc Gales (left) with apprentice recruits Apprentices are part of the lifeblood of Wrightbus – the innovative Northern Ireland-based manufacturer that is one of the leading names in zero-emission transport technology. Wrightbus is one...
Celebrating apprenticeships
The passenger transport sector is showcasing success in delivering apprenticeships ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2025 LNER apprentice train driver Aleena Phull Key players in the passenger transport sector will use National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (February 10-16) to showcase the work they are doing to attract new talent and develop their skills....
Realising the Bee Network Vision
Greater Manchester has heralded a new era in public transport after bringing all of its bus services into the Bee Network this month. Becoming the first area in England to complete the re-regulation of buses is an historic moment for Greater Manchester – and beyond. To mark the completion of this complex transition – which...
‘We’re blazing a trail for buses’
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham hails a landmark moment for buses in his city region Bringing all buses in Greater Manchester under local control is a huge milestone – but it’s not a case of ‘job done’ Last week Greater Manchester became the first place in the country to take its bus...
The road to the Bee Network
The journey to bus franchising in Greater Manchester. Andrew Garnett reports Franchising allowed Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure better coordination with other transport modes The decision to franchise buses in Greater Manchester was not isolated but developed over decades of policy debate and legislative change. It emerged as a powerful tool for...
‘The benefits are starting to flow’
Vernon Everett, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, answers our questions about the city’s Bee Network With over 40 years’ experience, Vernon advises the Mayor of Greater Manchester on developing an integrated public transport network alongside more active travel facilities What enticed you to take on this role? Greater Manchester is an exciting and...
