Lunch with Leon

In this episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon speaks with Philip Gerhardt, Commercial Director at Arriva London. Philip discusses the pressures reshaping London's bus network – from softening ridership to rising operator costs – and how tools like schedule optimisation and AI-assisted service control are improving reliability. He also reflects on Super Loop's success as a triumph of branding, and champions the career opportunities opening up across transport.

In this episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon speaks with Lauren Sager Weinstein, Chief Data Officer at TfL. Lauren discusses the rapid rise of AI, the risk of it magnifying human bias, and the ethics of transparency in journey planning tools optimised for commission over commuters. She also reflects on the trust Londoners place in the TfL brand, and the importance of bringing young people, especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds, into transport and data careers.

In this episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon speaks with Rose McArthur, Director of Transport, Highways, Infrastructure and Climate Change at Cheshire West and Chester Council. Rose reflects on the recent Rural Bus Conference in Chester and the social value of community transport, traces her career from London 2012 and the Commonwealth Games to 20 years in private consultancy, and shares the financial pressures behind local authority life and ageing road infrastructure.

In this episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon speaks with Andrew Sherrington, Head of Strategic Development at Go South Coast and General Manager for Swindons own Buses and Salisbury Reds. Andrew reflects on his career spanning First Bus and Transport for Wales before turning to the pressing challenges facing the bus industry today – from electrification and depot power supplies to road congestion, franchising, and the case for buses over rail.

In this episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon speaks with Geoff Cross, Managing Director of Centrad – the UK's leading telematics and CCTV business. Geoff traces his journey from teenage bus operator to transport technology entrepreneur, and discusses how AI-powered fleet management platforms are helping bus operators tackle rising insurance costs, driver fatigue, and risk management.

Transport may well suffer as the UK Government once again is distracted by internal issues. Is democracy itself even threatened?

This month, Leon speaks with accomplished rail professional Anna-Jane Hunter, Chair of CILT UK's Board of Trustees and Partner at railway consultancy Winder Phillips. Their conversation spans the evolution of CILT and the valuable role it plays for the industry, and gets into the nitty gritty of rail reform, including the movers and shakers behind it and the challenge of fares and public trust. 

In the latest episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon speaks to historian Sam Mullins, the former director of the London Transport Museum and author of the new book Every Journey Matters, which commemorates 25 years of Transport for London (TfL). Sam shares his career journey from curating community museums to transforming the London Transport Museum, with the conversation also exploring TfL's history since its formation in 2000 - highlighting key events like the pedestrianisation of Trafalgar Square, the congestion charge and transport planning for the 2012 London Olympics.

Leon delves into the world of active transport in this week's episode, joined by cycling journalist and co-host of the Streets Ahead podcast, Laura Laker. Laura, who has forged a career focused on cycling and urban transport, discusses how she first fell in love with cycling, the success of the cycling lobby in persuading city mayors to allocate road space for cyclists and the challenges of implementing cycling infrastructure, alongside the rise of e-scooters and electric bikes. 

Leon’s guest is Gareth Williams, General Secretary and Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer at Eurostar. After a twenty-year career in government, including prominent leadership roles at the Department for Transport, Gareth joined Eurostar almost fifteen years ago. In this episode, he and Leon discuss how Eurostar bounced back after COVID (despite a lack of government funding), its upcoming double-decker trains designed to reach Germany and Switzerland by the early 2030s, and the extraordinary business costs behind the cost of a Eurostar ticket.  

This week, Leon Daniels speaks with Marie Daly, Chief Operating Officer for Transport for Wales and Chair of Women in Rail. Marie covers a range of topics, from her non-traditional career path into transport from telecomms and energy, to crisis management during severe weather and the "one network" vision for Wales. The pair also discuss the upcoming transition to Great British Railways, and the evolving landscape of gender diversity and representation within the industry.

Previously broadcast on Thomas Ableman's Freewheeling podcast, Leon and Thomas discuss progress towards the Buses Policy document originally announced by Boris' government

In a special Christmas edition of Lunch with Leon, Leon Daniels is in the hotseat! Guest host Simon Lederman grills Leon on his 40+ years in the transport industry, with Leon sharing some stories from throughout his career and his hot takes on topical transport issues. He also answers some listener questions (some of whom have been special guests on the podcast themselves!). 

Ahead of the UK's Autumn Budget, Leon explores the UK's somewhat gloomy economic situation with eminent transport expert David Leeder. With soaring national debt squeezing essential transport budgets, David shares his insights on the potential impact on the transport industry and his crucial advice for local authorities on quickly securing promised settlements and tapping into private sector funding.

In this episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon speaks with Karen Dee, CEO of Aiports UK, the trade association representing the interests of UK airports. The conversation covers growth in the aviation market, the challenge of decoupling emissions from demand, tackling the transport-wide skills crisis, leveraging high-value air freight and the critical role of retail revenue in supporting low-cost carriers.

In the latest episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon pops his head out of the transport bubble and speaks with a transport-adjacent guest: Paul Whitnell, president of the British Irish Trade Alliance (BITA), a trade and commerce business organisation who describe themselves as "people that know people who help people". Paul shares more about his philosophy when it comes to business and the BITA organisation, whose members across the construction, hospitality, rail and logistics industries help each other through collective wisdom and experience.

Leon learns more about the diverse career of transport leader Andreas Schörling, Senior Managing Director of Flixbus UK. Andreas, who lead the launch of Flixbus in the UK in 2021, discusses the company's ambitious plan to build the largest intercity coach network in the UK. The episode also touches on the evolving perception of coach travel, the transformative impact of AI on the transport industry and Andreas' take on work-life harmony. www.leondaniels.co.ukwww.passengertransport.co.ukflixbus.co.uk

In this episode of Lunch with Leon, rail veteran Nigel Holness reflects on his 40-year career, from his early days as a signalling consultant on the London Underground to his current role as a leading transport consultant, advising on major global projects. Leon and Nigel discuss TfL's evolution, their experiences of the 7/7 London bombings, 2012 Olympics, and the establishment of the Elizabeth line. Nigel also shares his perspective on the challenges of systems integration and battery operation in rail. 

Leon speaks with nutritionist Anna Earl about the challenges that transport workers face maintaining nutrition, hydration, and wellbeing. Anna shares her advice for workers on how to overcome these challenges and develop a healthier lifestyle. 

In the latest episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon talks with Richard Smith, Managing Director of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) about the key issues facing the road freight industry, including the challenges of transitioning HGVs to Net Zero, the deteriorating condition of road infrastructure and the broader implications of AI. There's also plenty of good career advice from these two transport leaders throughout the podcast!https://www.rha.uk.net/https://www.passengertransport.co.uk/https://www.leondaniels.co.uk/

In the latest episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon speaks with Ben Plowden, the new Chief Executive of the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT). This lively conversation covers various hot topics in the transport industry - the potential softening of the green agenda, rail nationalisation and rail fare debates, the importance of regional connectivity and how to address car dependency. Leon also picks Ben's brains on the anticipated Integrated National Transport Strategy, and finds out more about CBT's Better Transport Week, taking place from 16th - 22nd June. https://www.passengertransport.co.uk/https://bettertransport.org.uk/

Leon Daniels talks to David Astill, the new chairman of of ALBUM, the Association of Local Bus Managers (and Managing Director of Nottingham City Transport), just after their successful annual conference in Nottingham. David shares some of his highlights from the conference, as well as discussing the impact of local elections on transport policy, the importance of local ownership and management in the bus industry and ALBUM's future under his stewardship, and with Alex Perry as policy advisor. 

Ahead of the organisation's conference on 12-14th May, Leon is joined by former ALBUM chair Bill Hiron MBE to discuss his extensive career in the bus industry, from his days at Thamesway and First Group to owning Stevensons of Essex. The conversation also explores the evolution of London's bus tendering system, Bill's view on the Buses Bill, and his seven-year chairmanship of The Association of Local Bus Managers (ALBUM), that supports the UK's municipally owned and independent SME bus sector. Plus, the pair celebrate the joy of The Bus Archive in Droitwich.

Leon speaks with Sophie Bancroft, HR Director at Network Rail, about her career so far - including various previous roles at Transport for London. The discussion also explores attitudes to rail reform, Sophie's love of the Metropolitan Line and running transport during the London 2012 Olympics - including the tactical use of fake road works! Listen out for nods to several other great transport industry leaders, some fun stories from throughout Sophie and Leon’s careers and a celebration of the London Transport Museum. 

On episode 102 of Lunch with Leon, Leon meets Shravan Joshi MBE, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee for the City of London, to discuss key transport priorities for the Square Mile, from the successful pedestrianisation of Bank Junction, to the evolution of the vibrant seven-day city ecosystem. The two transport leaders also discuss significant planned office developments in the Eastern cluster, the challenges of creating a sustainable, affordable transportation environment for a young workforce, and the importance of making London a destination of choice for SMEs to grow beyond IPO. 

For this episode we're taking to the water, as Leon catches up with Sean Collins, CEO of Thames Clippers. Twenty five years ago, Sean co-founded the now iconic riverboat service that has transformed London's river transport and carries 5.3 million passengers annually up and down the Thames. He chats with Leon about recent innovations such as the forthcoming electric ferry, Uber coming on board as a partner, future plans for expansion, celebrity passengers and much more! 

The Lunch with Leon podcast is back for 2025, and we’re kicking off the year with episode 100! To mark the occasion, we have secured a suitably impressive guest: Lord Peter Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE. Currently serving as Minister of State for Rail, Lord Hendy is one of the country’s foremost transport leaders and a passionate advocate for the industry, having previously served as Commissioner for Transport for London, and Chair of Network Rail throughout his fifty-year transport career. Leon catches with Lord Hendy to discuss his appointment in the Labour government, how the transport industry can provide an exciting job for life, and the future of heritage transport. 

Sharon Kindleysides, Christian Wolmar and Steve Gooding join Leon Daniels in person for their thoughts on the year

Almost four years after his first appearance on the Lunch with Leon podcast, Thomas Ableman is back! Leon catches up with Thomas - founder of transport and mobility consultancy Freewheeling - on his time at Transport for London as Director of Strategy and Innovation, and the pair take a deep dive into AI. It's poised to revolutionise the transport sector - but what do organisations need to do to adapt and handle this shift? 

It's not often that we have repeat guests on Lunch with Leon, but we've made an exception for the wonderful Emma Hignett - aka the voice of London Buses, The Elizabeth Line, Go North East and Go Yorkshire. Leon chats to Emma, a brilliant voiceover artist, about her unexpected career in transport, the impact of AI on the voiceover industry, some of the quirkier stops she's recorded in her 'bus voice' and more. Listen to the end for a bonus musical surprise!

An episode of two halves! With Leon due to assume the post of the Master of The Worshipful Company of Carmen (one of the oldest livery companies in London), he speaks to outgoing Master Carman David Pugsley about David’s past year in post. Then, we revisit highlights and hot takes from some of Leon’s favourite episodes of the podcast, featuring transport experts Steve Norris, Christian Wolmar, Simon Calder and Will Whitehorn.  Passenger Transport: www.passengertransport.co.uk

Leon is joined by broadcasters and transport enthusiasts Edward Adoo and Simon Lederman, who discuss when their love of buses and trains began, reminisce about the enduring appeal of the iconic London Transport roundel and contemplate the delicate balance between progress and heritage in the transport sector. Passenger Transport: www.passengertransport.co.uk 

A special episode of the show, with live speakers from the recent 120th anniversary of the Hong Kong Tramway, affectionately known by locals as the 'Ding Ding'. Leon also speaks with fellow event attendee Vicky Koo, Global chair of Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), about the work they are undertaking to help support the careers of women in the transport and logistics industry. Passenger Transport: www.passengertransport.co.uk 

The latest guest on the Lunch with Leon podcast is David Boden, Business Development Director, Stagecoach East and Chair of the CP Bus Alliance. Leon and David discuss their shared passion for putting customer needs at the centre of transport planning, strategies for effective bus and rail integration and the headache of road works on bus services. Plus, how do we tackle the growing epidemic of ‘geographical ignorance’ and its impact on public transport users today? Note - this episode was recorded before the UK General Election on 4th July 2024.  Passenger Transport: www.passengertransport.co.uk 

This week, Leon is joined by transport evangelist Paul Comfort and technology expert Simon Reed to discuss Paul’s latest book, The New Future of Public Transportation. Listen now for a deep dive into the hot topics in the transit industry as well as insights from the book featuring expertise from 30 transport leaders worldwide.Passenger Transport: www.passengertransport.co.uk Transit Unplugged podcast: https://transitunplugged.com/

UK General Election Special: With less than a month to go until polling day, Leon is joined by political consultant Stephen Bramall for a no-holds-barred conversation about how a new government could impact transport in the UK. Listen now to for a dive into the challenges of devolution, Stephen’s thoughts on how a shaken-up front bench might impact governance and whether transport will feature on campaign agendas. The two also discuss the political hot potato of road pricing and how changing travel habits and technologies could impact the face of transport in five years’ time. Passenger Transport: https://www.passengertransport.co.uk/ 

Jo Field, Founder of JFG Communications and President of Women in Transport sits down with Leon to discuss the challenges women face in advancing in transport, and what can be done to close the gender diversity gap.  Passenger Transport: https://www.passengertransport.co.uk/ Women in Transport: https://www.womenintransport.com/

LibDem London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon comes to Lunch with Leon and talks about the successes of the past and the opportunities for the future...

Former Senior Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell talks over lunch with Leon Daniels about her times as the most senior regulator for freight and passenger industries, and about what she has been busy doing since.

We travel into space with Will Whitehorn the former CEO of Virgin Galactic as we discuss how huge an effect the space industry does for transport in its widest sense. Will also reflects on his time with Virgin Group and as Deputy Chairman of Stagecoach and the incredible progress transport has made with technology

In this episode the Commercial Director for Trustd.net Siofra Neary talks to Leon Daniels about what modern technology can do to make sure the right person delivers the right goods to the right person using digital technology.

Six months into his role as Director Jason talks about the work of the Urban Transport Group and his hopes for this General Election year and beyond.

Dr Nick Reed is a world leading expert on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and the human factors involved in road safety

As President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Leon Daniels is bringing together safety experts from aviation, marine, rail and road/passenger. We have such to learn rom each other. These webcasts are seen by CILT members live in a webcast. Here now is the audio of the most recent presentation with Lilli Matson, Chief health, Safety and Environment Officer at Transport for London

Leon Daniels talks to Candice Mason, ahead of an important event at the House of Commons promoting Women in Bus & Coach as well as her experiences as running Masons Coach Hire and her own other entrepreneurial interests

Leon Daniels joins former TfL Commissioners Mike Brown, Lord Peter Hendy and other transport leaders at this event in Australia where we learn that we have so much in common; where joined-up transport infrastructure improvements are underway; and where there are huge opportunities.

Industry heavyweights Ian Forster and Ian Warr talk about their new venture. You can contact them at 07939 677530 or by email [email protected] and [email protected]

David Savage VP UK and Ireland for Geotab discusses with Leon Daniels the huge advantage that on-board data can bring to a transport business

This episode we meet the Chief Executive of Asset Alliance Group, a large commercial vehicle finance company. It was recorded before the Prime Minister's announcement regarding the 2030 transition to electric vehicles

Join Leon talking to Eloy's Damian Horton, a winner of the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund 150 competition which allowed this company to conduct some interesting research designed to improve the safety and convenience of some tricky motoring situations.