Parallel Lines

This episode sees Anna-Jane and Tony welcome Professor Brian Haddock to Parallel Lines for a discussion on how to run a railway during extreme weather, climate change and reducing budgets. With so much to discuss it's no surprise that this episode is a little longer than usual!

Anna-Jane Hunter and Tony Miles discuss mental health and well-being, with a particular emphasis on railways and the workplace, with Lucy Prior MBE from the Mental Wealth Company.

Tony and Anna-Jane are in Derby for the launch of The Greatest Gathering, talking to Alstom about staging the event, meeting the people who came up with the idea and worked to make it happen and encountering a few industry friends on the way. A chance to reminisce over some historic trains ends with a guided tour underneath a preserved electric unit.

Tony Miles and Anna-Jane Hunter investigate train refurbishment with Jenny Dempsey, Managing Director of Diamond Rail Services. With passenger rolling stock expected to last for something in the region of 30 years the interiors will have to cope with millions of passengers during their lifetime. From time to time this will mean a complete refresh of the passenger environment and Jenny explains what this entails.

An extra chat to mark International Women in Engineering Day as two top women in railway engineering talk to Anna-Jane and Tony about their careers and why the railway needs more engineers, especially women!

Anna-Jane Hunter and Tony Miles mark International Women in Engineering Day by talking to two women in railway engineering. Looking particularly at trains themselves, just what does it take to keep a fleet of trains operating, what are the challenges behind the scenes and why is it often more complicated than passengers think?

Tony and Anna-Jane are at the 2025 Women in Rail Awards, staying well into the early hours to get the reaction of some of the attendees at the end of a very successful, enjoyable and important evening.

Anna-Jane Hunter and Tony Miles discuss the state of the UK's railways in early 2025, progress with creating GBR, thoughts from the Secretary of State for Transport on resolving ongoing industrial unrest and much more. Thoughts also turn to Ireland and a positive feeling in the country about its rail network. Finally; is the Government in favour of Open Access train operators or not?

Anna-Jane and Tony reflect on the early impact of the new Government's plan for Britain's railways, train performance, punctuality and a host of other railway-related topics as 2024 draws to a close.

Anna-Jane and Tony turn to politics with their guest Olly Glover MP.Newly elected Liberal Democrat MP for Didcot and Wantage, Olly has spent all his working life on the railways, including time with Train Operating Companies and Network Rail. Since recording the podcast Olly has been chosen to serve on the cross-party Transport select committee.

Anna-Jane Hunter and Tony Miles are joined by the legendary railway journalist and industry commentator Roger Ford for a look at the next steps for rail in the UK and the challenges facing Great British Railways as the new Government's plans are developed.

Anna-Jane and Tony reflect on announcements following the General Election and consider some of the challenges that lie ahead for the new Government as it seeks to reform the railways.

Anna-Jane Hunter and Tony Miles talk to Jo Kaye - Chief Executive at the Railway Benefit Fund about its work and discuss railway operations and performance with Jo who was previously a network Rail Route MD and a Strategy and Capacity Planning Director.

Anna-Jane and Tony are on location at the annual sleepout for Railway Children. They discuss ownership of railways, privatisation, whether a return to a 'nationalised' railway is possible and what would be the challenges if it was attempted.

Anna-Jane Hunter and Tony Miles talk about railways in the UK, attempt to unravel a few mysteries and engage in some mythbusting along the way. This episode looks at working practices, how they developed over many years and the reasons why some things behind recent disputes aren't as simple as they might seem.

Anna-Jane Hunter and Tony Miles continue to discuss railways in the UK. This time they reflect on journeys and where things could probably be better.

Anna-Jane and Tony launch the series with a discussion about introducing new trains in the UK and talk to guest Robin Davis about the contentious matter of seats.