Opinions » Interviews
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Published: February 2009
A useful tool in the progress of rail
Anthony Smith - Chief executive at Passenger Focus
The eagerly scanned National Passenger Satisfaction Survey, which lists customer opinions on rail facilities, has become a guiding force in the industry. Anthony Smith, chief executive of its creator Passenger Focus, told Paul Whiting why its findings are valid only if they lead to positive change. Read full
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Published: January 2009
‘Untapped talent’ that found its way
Colin Walton - Chairman and chief country representative in the UK and Ireland at Bombardier Transportation
Becoming a railway engineering apprentice instead of going ‘down the pit’ shaped the remarkable career of Colin Walton, now chief country representative of the UK’s only train builder, Bombardier Transportation. He talked to Paul Whiting about his passionate belief in giving young people the basic skills to become the talented engineers of tomorrow. Read full
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Published: December 2008
Where there’s a want, there’s a way
Andy Hamilton - Managing Director at Wrexham & Shropshire
Heading up a ‘new kid on the block’ train company means being adaptable, resourceful and very hands on – as Andy Hamilton, MD of Wrexham & Shropshire, can confirm. He talked to Rhodri Clark about how the fledgling company overcame the start-up stumbling blocks to build a much-needed service. Read full
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Published: November 2008
VHF – let’s hit the ground running
Chris Gibb - Chief operating officer at Virgin Rail Group
In just six weeks’ time Virgin Trains launches its much-vaunted VHF services on the West Coast main line between London, Birmingham and Manchester. Chris Gibb, chief operating officer, Virgin Rail Group, talked to Paul Whiting about his hopes, and fears, as the deadline approaches. Read full
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Published: September 2008
Making good and making history
Elaine Holt - Managing director at First Capital Connect
AFTER two and a half hectic years merging two very different routes into one railway company, Elaine Holt is facing the most exciting time of her career. The First Capital Connect MD talked to Paul Whiting about the vital part FCC will play in the £5.5 billion Thameslink Programme. Read full