Talking Transport

Episode 6 - Keeping Older Londoners Moving with John McGeachy, Age UK London

In this episode of Talking Transport, we sit down with John McGeachy, Campaigns Manager for Age UK London to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities older people face when travelling across the capital. As London’s population ages, ensuring our transport network remains accessible, affordable, and inclusive is more important than ever. From protecting the vital Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster photocard to tackling the growing issue of digital exclusion in ticketing, we take a deep dive into the campaigns aimed at keeping older Londoners active and connected. We cover: 🛡️ Protecting Concessions: Why the Freedom Pass is a lifeline for social inclusion. 📱 The Digital Divide: Ensuring those who aren't online aren't left behind by "digital-first" transport services. 🚶 Age-Friendly Streets: What makes a journey comfortable, from public toilets to seating and step-free access. 🤝 Travel Mentoring: How Transport for London's Travel Mentoring service helps build confidence for independent travel.  Whether you're interested in transport policy or finding out how to make a fairer network for all ages, this is a must-listen conversation.

Episode 5 - Talking Transport Focus with Alex Campbell

This time we're joined by Alex Campbell from our sister watchdog Transport Focus. Alex joined the organisation a year ago having spent much of his working life in energy and tech. Now at Transport Focus, he heads up the Policy and Insight team driving forward major pieces of research and managing some of the largest transport surveys in the country. Alex also lays some of the big opportunities ahead with the creation of the much anticipated Great British Railways which will include a new rail watchdog with enhanced regulatory and enforcement powers. There's a lot to digest in such a short space of time but thankfully Alex makes everything approachable and engaging. So if you're not a transport nerd, don't worry - industry jargon doesn't get a look in!

Episode 4 - Appealing to London TravelWatch

Senior Casework Officer at London TravelWatch - Mags Croucher - steps into the hotseat this time around to discuss her life and career handling passenger complaints and fighting on behalf of those who travel in and around London. Mags runs through her early career and role at London's transport watchdog including  how she manages to persuade TfL and the rail operators to provide a better outcome to their complaints despite having no legal powers to do so. She also explains the complex nature of working in the casework team and how despite the challenging cases, the lovely words of thanks she receives from passengers gives her the hope and encouragement to continue to fight on their behalf. It's a cracking listen - we hope you enjoy it!

Episode 3 - Personal Security with Siwan Hayward, Transport for London

In episode 3 we chat with Transport for London's Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement Siwan Hayward about all things personal security and what TfL is doing to improve the safety of people travelling on its network. We discuss some of the collaborative campaigns our two organisations have worked on including encouraging active bystander behaviour, London TravelWatch's research into violence against women and girls on transport and efforts to make reporting of sexual harassment and hate crime easier. Siwan discusses TfL's latest efforts to refresh the active bystander campaign and how the newly created taskforce will help drive change through the collective effort of the numerous stakeholders involved.

Episode 2 - Talking Buses with Claire Walters, Bus Users UK

In this episode, we sit down with Claire Walters, CEO of Bus Users UK - the body representing bus passengers across Great Britain outside of London. Claire walks us through 13 years running Bus Users including what's improved for buses, what's remained static and where, unfortunately, things are going backward. We also hear suggestions of how things can improve (funding's certainly one!) and how operators outside of the capital can learn from London and the TfL model as well as what it can learn from some of the innovations happening across the rest of the country. Finally, we hear Claire's plans for the future following her announcement that she is to retire later in the year and why Bus Users is in the safest possible hands in the future.