This interview is one of the best ever., The likes of Peter Rayner and Chris Green were also of the same ilk. Railwaymen who can lead from the front but also have the humility to get their hands dirty and respect them for being able to do so. The sign of a good boss.

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Thanks and yes, I agree - I worked very closely with Chris Green when we were both at Virgin Trains and he was exactly as you describe.

A extraordinary interview, indeed. A Railwayman and a manager who knows how to manage- we need more like him.

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Could not agree more Mervyn. Spot on.

Once you meet, and work with this man, you realise what a great man he is for making transport systems work. Remember when he would get off the train to work and stand with those on ticket barriers and dealing with passengers giving flack to the barrier staff 👍

@GreenSignals

Күн бұрын

Yep - an outstanding individual.

Inspirational. Both as an interview - thank you Richard, brilliant! - and as an example of a life well lived. A superb career path, yet Andy is always at the same time deflecting the praise to his team, and, unfashionably but welcome, hints acknowledgement of a higher power.

@91Durktheturk

6 күн бұрын

Inspirational indeed, and very welcome hints about God's plan in life also.

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Thanks Julian. Really kind feedback. Glad you enjoyed it!

Mr B sure knows his way around a railway. Excellent interview and a very, very capable man.

@GreenSignals

4 күн бұрын

Completely agree - would be wonderful to see back in the UK at some point.....!

Wow, what a great interview right there. If there was anyone who was going to provide so many amazing stories, it was always going to be Andy, and my word, did he not disappoint. You just have to appreciate just how down to earth, straight talking and honest he is about everything he's done over his many, many appointments. Quite a shame that he plans end his career at Amtrak, since I'm sure he could do many wonders here with the national network, but after accomplishing so much, who can honestly blame him. Amtrak are so, so lucky to have him on their team, and to echo what you said, if anyone is going to get Texas HSR done, it will be him. Really enjoyed the interview - 95 minutes well spent :)

I met Andy when he was at Southern and I was always left with a memory that someone at the top actually had time to speak to a 'normal' employee, and this interview has shown that my experience wasn't a singular one. 👍 Also, I'm always saddened in a way when listening to interviews like this (and I know it has been simplified, and this is in no way taking anything away from Andys genius), but so often words like 'sorting out the basics', 'putting the passenger/customer first' and 'treating employees with respect' form the basis of some amazing turnaround stories. These things should be taken as a given rather than something that 'needs to be done', like it is some amazing secret known only to a gifted few! I hope that comment has been taken in the way that I mean it. Anyhow, another superb episode and an amazing story of Andys career so far.

Superb interview, what a guy Andy is, I respect any leader who equally respects those on the front line, sadly so rare these days. If it I was Louise Haigh I would be speaking to Andy to pursued him to head up GBR and fix our railway

@GreenSignals

Күн бұрын

He is a terrific guy indeed.

Fascinating and often inspirational. Brought a lot of memories of my time at LT/TfL - and the focus that was driven towards making customer satisfaction 'king' - as well as mentioning some names that still resonate! Thank you both - and regards to you Andy if you read this! Mike Ashworth

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Thanks! I must admit we had some fun taking a trip down memory lane both on and off camera! So many great names that do indeed still resonate.

So inspirational, Richard, and expertly interviewed too! Clearly a driven man with excellent man management skills and an amazing clarity of vision, but so down to earth too. That ninety odd minutes flew by. Thanks to you and the team for bringing us this fascinating content. Cheers, Rob

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Rob - it absolutely did fly by! Thanks for the feedback - glad you enjoyed it.

A great and inspiring interview. One of the greats!

@GreenSignals

Күн бұрын

He is indeed. Thanks Adrian - glad you enjoyed it.

Really fantastic interview, one of the most interesting Ive listened to in years. Well done Green Signals! We really need him for UK HS!

@GreenSignals

Күн бұрын

Thanks Allan. He was brilliant wasn't he?!

I seriously enjoyed this interview, and Andy’s career progression is really impressive, thanks for another great interview. All the best, Timmo

@GreenSignals

Күн бұрын

Cheers. It was such fun to do!

Andy is amazing and achieved so much - what a wonderful career thus far. Goodluck with Amtrak and fairplay if you ever do decide to come back to the UK, as Richard says there’s plenty of problems to be sorted! Thank you so much for the interview. Fantastic interview - truly compelling.

@GreenSignals

Күн бұрын

Thanks - how good was he! Amazing, and glad you enjoyed it.

Wow! What a phenomenal interview

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Cheers - glad you enjoyed it!

Great interview; amazing story. There are many who are opposed to the idea of HSR in Texas, and not just the rural areas. Funding generally, (and especially for HS) may well become a major problem for Amtrak after November '24. If anyone can pull it off, Andy can ...

@GreenSignals

Күн бұрын

Yep, If anyone can - he can.....

What a great railwayman, understanding the need to develop a wide knowledge base and then supporting those on the front line. What I look away from this, was the huge danger politicians can so easily inflict on the organisations they’re responsible for.

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Indeed Gordon. Politicians who set clear targets and parameters, then empower and support are wonderful (and they do exist!). But those who interfere in things they don't understand because they feel the urge to be seen to be doing something, even if well intentioned, can be a total menace.

@gordondudman240

4 күн бұрын

@@GreenSignals My favourite story is that the Train Service spec on a cornish branchline was by all accounts 'settled' by Alistair Darling consulting the NRT (referred to by him as the 'Bradshaw'). It was, of course, taken without the knowedge that it was a single line and wouldn't work!

Fascinating stuff. A riveting interview, and a story made all the more amazing by the way Andy remembers all the details. I’m not sure he is yet feeling the irresistible pull of Derby, but I for one would have no hesitation in choosing it over Florida, were I to be asked.

@GreenSignals

Күн бұрын

Derby? Florida? Brilliant. Personally, I love them both!

A phenominal interview - really enjoyable. I love Andy's philosophy of "leading from the front". There are some great people out there in the rail industry who do some amazing things already, but we definitely need more "leading from the front"!

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Thanks Brian! Leading from the front a la Andy, Chris Green and Christopher Garnett to name but 3 is always a recipe for success - as long as you know what you are doing of course which all three of the above do.

Enjoyed every minute - week done

@johnarnold7870

5 күн бұрын

Well done I mean

@GreenSignals

Күн бұрын

Thanks John. So glad you enjoyed it.

Thanks!

@GreenSignals

4 күн бұрын

Thanks Bob. Much appreciated!

A great interview. We have travelled over most routes on Amtrak so a great job to have and look forward to riding on any new high speed lines one day. And yes its been a bit grey here at the moment near Croydon .

@GreenSignals

Күн бұрын

You are very well travelled in which case! Glad you enjoyed the interview.

Your interview with Andy Byford is and should be truly inspirational for all councils and transport authorities around the world, not least in the North of England. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority in particular is moribund and in desperate need of a "Transport Mummy" like Andy Byford. The WYCA currently shares a transport leader with other regions of the North, this is a totally unsatisfactory arrangement. It needs its own transport commissioner like Andy Byford to kick start the construction of the promised rapid transit system to match London, i.e., the DLR The current transport CO, Henri Murchison is a genuinely honest individual, however, his responsibilities are fragmented. In all fairness, Henri cannot properly address such a disparate range of responsibilities. This situation needs to change forthwith and the incoming Labour Government would be well advised to create separate Transport Commissioners for each of the Northern Regions with individual terms of reference to match the Greater London Authority. West Yorkshire is years behind the rest of the country with urban public transport. The only way for it to catch up is to have a dedicated transport leader like Andy to kick-start the rapid transit project to match other countries, e.g., the Vancouver Sky Train. West Yorkshire may not be as large as Toronto, or as complex as New York and London, but it desperately needs a dedicated transport leader to match Toronto, New York and London.

@clivebroadhead4381

5 күн бұрын

The Mayor of London doesn't manage transport on his own he has a Transport Commissioner Andy Lord to support his transport priorities. Someone like Tim Wood should be appointed by Labour as the Transport Commissioner for West Yorkshire. The current CO of Transport for the North is serving too many masters and is absolutely ineffective, compared to the Transport Commissioner of London, Andy Lord.

Great interview . Thoroughly enjoyed it . What a great guy , the sort of leader we need !

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Yes, absolutely agree.

It's a long time since I've eagerly awaited a podcast or KZread video release. And this still exceeded expectations. Great interview of a great interviewee. Thank you.

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Thanks Joe! That's praise indeed. So glad you enjoyed it. Cheers. Richard

The standard time doing the Supervisor placement for a Grad Trainee was 6 weeks, i got stuck for 5 months at Finsbury Park. THAT was the deep end. And there was no job as a PA waiting at the end of it except for the "favoured few."

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Hi Mark. I can't speak for anyone else of course but I was on the graduate finance scheme at exactly the same time and I had to apply for every job I did including the PA job I did for David Bailey, Development Director. It wasn't called PA but that's pretty much what it was. There were no 'favoured few' and it was all jolly competitive. Prior to that I was Line Accountant for the Central Line on a 6 month placement based at Oxo and that too was pretty deep end stuff. Certainly a far, far cry from the Boardrooms of 55 Broadway and quite the eye opener!

An excellent interview. Thank you. I hope Andy has the chance to sort out the many problems Amtrak faces, both operationally and financially. Good luck.

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Thanks! Yes, knowing Andy he will get stuck in on the high speed rail program given half the chance and deliver something vitally important.

A fantastic interview and great reminders by Andy....it's about getting the basics right 👍 Note to self!

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Yep, basics often overlooked as being mundane - but they are so important!

I've been expecting this. Eagerly.

@GreenSignals

6 күн бұрын

We couldn't wait to share this one! Hope you enjoy it.

@mrcogginsgarage7062

6 күн бұрын

Having had an extended lunch to watch this,I have to say Richard that's a cracking interview congratulations.

What a wonderful interview. It's interesting how your backgrounds are so similar. Andy is clearly an inspirational leader with immense achievements under his belt. It would be great if he was back in the UK helping the Mayor, Tracy Brabin, to get the, small by his standards, the West Yorkshire off the line! In lieu of this perhaps he can advise a suitable candidate?

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Thanks Clive. Glad you enjoyed it.

Absolutely amazing interview. Thank you.

@GreenSignals

6 күн бұрын

Thanks John, really pleased you enjoyed it.

Another excellent interview .

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it!

Brilliant!

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

Good god I miss Byford in London

@GreenSignals

6 күн бұрын

I'm sure that's a sentiment shared by lots of people!

@longbranchmike7846

6 күн бұрын

We miss him in Toronto too! He needs to be the first person cloned.

@GreenSignals

6 күн бұрын

Now there's a thought!

@stephensaines7100

6 күн бұрын

@@longbranchmike7846 I was about to post same, Mike. It's 'synchronicity' that Byford used the term 'serendipity' with Rick Leary's resignation as TTC CEO effective end of Summer.

Andy is an outstanding, well respected transportation leader.

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Totally agree.

Martin Tugwell is doing a good job as Transport North CO, but he needs to be dedicated to the Greater Manchester Region with the current deputy CO, Tim Wood needs to be dedicated to West Yorkshire with terms of reference to match the Transport Commissioner for Greater London Authority, Andy Lord.

If everyone in the south commuted by car how much this would cost in terms of accidents? A classic case of the north south divide is the enthusiasm for removing hard shoulders on the motorways to increase road usage at minimum cost, e.g., on the M1 near Sheffield.

I believe Tim Wood be a suitable Transport Commissioner for West Yorkshire to match Andy Lord the current Transport Commissioner for the Greater London Authority?

Looking for listen to this gentleman from “the Ute guy”

@GreenSignals

6 күн бұрын

Brilliant. Hope you enjoy Stephen.

...[metro]...

Why has he had so many jobs? Legit question? Fixes things and moves on, or bankrupts things and moves on? Legit question, not trying to be harsh...

@GreenSignals

5 күн бұрын

Very much 'fixes things and moves on', and as Andy says, it's never about how long you are in a role, it's what you do when you are there.

@macstar2010

5 күн бұрын

Fair dues. Thanks for the reply.