The latest episode of Greater Anglia‘s Life on Rails podcast explores how to run a train company, save electricity, and stargaze.

In the latest podcast, Norfolk astronomer Mark Thompson talks about why East Anglia is perfect for stargazing. Mark is a One Show and BBC Stargazing Live regular. A visit to Norwich Astronomical Society as a ten-year-old was the trigger for his interest in astronomy and science. Life on Rails hosts Juliette Maxam and Lucy Wright, from the Greater Anglia’s PR team, chat with Mark and recommend somewhere astronomy-related for him to visit on the company’s network.

An interview with Greater Anglia’s managing director, Jamie Burles, reveals what it’s like to run a big train company, and how bad he feels whenever there is disruption on the railway. Over the past few years, Jamie has driven improvements in performance, and the company now regularly achieves record-breaking punctuality.

Jamie has also overseen the replacement of every single train on the Greater Anglia network with new trains.

Network Rail’s head of communications for the Anglia region, Kate Snowden, talks about engineering works on the railway, why they are crucial for safety and performance, and factors determining when they are carried out.

Other slots on the podcast include an interview with the head of facilities management Mark Ellis, who describes how Greater Anglia is making stations more energy-efficient, and tips on travelling for less with the company’s fares guru, Ken Strong.

Juliette Maxam, Greater Anglia senior media and PR manager, said:

“In each episode of Life on Rails we try to show some of the fascinating behind-the-scenes work that goes on to make the railway in East Anglia run.

“Lucy and I are always interested in hearing people’s feedback and suggestions for future episodes. Please tweet us on @GreaterAngliaPR.”

The newest episode of Life on Rails is available on all the usual podcast platforms as well as www.greateranglia.co.uk/podcast from Wednesday, 25th May.