Thomas Ableman
@freewheeling.info
🚇 Was Strategy & Innovation Director Transport for London
🖊️ Freewheeling Blog / Podcast www.freewheeling.info/blog
SUBSTACK: Freewheeling Bitesize: https://freewheelingbitesize.substack.com/ & History of Europe in 75 Railway Journeys http://bit.ly/3EQNOPA
🖊️ Freewheeling Blog / Podcast www.freewheeling.info/blog
SUBSTACK: Freewheeling Bitesize: https://freewheelingbitesize.substack.com/ & History of Europe in 75 Railway Journeys http://bit.ly/3EQNOPA
Pinned
Thomas Ableman
@freewheeling.info
· May 4
Welcome to A HISTORY OF EUROPE IN 75 RAILWAY JOURNEYS
Riding the rails through 1,000 years of European history
open.substack.com
My happy place is the compartment of a European train, with a cup of coffee in one hand and a history book in the other.
Hence a Substack exploring European history based on my travels.
Each month the story of a different period through the prism of a ride.
open.substack.com/pub/historyo...
Hence a Substack exploring European history based on my travels.
Each month the story of a different period through the prism of a ride.
open.substack.com/pub/historyo...
One of my favourite podcast chats to date so far, with @tomforth.co.uk on the north-south divide.
Turns out reason for the North’s poor productivity isn’t a centralised political culture causing low transport, investment, it’s because they’re drunks...
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
Turns out reason for the North’s poor productivity isn’t a centralised political culture causing low transport, investment, it’s because they’re drunks...
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
www.freewheeling.info
November 13, 2025 at 8:44 PM
One of my favourite podcast chats to date so far, with @tomforth.co.uk on the north-south divide.
Turns out reason for the North’s poor productivity isn’t a centralised political culture causing low transport, investment, it’s because they’re drunks...
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
Turns out reason for the North’s poor productivity isn’t a centralised political culture causing low transport, investment, it’s because they’re drunks...
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
I did a podcast episode seemingly. About the North South divide and its interaction with transport. With @freewheeling.info. So what better way for me to listen to it for the first time than on a slow train back to Leeds from Rotherham. Which is what I'll do right now.
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
I did a podcast episode seemingly. About the North South divide and its interaction with transport. With @freewheeling.info. So what better way for me to listen to it for the first time than on a slow train back to Leeds from Rotherham. Which is what I'll do right now.
One of the strange things about the No10 briefing story is that when we want to know who’s done something, we look to journalists to dig and find the answer.
But in this case, the journalists know exactly who did the briefing, because they were briefed. So who is digging to find the answer?
But in this case, the journalists know exactly who did the briefing, because they were briefed. So who is digging to find the answer?
November 13, 2025 at 8:40 PM
One of the strange things about the No10 briefing story is that when we want to know who’s done something, we look to journalists to dig and find the answer.
But in this case, the journalists know exactly who did the briefing, because they were briefed. So who is digging to find the answer?
But in this case, the journalists know exactly who did the briefing, because they were briefed. So who is digging to find the answer?
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
A little excerpt from last week's @freewheeling.info podcast - full link here: www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
November 13, 2025 at 11:31 AM
A little excerpt from last week's @freewheeling.info podcast - full link here: www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
Why does the North underperform the South?
It's because northerners are drunks.
Or stupid.
Or stupid drunks.
Believe it or not, these are actual theories.
In academic papers.
That Tom Forth has read.
But they're wrong.
It's transport & centralisation.
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
It's because northerners are drunks.
Or stupid.
Or stupid drunks.
Believe it or not, these are actual theories.
In academic papers.
That Tom Forth has read.
But they're wrong.
It's transport & centralisation.
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
The North-South Divide with Tom Forth — Freewheeling
Data City Founder Tom Forth has been told some extraordinary reasons why the North underperforms the South. Including that it’s down to Northerners being stupid. Or drunk. He’s even read academic...
www.freewheeling.info
November 13, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Why does the North underperform the South?
It's because northerners are drunks.
Or stupid.
Or stupid drunks.
Believe it or not, these are actual theories.
In academic papers.
That Tom Forth has read.
But they're wrong.
It's transport & centralisation.
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
It's because northerners are drunks.
Or stupid.
Or stupid drunks.
Believe it or not, these are actual theories.
In academic papers.
That Tom Forth has read.
But they're wrong.
It's transport & centralisation.
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
It’s both that less than 18 months in Downing Street are effectively saying they have lost confidence of colleagues, while briefing against a cabinet minister responsible for the area their voters really care about (which just looks to public like more of last years of Tories)
November 12, 2025 at 7:35 AM
It’s both that less than 18 months in Downing Street are effectively saying they have lost confidence of colleagues, while briefing against a cabinet minister responsible for the area their voters really care about (which just looks to public like more of last years of Tories)
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
Conservative Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston tells GB News that the BBC should "grovel" to Trump.
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
November 11, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Conservative Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston tells GB News that the BBC should "grovel" to Trump.
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
I do not understand the Labour government's reticence over defending the BBC and social media regulation. Their long-term survival basically depends on it. Their cowardice in the face of it may be the single thing they are most remembered for.
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
BBC faces ‘existential’ threat after exit of top executives
Broadcaster’s deepest crisis in recent history comes amid fresh questions over its future role in British society
on.ft.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:35 AM
I do not understand the Labour government's reticence over defending the BBC and social media regulation. Their long-term survival basically depends on it. Their cowardice in the face of it may be the single thing they are most remembered for.
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
A single shared source of truth is essential for a functioning democracy.
Without it you’re left with fragmentation, polarisation and a perpetual culture war where the discourse focuses on what divides us rather than what we have in common.
My column from last week: www.ft.com/content/5060...
Without it you’re left with fragmentation, polarisation and a perpetual culture war where the discourse focuses on what divides us rather than what we have in common.
My column from last week: www.ft.com/content/5060...
Why American-style polarisation is spreading across the west
New research shows how incentives in the modern media ecosystem help explain rising division and negativity
www.ft.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
A single shared source of truth is essential for a functioning democracy.
Without it you’re left with fragmentation, polarisation and a perpetual culture war where the discourse focuses on what divides us rather than what we have in common.
My column from last week: www.ft.com/content/5060...
Without it you’re left with fragmentation, polarisation and a perpetual culture war where the discourse focuses on what divides us rather than what we have in common.
My column from last week: www.ft.com/content/5060...
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
Panorama made mistakes but this ‘scandal’ is the work of populists trying to control the airwaves. They won’t rest
✏️ @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social
✏️ @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social
The malign right can't be allowed to destroy the BBC
Panorama made mistakes but this ‘scandal’ is the work of populists trying to control the airwaves. They won’t rest
www.thenewworld.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Panorama made mistakes but this ‘scandal’ is the work of populists trying to control the airwaves. They won’t rest
✏️ @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social
✏️ @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
Should Gibb be sacked? yes, obviously. He's an abomination of basic journalistic standards. His GB News channel spreads conspiracy theory & disinformation. His Jewish Chronicle newspaper spreads invented stories. He is plainly trying to undermine the BBC so it's as bad as everything else he touches.
November 10, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Should Gibb be sacked? yes, obviously. He's an abomination of basic journalistic standards. His GB News channel spreads conspiracy theory & disinformation. His Jewish Chronicle newspaper spreads invented stories. He is plainly trying to undermine the BBC so it's as bad as everything else he touches.
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
Maybe Keir should demand the heads of major US news networks any time they imply Britain is on the brink of civil war or that we live under sharia law. Or does it not work both ways?
November 10, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Maybe Keir should demand the heads of major US news networks any time they imply Britain is on the brink of civil war or that we live under sharia law. Or does it not work both ways?
Transport integration really matters but what exactly does it mean? That's what I get into in today's blog post: www.freewheeling.info/blog/what-do...
What Does “Integration” Mean? - Part One — Freewheeling
We all know that “integrated” transport is important, but what exactly is it? How do we define good integration and how do we know when we’ve got it?
www.freewheeling.info
November 10, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Transport integration really matters but what exactly does it mean? That's what I get into in today's blog post: www.freewheeling.info/blog/what-do...
Thanks so much for coming on, @noeldolphin.bsky.social!
Was a great conversation about why we need a rolling electrification program for this country.
If you are in the smallest doubt, take a listen.
Was a great conversation about why we need a rolling electrification program for this country.
If you are in the smallest doubt, take a listen.
Huge thanks to @freewheeling.info who allowed me, this week, to go through the "Sparks Effect", HM Treasury and how we run the railway, on the Freewheeling Podcast. www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
Feast-Famine Electrification with Noel Dolphin — Freewheeling
Why does electrification in the UK cost so much more than in the rest of Europe? And why does it always seem to go wrong? In today’s episode I talk to Managing Director (UK) of Furrer+Frey, the lead...
www.freewheeling.info
November 6, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Thanks so much for coming on, @noeldolphin.bsky.social!
Was a great conversation about why we need a rolling electrification program for this country.
If you are in the smallest doubt, take a listen.
Was a great conversation about why we need a rolling electrification program for this country.
If you are in the smallest doubt, take a listen.
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
Huge thanks to @freewheeling.info who allowed me, this week, to go through the "Sparks Effect", HM Treasury and how we run the railway, on the Freewheeling Podcast. www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
Feast-Famine Electrification with Noel Dolphin — Freewheeling
Why does electrification in the UK cost so much more than in the rest of Europe? And why does it always seem to go wrong? In today’s episode I talk to Managing Director (UK) of Furrer+Frey, the lead...
www.freewheeling.info
November 6, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Huge thanks to @freewheeling.info who allowed me, this week, to go through the "Sparks Effect", HM Treasury and how we run the railway, on the Freewheeling Podcast. www.freewheeling.info/the-freewhee...
What is happening to our country?
I’ve just listened to the start of the PM programme on BBC Radio 4.
Evan Davis opened with the story of the early release of “an Algerian” from prison.
The story is about the release of “a sex offender”; he was not in prison for being north African.
I’ve just listened to the start of the PM programme on BBC Radio 4.
Evan Davis opened with the story of the early release of “an Algerian” from prison.
The story is about the release of “a sex offender”; he was not in prison for being north African.
November 6, 2025 at 5:35 PM
What is happening to our country?
I’ve just listened to the start of the PM programme on BBC Radio 4.
Evan Davis opened with the story of the early release of “an Algerian” from prison.
The story is about the release of “a sex offender”; he was not in prison for being north African.
I’ve just listened to the start of the PM programme on BBC Radio 4.
Evan Davis opened with the story of the early release of “an Algerian” from prison.
The story is about the release of “a sex offender”; he was not in prison for being north African.
This is the right thing to do for so many reasons: fiscal, environmental, transport, social.
Real shame the Lib Dems have reacted with such unprincipled opportunism. They must know it’s the right thing to do, eh @ollyglover.bsky.social
www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
Real shame the Lib Dems have reacted with such unprincipled opportunism. They must know it’s the right thing to do, eh @ollyglover.bsky.social
www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
EV drivers could face new pay per mile tax in Budget - BBC News
The BBC understands there have been "conversations" within government about the possibility of a new levy on EVs.
www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:26 PM
This is the right thing to do for so many reasons: fiscal, environmental, transport, social.
Real shame the Lib Dems have reacted with such unprincipled opportunism. They must know it’s the right thing to do, eh @ollyglover.bsky.social
www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
Real shame the Lib Dems have reacted with such unprincipled opportunism. They must know it’s the right thing to do, eh @ollyglover.bsky.social
www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
Have just seen this great little article on German trams by @robertkwolek.bsky.social of @createstreets.bsky.social
www.createstreets.com/the-country-...
www.createstreets.com/the-country-...
The Country That Never Tore Up Its Tracks - Create Streets
By Robert Kwolek Germany may be the land of Autobahns and Audis, but its true urban workhorse is the Straßenbahn, or ‘street […]
www.createstreets.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Have just seen this great little article on German trams by @robertkwolek.bsky.social of @createstreets.bsky.social
www.createstreets.com/the-country-...
www.createstreets.com/the-country-...
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
I like this from @freewheeling.info. rather than make fares simple, make them do the hard bit for you...
Train fares are a nightmare, but the main issues are the apparent arbitrariness, the amount of cognitive effort required by the user and a genuine fear of fines.
These are the problems to solve, but it’s not exactly the same as complexity.
www.freewheeling.info/blog/complex...
These are the problems to solve, but it’s not exactly the same as complexity.
www.freewheeling.info/blog/complex...
Complexity isn’t the issue with train fares — Freewheeling
There is a consensus that rail fares are too complex. There is a lot of truth to this but it’s nuanced. It’s very important we understand this nuance otherwise we’re in danger of fixing the wrong th...
www.freewheeling.info
November 4, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I like this from @freewheeling.info. rather than make fares simple, make them do the hard bit for you...
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
I’m sure Matt Goodwin will be along shortly to tell us all whether LNER Customer Service Host Samir Zitouni counts as British or not. news.sky.com/story/train-...
Train company LNER 'extremely proud' of rail worker in critical condition after mass stabbing as family call him 'hero'
The "extraordinary bravery" of the LNER worker who intervened during the train mass stabbing attack on Saturday has been hailed by his company.
news.sky.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:59 AM
I’m sure Matt Goodwin will be along shortly to tell us all whether LNER Customer Service Host Samir Zitouni counts as British or not. news.sky.com/story/train-...
Train fares are a nightmare, but the main issues are the apparent arbitrariness, the amount of cognitive effort required by the user and a genuine fear of fines.
These are the problems to solve, but it’s not exactly the same as complexity.
www.freewheeling.info/blog/complex...
These are the problems to solve, but it’s not exactly the same as complexity.
www.freewheeling.info/blog/complex...
Complexity isn’t the issue with train fares — Freewheeling
There is a consensus that rail fares are too complex. There is a lot of truth to this but it’s nuanced. It’s very important we understand this nuance otherwise we’re in danger of fixing the wrong th...
www.freewheeling.info
November 4, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Train fares are a nightmare, but the main issues are the apparent arbitrariness, the amount of cognitive effort required by the user and a genuine fear of fines.
These are the problems to solve, but it’s not exactly the same as complexity.
www.freewheeling.info/blog/complex...
These are the problems to solve, but it’s not exactly the same as complexity.
www.freewheeling.info/blog/complex...
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
I've written a couple of things over the last days about how the government and much of Westminster remaining on X as the platform becomes increasingly toxic is having consequences for our politics...
Our politics is increasingly normalised to racism – because politicians are addicted to X
The platform has quietly dragged British politics into a dark place
inews.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 7:38 PM
I've written a couple of things over the last days about how the government and much of Westminster remaining on X as the platform becomes increasingly toxic is having consequences for our politics...
𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁.
Today’s episode is a masterclass in the art of transport changemaking: the focus on experimentation, clear strategy and the need for urgency.
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewheeling-podcast/filip-watteeuw
Today’s episode is a masterclass in the art of transport changemaking: the focus on experimentation, clear strategy and the need for urgency.
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewheeling-podcast/filip-watteeuw
The Great Ghent Renaissance with Filip Watteeuw — Freewheeling
𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁, and the Alderman responsible for transport and mobility policy. Today’s episode is a masterclass in the art of transport changemaking: the ...
www.freewheeling.info
October 23, 2025 at 8:16 AM
𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁.
Today’s episode is a masterclass in the art of transport changemaking: the focus on experimentation, clear strategy and the need for urgency.
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewheeling-podcast/filip-watteeuw
Today’s episode is a masterclass in the art of transport changemaking: the focus on experimentation, clear strategy and the need for urgency.
www.freewheeling.info/the-freewheeling-podcast/filip-watteeuw
Reposted by Thomas Ableman
Rail: taxpayer subsidy of £400 per second to keep UK trains running looks unsustainably high.
Some fresh ideas from @freewheeling.info to entice new passengers and boost revenue.
Reserved seats on any train.
More first class.
Simpler railcards to drive loyalty.
www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-...
Some fresh ideas from @freewheeling.info to entice new passengers and boost revenue.
Reserved seats on any train.
More first class.
Simpler railcards to drive loyalty.
www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-...
How to fix Britain’s trains: Expert calls for more railcards and first-class
Train Talk: Thomas Ableman believes some passengers will gladly pay more for superior service
www.independent.co.uk
October 21, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Rail: taxpayer subsidy of £400 per second to keep UK trains running looks unsustainably high.
Some fresh ideas from @freewheeling.info to entice new passengers and boost revenue.
Reserved seats on any train.
More first class.
Simpler railcards to drive loyalty.
www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-...
Some fresh ideas from @freewheeling.info to entice new passengers and boost revenue.
Reserved seats on any train.
More first class.
Simpler railcards to drive loyalty.
www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-...