Wheel Talk: Navigating the Future of Bay Area Transit
Join Dan Lieberman and Randol White as they explore how transit agencies are working to solve public transportation challenges, improve the rider experience, and build a more connected future.. Each Wheel Talk episode features insightful conversations about navigating travel — whether on foot, by bicycle, SamTrans bus, Caltrain commuter rail, or car. Listen to in-depth interviews with transit experts, agency leaders, planners, and community advocates who share transparent insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping Bay Area mobility. Also, once a month, check out Hop Off Here — Wheel Talk’s special series on food, festivals, and fun. From taco trucks to music festivals, we’ll help you discover the flavors, celebrations, and hidden delights waiting just beyond your stop. Think of it as your rider’s guide to making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Whether you’re a daily transit rider, transportation planner, or interested in sustainable, inclusive transportation solutions, Wheel Talk delivers strategic perspectives on the public transit systems that keep the Bay Area connected and moving forward. Subscribe to Wheel Talk to stay informed about the latest developments in Bay Area public transit and regional transportation planning. And don't forget to rate us on your favorite streaming device!
Episodes
Hop Off Here: Your ticket to exploring the Bay Area.
Our first stop is on the Coastside to explore Quarry Park in El Granada near Half Moon Bay. This San Mateo County Parks gem offers trails and coastal views. Best of all, SamTrans Ride Plus can take you there with free transfers from routes 117 and 294.
Ranger Tommy Hart shares his insights for exploring this activity-packed destination.
Sports & Con...
Wheel Talk Podcast Guests (in order of appearance):
- Cassie Halls, SamTrans Major Corridors Manager
- Patrick Gilster, San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) Director of Planning and Fund Management
- Megan Wooley-Ousdahl, South San Francisco Deputy City Manager
- Jacob (Jake) Buffenbarger, Caltrans System Planning Branch Chief: Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties
- Mitch Postel, San Mateo County Histori...
Wheel Talk Guests (in order of appearance):
- Andy Metz, AC Transit Regional Plans Principal Planner
- Millie Tolleson, SamTrans Director of Planning
- Ted Burgwyn, Caltrain Director of Rail Network and Operations Planning
- Adina Levin, Seamless Bay Area Executive Director
The Big Sync: How SamTrans Is Teaming Up to Improve Transit Transfers on the Peninsula
SamTrans is partnering with other Bay Area transit agencie...
The first hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) to serve public transit customers along the peninsula are now in service, with many more on the way in the weeks, months and years to come.
The San Mateo County Transit District, or SamTrans, recently placed an order for 108 additional hydrogen busses, marking the largest order of its kind in North America to date.
The move toward hydrogen at Sam trans is symbolic of...
SamTrans' Director of Real Estate and Property Development, Brian Fitzpatrick, offers insight into the District's land use over the years along with Caltrain's new transit-oriented development policy (or as we loving call it, "Tod") and what it means for the agency's future.
SamTrans Director of Bus Maintenance Dave Harbour explains what it takes to be a SamTrans bus. We talk about buying new buses and retiring the old, Wi-Fi implementation, the future of SamTrans' electrified fleet and what it takes to keep over 300 buses in working order.
We continue our conversation about Caltrain's maintenance operations and future improvements coming with electrification from a high level perspective with Chief Operating Officer, Michelle Bouchard.
Get the scoop on Caltrain’s day-to-day maintenance operations. With electrified service on the horizon and the ever-present challenges of an aging fleet, this month's episode offers insight into the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our trains moving, the state of the railroad and the exciting future ahead with new electric trains.
SamTrans Director of Planning, Christy Wegener, talks about the agency's recently launched Express Bus Route FCX operating between Foster City and San Francisco. We dive into the US-101 Express Bus Feasibility Study, what we're learning about the new route and travel patterns, as well as the future of express bus service in San Mateo County.
SamTrans Board Director Peter Ratto talks about the impact of Measure W, a voter-approved San Mateo County 1/2 cent transportation sales tax that passed in November, 2018 and went into effect July 1, 2019.
We kick off this series with a focus on rail safety and infrastructure. Rob Scarpino, Caltrain's Deputy Director of Rail Infrastructure, talks about the agency's efforts to improve its crossings to keep people safe. Nancy Sheehan of California's Operation Lifesaver closes the hour with a conversation around rail safety awareness. Join us for some Wheel Talk!
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