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, seasonally, 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
13 episodes
Hop Off Here: Spring hiking by transit, SamTrans getaways, and Caltrain's Destination Downtown
Hop Off Here — Spring Adventures by Transit 🚆Spring is here — and it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the Bay Area by bus and train. In this episode of Hop Off Here, we highlight easy, scenic, and accessible dest...
Untangling the 101/92 interchange and what it means for the Peninsula
Wheel Talk Podcast Guests (in order of appearance): Jeneane Crawford, Caltrans Distric 4 PIO for San Mateo County
Hop Off Here: A Unique Coastal Park, Mexican Traditions, Veterans Day Parades, Holiday Shopping
(904) 867-4466 Send us an email: wheeltalk@samtrans.com Hop Off Here: Your ticket to exploring the Bay Area.Our first stop...
Reimagining a Bay Area highway for the future
Wheel Talk Podcast Guests (in order of appearance): Cassie Halls, SamTrans Major Corridors Manager Patrick Gilster, Sa...
The Big Sync: Making Bay Area transit transfers seamless
Wheel Talk Guests (in order of appearance): Andy Metz, AC Transit Regional Plans Principal Planner Millie Tolleson, SamTrans ...
Learn why hydrogen power is the next big tool for public transit
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, o...
Episode 7: Transit-Oriented Development
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...
Episode 6: The Life Cycle of a SamTrans Bus
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 3...
Episode 5: Caltrain Maintenance 101 (Part 2)
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.
Episode 4: Caltrain Maintenance 101 (Part 1)
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 ...
Episode 3: Route FCX and the Future of Express Bus
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 t...
Episode 2: How Measure W Drives Better Transportation
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.
Episode 1: Improving Safety on Caltrain Tracks
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'...
