Wheel Talk

Feb 18 2025 8 ep. 49 mins 6

Wheel Talk Podcast artwork

Wheel Talk is a show about the inner workings of Caltrain, SamTrans and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, hosted by your friendly neighborhood public servants Alex Eisenhart and Dan Lieberman. Join us for a wonky ride through the world of public transportation and the work we do to keep you moving.

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Learn why hydrogen power is the next big tool for public transit

Feb 18 2025 16 mins

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

Episode 7: Transit-Oriented Development

Mar 19 2020 55 mins

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.

Episode 6: The Life Cycle of a SamTrans Bus

Feb 19 2020 58 mins

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.

Episode 5: Caltrain Maintenance 101 (Part 2)

Jan 15 2020 63 mins

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)

Dec 18 2019 52 mins

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.

Episode 3: Route FCX and the Future of Express Bus

Nov 13 2019 56 mins

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.

Episode 2: How Measure W Drives Better Transportation

Oct 16 2019 33 mins

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

Sep 17 2019 56 mins

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!