South Sound Connected

On this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Fran Draxton, Bus Training Assistant Manager, about the complex training program Pierce Transit provides to Operator trainees. We highlight the work of the instructors on Fran's team and the content of the current training program that gets new drivers ready to roll.

In honor of Pierce Transit's 45th anniversary, we're turning back the clock to look at some agency history. On this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Journey Level Mechanic Pat, along with Body Repair Technicians Steve and Charlie, about one of the most famous coaches here at Pierce Transit: the Twin. For further information and photos of the Twin, check out this South Sound Talk article.

In this episode of South Sound Connected, we hear about the benefits of rideshare from Pierce Transit employees who use it to commute to and from work.

On this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Ausha Potts, Pierce Transit's ADA Eligibility Assistant Manager, and Tony Hester, Vice Chair of Pierce Transit's Community Transportation Advisory Group, about an exciting pilot project Pierce Transit has recently launched in the community to help more members of the public successfully navigate our system.

On this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Art Hendricks, Equity and Engagement Manager, about how Pierce Transit is innovating its policies and procedures to ensure all are made welcome and feel supported.

In this episode, we speak with two Pierce Transit employees about transit Roadeos to get a first-hand account of these exciting events. We hear from Operator Bonnie Mitchell, who has received many awards over the years at the local, state and national levels of the bus Roadeo. Then we're joined by Maintenance Technical Services Manager William Snyder, who fills us in on the what, why and how of the maintenance side of Roadeos.

In this episode, we talk with Monica Adams, Senior Project Manager, who is coordinating a bus shelter refresh across Pierce Transit system. Monica will give us an overview of what's happening with standard bus shelters in our community as well as some upgrades associated with the Stream service.

This episode of South Sound Connected will help you plan a multimodal summer vacation! We talk with Kimberly, the founder of Transit Trekker, a resource for car-free recreation. She discusses how combining cycling and bus riding can open the door to new adventures. You can find out more about her approach at transittrekker.com.

On this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Dezra Nauls, Customer Experience Manager. Pierce Transit is embarking upon a number of improvements designed to deliver superior experiences, value, and growth for customers. We learn how Dezra and his team are putting the agency's strategic plan into action. 

In this episode, Tammy from the Community Development team explains ORCA for Multifamily, and we talk with Jeannette from House of Matthew and Nelson from Hope House, two organizations that provide their clientele with much-needed transportation resources through the ORCA program.

Curious about those new buses travelling along the Pacific Ave/State Route 7 corridor? That's Stream! Join us for a summary of the recent ribbon cutting in celebration of Pierce Transit's Stream Community Line.

In this episode, we talk with David Jackson, Public Information Officer at Sound Transit, to help listeners understand how Pierce Transit and Sound Transit share provision of services in Pierce County, and some of the similarities and differences between our two organizations.

On this episode, we talk with Nick Nash, Facilities Manager, and Jace Banta, Facilities Assistant Manager, about the business of taking care of Pierce Transit's many facilities across its system. Transit facilities come in many shapes and sizes, and have different needs to keep them ship shape.

In this episode, we talk with Tina Vaslet, Bus Stop Planner, about Pierce Transit's bus stop program. Tina shares some pretty interesting facts about the bus stops in Pierce Transit's system and gives us an overview of what it takes to manage them all.

In this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Whit Park, Pierce Transit's Special Events Coordinator. Whit manages logistics for any event that requires use of a Pierce Transit coach, as well as outside events that affect transit service. We'll learn about the impact of his work on the agency and the public and highlight the tasks he works on that often occur behind the scenes.

On this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Frances Rankos and Kevin Rutledge, Pierce Transit's Travel Trainers. Frances and Kevin play a key role in helping community members learn how to ride transit. We'll learn about the importance of their work with special needs populations, as well as the varied types of assistance they provide.

In this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Rachel Holzhaeuser and Christina Thompson about leading Pierce Transit's community outreach efforts. We'll learn about the importance of engaging face-to-face with the public, how employees from across the agency are involved, and what information is shared at the Pierce Transit outreach booth.

On this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Rodney Chandler, Pierce Transit's Emergency Management Administrator and to Amy Gillespie, Deputy Director of Pierce County Emergency Management. As we move into autumn and the inclement weather that accompanies it, Pierce Transit pivots to storm response, snow plans and special service to make sure transit stays on the road as long as it's safe to do so. We do this work in partnership with Pierce County and many other public agencies to coordinate a community response. Learn how Pierce Transit steps in to help provide transportation in a variety of unusual situations.

Think that providing transit service is as easy as putting a driver in a bus and hitting the road? Think again! In this episode, we hear from Judy Choate, Dispatch Assistant Manager, and Vicky Simpson, Dispatch Supervisor, about what it takes to keep operators and buses on the road, day and night, in service to the community.

In this episode, we talk with Linda Shilley, Pierce Transit's Procurement Manager, about how the agency's procurement process works and what opportunities it offers to businesses and companies, including those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as defined by the federal government.

In this episode, we hear from Brent Riffel and Jameson Brown about the importance of apprenticeships to the Pierce Transit workforce, and the opportunities and benefits gained by those who apprentice with the agency.

In this episode of South Sound Connected, we hear from Pamela Gant, of the small but mighty Data Analytics team at Pierce Transit, defining data analytics and its importance to the services performed by the agency.

In this episode, we talk with Lanai Tua, Pierce Transit Senior Planner, and Arthur Bachus, Sound Transit System Engagement Specialist, about the ORCA LIFT program. The program has been available to individuals with low incomes throughout the Puget Sound region for several years, and Pierce Transit will accept ORCA LIFT to pay fares starting April 1, 2023.

In this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Reggie Reese, Pierce Transit's Chief Safety Officer, about the agency's award-winning safety program and what new technologies Pierce Transit uses to support safety training.

In this episode, we talk with Kathy Walton, Pierce Transit's Marketing Supervisor, about the how the agency “pitches” its services and mission in the community, and helps customers understand how to use Pierce Transit's services.

In this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Nathan Groh, Pierce Transit's Zero Emissions Fleet Coordinator, about the agency's approach to reducing its carbon footprint and exploring efficiencies through new fuel technologies.

In this episode of South Sound Connected, we hear from Alexandra Mather, Pierce Transit's Government Relations Administrator, about how the agency's Good To Give Committee supports neighbors in need.

In this episode, we speak with Debbie Germer and Melodi Yanik from Pierce County's sustainable commuter program, Pierce Trips. They help us understand Washington State's Commute Trip Reduction measures and how Pierce County supports reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on our roadways.

In this episode of South Sound Connected, we talk with Brian Matthews, Senior Project Management, about the Maintenance Operations Base Improvements project underway at Pierce Transit headquarters.

In this episode of South Sound Connected, we speak with Randal Shultz, Karissa Basalyga and Brian Lindstrom about what it takes to recruit new employees in a pandemic-altered world, as well as the career opportunities offered at the agency.

In this episode, we talk to Nikole Dangerfield-Hastings and Nathan BeVelle, from Pierce Transit's Sales & Outreach team, to learn about the regional ORCA reboot. They discuss the system's expanded benefits, as well as ORCA for Business and Multifamily accounts. For more information about ORCA, please visit myorca.com.

In this episode, we talk with Cherry Thomas and Teri Bartle from Pierce Transit's Specialized Transportation team. They explain what services SHUTTLE paratransit provides, who is eligible for the service, and how Pierce Transit supports accessibility in our community. We also hear from Linda, a long-time SHUTTLE customer, on how the service makes a difference in her life.

In this episode, we talk to Tracy Oster and Laura Svancarek from Downtown On The Go, about the role their organization plays in facilitating access to transit and the mutually beneficial partnership they enjoy with Pierce Transit.

In this episode, we talk with Andy Arnes and Lynne Cunningham from Pierce Transit's Business Support Team. They enlighten listeners on the history, and future, of vanpool, and explain how they are working to make vanpool a flexible option for today's hybrid commuters.

You might be familiar with Pierce Transit buses and routes, but do you know who and what makes them go? In this episode, we talk with Marah Harris, Interim Fleet Manager, about the duties performed by the Maintenance Team that supports almost 1,000 Pierce Transit vehicles.

In this episode, we meet Mike Griffus, the new CEO at Pierce Transit. Mike shares his goals for the agency, gives us insight into the job and reflects on the role Pierce Transit plays in our community.

In this episode, we learn from a seasoned Safety & Training Instructor what it takes to become a bus driver for Pierce Transit. Tina lets us in behind the scenes and showcases the benefits and skills gained by serving with our agency.

Join us today as we explore the career potential in public transportation and advances in transit safety.

Join us as we learn about Pierce Transit's new micro transit service serving the Ruston Way waterfront in Tacoma.

Intro to South Sound Connected podcast