Storylines

Valley Metro's South Central Extension/Downtown Hub opens soon and hosts Juliana and Ricky are previewing the big day. In this episode, they speak with City of Phoenix Light Rail Administrator Markus Coleman about what this expansion means for the South Central community and how we're celebrating the opening on June 7th.

The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub, Valley Metro Rail's largest expansion to- date, opens this June. On this episode, hosts Juliana and Ricky explore the impact of this new two-line system with three experts from Valley Metro's Operations and Service Planning teams.

On this episode of Storylines, hosts Juliana and Ricky celebrate Women's History Month by highlighting some of the women who make Valley Metro Rail expansions possible. They speak with Valley Metro Office Engineer Crystal Lewis and AECOM Project Manager Janet Yeow about their journeys into the construction industry and advice for the next generation.

On this episode of Storylines, hosts Juliana and Ricky highlight Valley Metro's partnerships with minority-owned and small businesses. First, they speak with Jonathan Thatcher to learn how Valley Metro finds the businesses it contracts with. Then, they interview small business owner and photographer Zee Peralta about her experience working with the organization.

On this episode of Storylines, Juliana and Ricky are ringing in the new year by highlighting Valley Metro's big plans for 2025. They speak with Deputy Chief of Design and Construction Tony Santana about all the exciting projects coming up and the role of our communities in making them happen.

Maricopa County voters have approved Prop 479, continuing critical transportation investments across the region. On this episode, hosts Juliana and Ricky chat with John Bullen from the Maricopa Association of Governments to learn how this funding will benefit drivers, public transit riders and the region overall.

Plaza19 is back open and hosts Juliana and Ricky are celebrating the reactivation! First, they speak with Shannon McBride from the 19North Community Alliance about how the organization helped Valley Metro revitalize the plaza. Then, they sit down with Mandi Rupple from Discover to learn how the business is supporting this transit-oriented space. To learn more about the Northwest Extension Phase II Transit-Oriented Community Policy Plan visit https://www.phoenix.gov/nweii

Valley Metro's new fare system is here! On this episode of Storylines, hosts Juliana and Ricky sit down with Public Information Officer Renata Cló to answer your most frequently asked fare questions and learn how riders can benefit from the new system.

In this episode of Storylines, hosts Juliana and Ricky get the dirty details on air quality. First, they talk with ADEQ Meteorologist Matt Pace about the science behind air quality in the Valley. Then, they sit down with Ari Halpert from Maricopa County to learn how we are making our air cleaner in the Valley and how you can help.

Operators are the backbone of Valley Metro. That's why we're spotlighting them on this episode of Storylines! Hosts Juliana and Ricky talk with bus operator Jesus Valencia and Streetcar operator Sami Haddad to explore their day-to-day experiences and why they enjoy working for Valley Metro.

In this episode, hosts Juliana and Ricky spotlight Valley Metro's latest safety initiatives. First, we hear from Bus Security Coordinator, Dave Munley about Operation Blue Ride. Then we chat with Transit Security Manager, Don Schneidmiller about light rail and streetcar security improvement.

The triple-digit temperatures are here, and hosts Juliana and Ricky are talking about summer safety. Guests Cleo Warner from the Maricopa Association of Governments and Michelle Litwin from Phoenix's Office of Heat Response and Mitigation talk about what their organizations are doing to keep residents cool. Plus, learn how Valley Metro is helping bring heat relief to riders.

Learn all about Valley Metro's new fare system launching this summer. Hosts Juliana and Ricky speak with fare expert Dane Ryals about Copper cards, Smart Fare and more. We're also giving away Copper cards to five lucky listeners.

In this Storylines episode, hosts Brittany and Juliana explore the history of transportation in the Valley with Martin Shultz, the original chairman of Proposition 400. Discover how Maricopa County transformed from a region without freeways or light rail into the extensive transportation network we know today.

On this episode of Storylines, hosts Juliana and Ricardo sit down with Phoenix Public Transit Director, Jesus Sapien to learn how the city worked to ensure this year's men's college basketball finals is a slam dunk for visitors and locals alike. Plus, a bus route bracket buster as we find out which bus route will take it all in our first Great Eight bracket?

Taking light rail to new heights! In this episode of Storylines, hosts Juliana and Ricky talk to Andrew Haines and Vanessa Quinto from Jacobs Engineering about the design and construction of the new elevated Metro Parkway station. Then, hear from riders who attended the Northwest Phase II extension grand opening.

Hosts Brittany and Juliana are riding into the new year by showcasing all the ways you can travel with Valley Metro. First, they sit down with TDM Manager Abby Cooksey-Williams to learn how riders can win prizes while helping the environment. Then, they talk with Commute Solutions Coordinator Angie Wilkie about how the Vanpool program is getting an upgrade.

Did you know that every Valley Metro light rail station is a canvas for public art? In this episode of Storylines, hosts Brittany and Juliana talk with three artists for Northwest Extension Phase II about the inspiration for their artwork.

Riders will have new payment options in 2024! Listen in as hosts Brittany and Juliana learn about the fare system upgrades and Smart Fare from Project Manager Kelly Hines. Then, they chat with Program Representative Alex Potter to learn about changes coming to the Reduced Fare Program.Learn more about the project at valleymetro.org/faretechnologyStay in the know by signing up for email notifications at valleymetro.org/notice

In this episode, hosts Brittany and Juliana discuss a major milestone for the Small Business Financial Assistance Program. First, you'll hear from Business Assistance Program Manager, Terry Gruver to learn more about how the program works. Then, you'll hear from small business owners who have benefited from the program.

In this episode, hosts Brittany and Juliana speak with Erin Boyd of Culdesac about why the developer chose Tempe to build its first car-free community in the United States. Plus, learn how Culdesac helped expand Valley Metro's Platinum Pass program for more inclusivity.

In this special episode of Storylines, we welcome our new co-host Juliana Vasquez-Keating! Then, she and Brittany help answer your burning questions sent through social media with the help of experts across Valley Metro.

In this episode of Storylines, hosts Brittany and Ricardo are celebrating Disability Pride Month! First, they speak with April Reed from Ability360 about the organization and how transportation empowers the disability community. Then, they talk to Litchfield Park City Manager Matthew Williams about the RideChoice program as a new transportation option in the city.

In this episode of Storylines, hosts Brittany and Peter paint a clear picture of the Valley Metro contest that empowers young artists. First, Community Relations Coordinator Dolores Nolan shares how the Design a Transit Wrap contest began 23 years ago. Then, the first and latest winners of the contest give tips to future participants.

It's the one year anniversary of Valley Metro Streetcar! Hosts Brittany and Alex are celebrating by talking to Tempe Mayor Corey Woods about the success of the service. Then, Mesa Mayor John Giles joins the podcast to discuss where the streetcar could go next.

With temperatures rising, hosts Brittany Hoffman and Dane Ryals are diving into the ways the Valley tackles its infamous heat problem. First, our hosts discuss how the city of Phoenix is working to defeat the heat with David Hondula, Director of the Heat Response and Mitigation Office. Then, they speak with Cleo Warner from Maricopa Association of Governments on the resources available to help keep you cool during the summer.

In this episode of Storylines, hosts Brittany and Maddie are celebrating Phoenix Rising FC's partnership with Valley Metro and the team's new home at 38th Street and Washington. Our hosts speak with Team President Bobby Dulle and Midfielder Jose Hernandez about the move and what to expect in the upcoming season.

Storylines is showing its artistic side! In this episode, host Brittany Hoffman and guest host Peter Corkery get the full picture of Art Detour from Catrina Kahler from Artlink. Then, they speak with Madelaine Braggs to learn about an iconic art destination located along light rail.

Mobile fare is here! In this episode, hosts Brittany and Madeline sit down with Project Manager Kelly Hines and Phoenix Light Rail Administrator Markus Coleman to get an inside look at how the app works and how it will improve riders' lives.

Get in the holiday spirit with Valley Metro at the Mesa Santa Express! In this episode, hosts Brittany and Maddie talk with Amy Church about the origins of the annual celebration. Then, experience the holiday cheer with sound and interviews from the event's first weekend.

In this episode Brittany and Maddie work up an appetite talking with David Bickford, the writer of the PHX Rail Food blog, about the hundreds of restaurants along the light rail he's reviewed over the years. Then, we speak to riders in Phoenix about their favorite places to eat off the light rail.

In this Halloween episode, Brittany and Maddie sit down with ghost tour guide Brandon to talk about some of the spooky places accessible by Valley Metro. Then our hosts are joined by Phil Bradstock from the City of Phoenix Film Office to talk about the horror film Psycho and other movies that were shot in the Valley.

Get behind the wheel with Brittany and Madeline as they speak with Bus Operator Ernest "LD" Rumney and Operations Supervisor Maura Espinoza about a typical day in the field. Valley Metro exists to connect communities and enhance lives, and we need your help. If you're ready for a career change and want to make a positive impact on your community, view all job openings at valleymetro.org/careers.Remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Storylines!

Valley Metro is a proud partner of the national youth outreach program Safe Place which helps teens in crisis. Listen as Brittany and Madeline learn about the program and its history from Lisa Scarber of Child Crisis Arizona. Then, our hosts sit down with Security Officer Reg Randle to talk about his experience helping teens while on the job.Learn more about Safe Place at: https://www.valleymetro.org/how-to-ride/safety/safe-place

Jessica Mefford-Miller, Valley Metro's new CEO, joins the organization with 15 years of experience connecting people and places through transit. Listen in as she shares with Brittany and Madeline why she is so passionate about transit, her priorities for the agency and inspiration for women who aspire to leadership positions.

The new streetcar is here and free for the first year! Take a ride with Brittany and Madeline as they talk with Tempe Mayor Corey Woods about the conception of streetcar through its launch. Then John Graham, Chairman and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings, joins the episode to discuss how developers and business owners in the area helped make streetcar a reality.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Storylines.

You don't have to be a transit rider to experience all the benefits of public transportation. Join Brittany and Madeline as they speak with Valley Metro transportation planners about the Quality of Life study and get a snapshot of how Valley Metro impacts lives in Maricopa County.Visit valleymetro.life to see the results of the Quality of Life study.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Storylines.

April is Valley Bike Month! Valley Metro encourages and celebrates all forms of transportation, including bicycling. Join Brittany and Madeline as they talk all about biking with Valley Metro's Commute Solutions Program Coordinator Suzanne Day. TaiAnna Yee, City of Tempe PIO for Transportation and Sustainability, joins the episode to share about the importance of mobility to the city and how to participate in local Bike Month activities. Find out how you can win prizes by putting the pedal(s) to the metal at valleymetro.org/commute-solutions/valley-bike-month.

Big things are happening at Valley Metro with a change in leadership as a new CEO comes on board. Before the big change, Madeline and Brittany got a chance to talk to retiring CEO Scott Smith. Listen and learn about Smith's favorite memories working for Valley Metro, as well as his retirement plans and thoughts on the future of transportation in the Valley.

The I-10 Broadway Curve improvement project is Arizona's first major urban freeway reconstruction project. Go behind the barricades with Brittany and Madeline as they speak with Community Outreach Project Manager/Public Information Officer Marcy McMacken and Broadway Curve Project Manager Amy Ritz from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Abigail Cooksey-Williams, Valley Metro's Commute Solutions Manager, provides transportation options to get around the construction with a chance to win prizes while saving time and money. Visit ShareTheRide.com for more information.

What is microtransit, and is it coming to a neighborhood near you? Hear more about this new form of on-demand transportation and what Valley Metro is doing behind the scenes to bring it to you. Listen in as Brittany and Madeline sit down with Matt Dudley, Transit Manager for city of Avondale, and Aaron Xaevier, Service Planner with Valley Metro, to discuss microtransit.

Valley Metro Customer Experience Coordinators (CECs) assist light rail riders to create the ultimate riding experience. Listen in as the CECs share some of their most memorable and uplifting stories from riding light rail.

Every time you choose to ride Valley Metro you are making a choice to improve the environment. Learn about electric buses and what Valley Metro is doing to help combat climate change. Listen in as Brittany and Peter sit down with Scott Wisner, Director of Vehicle Electrification Solutions for Veregy, and Valley Metro's own Sustainability Coordinator, Mackenzie McGuffie.For more information about Valley Metro's sustainability efforts, go to valleymetro.org/about/sustainability.

How does public transit get paid for and what's your role? Brittany and guest host Peter find out all the ways public transit gets funded with help from Audra Koester Thomas from Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). Discover where your tax dollars are going and how they can continue to improve public transit in the Valley.Learn more about plans for the Prop 400 extension by visiting www.ourmomentumplan.com.

Valley Metro shares many statistics about economic development and light rail, but what does that mean to the community? Listen in as Brittany and Madeline sit down with small business owner Jamaris Kennedy and Shannon McBride, Executive Director of 19North, to discuss how rail construction impacts businesses and how Valley Metro is helping. Don't miss the update on Tempe Streetcar and other agency news you need to know.

Valley Metro brings you stories about how the transit system connects communities and enhances lives. The riders are diverse yet their lives all intersect on public transit. Storylines, hosted by Brittany Hoffman and Madeline Phipps, shares the stories about building and operating a transit system that brings people together and links them to their favorite destinations.

Bringing people together, one story at a time.