Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART

Latest Episodes:

Meet the woman who watches over the third rail Jan 12, 2017

Show notes

In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn more about one of the people who plays a critical role in keeping the system running. Stephanie Bookout is an electrical foreworker who is part of the team that watches over the third rail, which provides power to all of our trains. Bookout has been with BART for nearly 10 years and has advanced to a supervisor’s position in what has been a male-dominated profession. Bookout talks about what it’s like to help manage the lifeline of the BART system and how challenging that job can be when we go through wet weather.

The sounds of the holiday season fill BART stations Dec 22, 2016

Show notes

In our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we listen to the sounds of the holiday season that are filling stations across the system. Buskers are nothing new for BART but this time of year many are taking a more festive approach to their music. BART riders are hearing from a variety of performers including a string ensemble from Bishop O’Dowd High School and carolers who have been singing for decades.

An inside look at BART’s customer call center Dec 08, 2016

Show notes

You won’t believe some of the questions that people ask when they dial up our customer call center. In the latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take an inside look at the call center, which is open 365 days a year. We hear from some of the longtime staffers at the center and see what it’s like to handle hundreds of calls a day from across the Bay Area and the world.

The outgoing board president talks about 20 years at BART Dec 01, 2016

Show notes

Big changes are coming to BART’s Board of Directors. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we hear from Tom Radulovich who is leaving the BART Board after 20 years of service. The outgoing board president talks about his decision to not seek re-election as well as his hopes for the future of BART. Radulovich also shares his thoughts on the idea of building a second Transbay Tube.

An inside look at BART inspires East Bay teens Nov 17, 2016

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BART is making it a priority to reach out to young people. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn more about how BART is teaming up with U.C. Berkeley on the Y-Plan (Youth – Plan, Learn, Act, Now). It’s an educational strategy that empowers young people to take on real-world challenges in their communities. Listen as 70 students from Kennedy High School in Richmond get a behind-the-scenes look at BART operations. That special tour prepares the students to come up with answers to this question: “How can BART better use technology to get more people excited about careers in the transit industry?”

Podcast: The dramatic history of BART is now a new book Nov 10, 2016

Show notes

In our latest episode of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we sit down with former BART chief spokesman Mike Healy to relive the history of the transit agency. Healy has written a new book entitled “BART: The Dramatic History of the Bay Area Rapid Transit System.” Healy started his tenure with BART back in 1971 and spent several decades as the public face of BART. He offers a unique perspective on the transit agency’s colorful history as someone who personally experienced much of it.

BART’s GM shares her vision for 2017 and beyond Nov 03, 2016

Show notes

BART General Manager Grace Crunican is our guest on the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” In the interview, Crunican talks about the need to build a Better BART. Crunican also provides updates on new initiatives to deal with crowding, improve customer service, worker safety, and the Fleet of the Future.

Field trips on BART bring excitement and great memories Oct 27, 2016

Show notes

In our latest episode of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we visit Ocean View Elementary School in Albany where Isabel Cohen’s fourth graders are getting ready to ride BART to a pair of field trips. The kids are excited for their big trips and Ms. Cohen is looking forward to sharing her lifelong experience of riding BART with her students. We also learn about the discount plan BART offers for class field trips that opens the door to all kinds of possibilities for Bay Area schools.

New technology could make getting to BART stations easier Oct 20, 2016

Show notes

In our latest edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we hear from BART's Customer Access Director Bob Franklin. He talks about how small computers could make it easier to get vital information about BART service to riders with disabilities. We also learn what BART's plan is for sharing real-time parking information with riders and app developers.

You Won't Believe What Turns Up at BART's Lost and Found! Oct 18, 2016

Show notes

We take you behind the scenes at Lost and Found. All hope is not lost if you accidentally leave something on a train car or in a station.p;/