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South Sound Connected

South Sound Connected

By Pierce Transit

A podcast by Pierce Transit. We'll talk to the people behind the wheel to find out how transit connects us all to life here in the 253.
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ORCA LIFT is Coming to Town

South Sound ConnectedMar 27, 2023

00:00
23:45
In Good Working Order: Pierce Transit Facilities

In Good Working Order: Pierce Transit Facilities

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.

Feb 28, 202424:40
Stop! In the Name of the Bus

Stop! In the Name of the Bus

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.

Jan 30, 202419:54
So Many Special Events

So Many Special Events

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.

Dec 21, 202325:40
Travel Training at Pierce Transit

Travel Training at Pierce Transit

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.


Nov 28, 202337:22
Outreach at Pierce Transit

Outreach at Pierce Transit

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.

Oct 23, 202326:24
Let It Snow: Emergency Operations at Pierce Transit

Let It Snow: Emergency Operations at Pierce Transit

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.

Sep 22, 202320:21
Dispatch: the Heart of Pierce Transit

Dispatch: the Heart of Pierce Transit

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.

Aug 23, 202334:49
Procurement 101: Working with Pierce Transit

Procurement 101: Working with Pierce Transit

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.

Jul 06, 202321:51
Apprenticeships at Pierce Transit

Apprenticeships at Pierce Transit

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.

May 31, 202326:44
Data Analytics at Pierce Transit

Data Analytics at Pierce Transit

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.

Apr 21, 202315:21
ORCA LIFT is Coming to Town

ORCA LIFT is Coming to Town

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.

Mar 27, 202323:45
Fostering A Culture of Safety

Fostering A Culture of Safety

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.

Feb 22, 202319:24
Marketing Pierce Transit

Marketing Pierce Transit

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.

Jan 24, 202315:49
Zeroing in on Zero Emissions

Zeroing in on Zero Emissions

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.

Dec 19, 202219:42
Pierce Transit's Good To Give Committee

Pierce Transit's Good To Give Committee

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.

Nov 21, 202212:39
Meet Our Partner, Pierce Trips

Meet Our Partner, Pierce Trips

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.

Oct 31, 202214:45
Let's learn about MOBI

Let's learn about MOBI

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.

Aug 12, 202217:17
Jobs at Pierce Transit: Recruitment Reboot

Jobs at Pierce Transit: Recruitment Reboot

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.

Jun 30, 202219:30
What's New with ORCA

What's New with ORCA

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.

May 26, 202218:07
SHUTTLE and ADA Eligibility

SHUTTLE and ADA Eligibility

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.

Apr 28, 202214:40
Meet our partner, Downtown On The Go

Meet our partner, Downtown On The Go

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.

Mar 18, 202222:15
Let's Ride Together: Pierce Transit Vanpool

Let's Ride Together: Pierce Transit Vanpool

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.

Feb 10, 202220:02
Maintaining the Pierce Transit Fleet with Marah Harris

Maintaining the Pierce Transit Fleet with Marah Harris

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.

Jan 13, 202216:28
What It Takes To Be Pierce Transit's CEO

What It Takes To Be Pierce Transit's CEO

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.

Dec 08, 202115:16
Becoming a Bus Driver w. Tina Thomas

Becoming a Bus Driver w. Tina Thomas

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.

Nov 02, 202117:13
Careers + Safety Excellence w. Brentt Mackie

Careers + Safety Excellence w. Brentt Mackie

Join us today as we explore the career potential in public transportation and advances in transit safety.
Jan 05, 202124:54
Meet Penny Grellier, the mastermind behind the new Pierce Transit Runner.

Meet Penny Grellier, the mastermind behind the new Pierce Transit Runner.

Join us as we learn about Pierce Transit's new micro transit service serving the Ruston Way waterfront in Tacoma.
Sep 03, 202021:35
South Sound Connected

South Sound Connected

Intro to South Sound Connected podcast
Aug 26, 202000:16