Shifting Ears

As we transition into a two-line system next year, Valley Metro is working to find the right signs to point our riders to their destination. Our hosts speak with Marketing Program Coordinator Alex Kinkopf about how he worked to test out future signage and what he learned from it.

In this episode of Shifting Ears hosts Juliana and Ricky are looking ahead to the future of Valley Metro. They speak with Chief Administrative Officer Jim Hillyard about our 5-year strategic plan and how everyone will have a role in it.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Juliana and Ricky learn all about the technical side of our light rail system from our experts, technical trainers Joe Scholz and Joe Hernandez. They explain all about the many systems they oversee and how they train our employees.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Juliana and Ricky are spotlighting the Customer Experience Coordinators’ Hydration Station program. Learn how they find the best spots to bring heat relief to our riders and how they are able to have fun despite the triple-digit heat.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Juliana and Ricky take a deep dive into the Finance and Procurement division. They talk with Manager of Budget and Operations Financial Controls Tyler Olson and Director of Contracting and Procurement Jonathan Thatcher to discuss the budget creation process and the steps involved in purchasing a train.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Juliana and Ricky showcase Valley Metro’s newest program “VMAX.” Learn how it started from Manager of Learning and Organizational Development, Julie Landspurg and Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, Hillary Foose. Then hear from Valley Metro employees who were among the first participants.

Staying healthy while working! In this episode, hosts Juliana and Ricky talk with Tammie Whitfield and Linda Raben from Human Resources about the benefits of the agency’s Health and Wellness program and how you can participate.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Juliana and Ricard chat with one of the newest members of the Operations team. Deputy Chief of Rail Operations Chris Ramirez talks about his plans to increase collaboration between Bus and Rail as well as how he’s enjoying his time in Arizona so far.

This episode of Shifting Ears is fire! 🔥 Our hosts Juliana and Brittany talk with Emergency Manager Jon Dootson and Captain Rob McDade from the Phoenix Fire Department to learn how Valley Metro and Phoenix Fire worked together for a joint safety exercise over the I-17 rail bridge.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Brittany and Juliana do a deep dive into the once in a decade transition of bus contractors. First, they speak with Dave Todd of Keolis North America to learn more about the new operations contractor. Then, they sit down with Deputy Chief of Bus and Paratransit Operations Tom Young, who explains all the hard work that goes into this transition.

For the milestone 50th episode, hosts Brittany and Juliana are highlighting heroes from across Valley Metro. Learn about their quick thinking and how they jumped into action during emergency situations to keep our riders safe and even save lives.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Brittany and Juliana sit down with two of our newest executives, Chief Transportation Officer Michael Pal and Chief Maintenance Officer Darren Curry. Learn about their plans for Valley Metro and how they’re enjoying their time in Arizona so far.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Brittany and Juliana sit down with CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller to talk about her work since joining Valley Metro more than a year ago. Learn more about how she’s settling into the role and Arizona. Plus, what to look forward to in the future.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, we are introducing our new cohost Juliana Vasquez-Keating! Our hosts also sit down with the new Chief of Staff Melissa Boyles to learn why she decided to make a return trip to Valley Metro.

Safety first! In this installment of our Know Your Metro series, hosts Brittany and Ricardo talk with Kenneth Debow, Manager of Transit Safety, about the department’s latest campaign. Learn how SSQA is promoting safety both at work and at home.

Check and update your health benefits by June 15! Learn more about the benefits process and what’s changed as hosts Brittany and Peter speak with Manager of Human Resources Support Services Tammie Whitfield for this episode of Shifting Ears.

On the second installment of our Know Your Metro series, hosts Brittany and Alex sit down with Julie Landspurg, the Manager of Learning & Organizational Development, to learn about professional development opportunities through Valley Metro. With over 1500 amazing training courses, hear how they can help you in more ways than you think.

It’s the episode everyone will be buzzing about! Shifting Ears is kicking off a new series, “Know Your Metro,” with a spotlight on the MOW. Hosts Brittany and Madeleine interview Maintenance of Way Manager Rick White and Facilities Maintenance Manager Derek Brodeur about the history of their departments and the challenges they face every day.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, host Brittany Hoffman and guest host Peter Corkery are celebrating Valley Metro’s Super Bowl win! Our hosts speak with Community Relations Program Coordinator Shannon Benson about her role leading the volunteer effort. Then, they share some memorable moments from Super Bowl weekend from our volunteers.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, Brittany and Madeline are taking a trip through Valley Metro history! Our hosts learn about the start of the agency and other events through the eyes of four employees who recently received milestone awards.

We’re one month away from Super Bowl LVII! Valley Metro is working hard to get everything ready for the big game. In this episode, Brittany and Maddie talk to Adrian Ruiz, Director of Safety and Security, about how we keep everyone safe during the big event. Then, they speak with Hillary Foose, Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, about preparing the system for new riders and how...

As 2022 comes to a close, hosts Brittany and Maddie highlight the major milestones Valley Metro reached throughout the year. Plus, CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller has a special message for employees about what to look forward to in the new year.

For this Veterans Day episode, Brittany and Maddie talk with LRV Maintenance Tech Paul Santana about how his work in the military helps him in his day-to-day job. Then, our hosts give a special shout out to our veterans who work across Valley Metro.

Mobile fare is coming soon! In this episode, Brittany and Madeline talk with Marketing Program Coordinator Dane Ryals about the future of the Valley Metro App and how you can help test the new fare system.

Our internship program helps foster a greater appreciation of public transportation in students while creating the next generation of Valley Metro employees. In this episode, Madeline and Brittany talk with five interns about their experiences in the program and what advice they’d give to new interns.