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...

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/faretechnology Stay in the know by signing up for email notificat...

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.