What's the T | The TransLink Podcast

How did a community planner from Baltimore end up leading one of Canada’s largest transit agencies? TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn shares what’s next for Metro Vancouver transit, the innovations he's excited about, and why every rider matters. Plus, a few unexpected glimpses into the man behind the title, including his love of music, tattoos, and the curious story of a lost umbrella.

We chat with Drs. Emily Grisé and Geneviève Boisjoly about their findings in their study on understanding and responding to the transit needs of women. Emily is an assistant professor with University of Alberta, while Geneviève is an associate professor with Polytechnique Montréal.

Walk in the shoes of a transit customer and self-advocate for people living with autism. Kayla Tellier shares her experience and how you can help foster a supportive space for all abilities.

We delve into the fascinating world of transit architecture at the MTR in Hong Kong. Discover how art and design transform transit stations into vibrant community spaces, enhancing the daily journeys of millions of passengers.

Think of the London Underground and you think of the blue, red and white roundel. In Metro Vancouver, it’s the white “T” on a blue square that’s the symbol for transit. We travel the world to learn about their transit symbols, before coming home for our story behind the “T.” 

We delve into the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure the safety and reliability of transit. Discover how we prepare for emergencies in the community, coordinate with local governments, and manage large events like Taylor Swift concerts and FIFA in the future to keep our transit system running smoothly. 

Transit plays a vital role in enhancing community experiences and creating lasting memories. Learn about the various community events and initiatives we’re involved in. Plus, did you know you can charter a transit bus?

Discover how bus routes are expertly crafted. Plus, hear personal anecdotes from our guest about the significance of transit in daily life and the continuous evolution of transit services to meet changing community needs. 

Buses are the workhorses of our transit system and wider transportation network. They carry about two-thirds of riders each day. And on the busiest roads, buses are responsible for moving up to 60% of people. So, making it better is crucial. 

Blade: Trinity and Friday the 13th — what do they have in common? They're both films with scenes filmed on transit. Known as Hollywood North, Vancouver is North America's third largest film production centre after Los Angeles and New York City. Naturally, you can expect Metro Vancouver transit cameos.

About 120,000 people new residents moved to Metro Vancouver last year — many of whom were newcomers to Canada. We chat with the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia for a better understanding of just why and how transit is so important for newcomers as they settle into Metro Vancouver.

Our first installment of Quick Sips, where we deliver quick and tidy answers to your questions. We tackle why there's a third platform at Stadium–Chinatown Station, the Expo 86 monorail, why the trolleybus routes operate where they do, what are the different buses and SkyTrain models, the NightBus, and more!

Think about your bus route. Have you wondered why it carries that number? Well, there's probably a story behind how it got that number. Michael Vena, who is the manager of service planning at Coast Mountain Bus Company, explains the principles they try to apply when numbering a route.

It's arguably the most iconic sound in Metro Vancouver: the "doo doo doo" as the doors on the SkyTrain. But how did it come to be? We chat with both the retired and current manager of operations planning at SkyTrain to uncover the history of this iconic sound and how it has stood the test of time.

You ride the SkyTrain during the day, but where do they go at night for downtime and TLC at the end of a long day of work? Listen to find out and what an expanding SkyTrain system means for that — all made possible with funding from many years ago. But with an ever-growing system, we’ll need more investments to continue to build it out and accommodate population growth for years to come.

“Transportation might only be a small part of everyday, but it is that part that makes everything else possible.” Those are the astute words of Chris Chan, manager of travel training at TransLink. Chris shares his challenges learning how to use transit as a newcomer and how that informs his mission to ensure new riders are setup for success as part of fostering a transit system that is welcoming t...

"My name is Taylor!" It's been a long time coming as Taylor Swift's Eras Tour comes to Vancouver in December. How does SkyTrain plan extra service on the Expo and Millennium Lines for large events like this? What about when there's single tracking or shuttle trains for track maintenance? Explaining it all is Ian Fisher, manager of operations planning for SkyTrain.

Our popular @TransLink X (Twitter) account is one of the most followed in Metro Vancouver and is known for delivering top-notch customer service to our riders. Meet one of the voices behind the keyboard answering your questions. Discover the role the Customer Information team plays in delivering up-to-date transit information to your fingertips.

Step aboard with us for ride-along with Transit Security! We walk the walk and learn more about their role is in supporting and fostering a safe and reliable transit system for you. 

You hear the voice every day as it narrates your SkyTrain commute, telling you what the next station is. But have you wondered who the voice belongs to? Listen to find out.

We wrap up the second season by giving you the "T" on what it's like to operate the West Coast Express. What are some of the most common reasons for delays? And what makes the WCE experience so special?

Join us as we travel down the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension, explaining how we chose the names for each of the eight new stations along the way.

Discover the extensive work that goes on behind the scenes at TransLink's Lost Property Office. What is the most commonly recovered item? What about the most bizarre?

We've got the "T" on how buses are prepped for winter weather. Plus, why do we position attendants at the front of the SkyTrain during snow? We reveal the answers.

Explore the intricate dance of maps, signs and more as they come together to help you seamlessly navigate throughout the transit system.