South Sound Connected

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.