PODCAST · government
Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART
by Bay Area Rapid Transit
Welcome to BART's new podcast series "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART." Our podcasts will give you an inside look at BART, the San Francisco Bay Area's rapid transit system that serves five Bay Area counties. This is your source for stories about the people who make the system work and our riders.
Episodes
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BART Leans into ideas from employees to save money and improve the rider experience
Sometimes all it takes is changing something as small as how BART cleaners store and keep track of their mops to make a big improvement in the rider experience. On this edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART," Chris Filippi from the BART Communications Department is joined by Jessie Rubin…
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BART’s Inspector General is asking tough questions and saving taxpayers millions of dollars
BART’s independent watchdog is producing results for riders and taxpayers. The Office of Inspector General plans, directs, and manages oversight of all BART District activities and operations. The goal is to ensure BART is using its resources effectively, following industry best practices, and...
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Speedrunners push their limits to set records on the BART system
There's a new sport gaining popularity across the globe, transit speedrunning, and today we'll take a deep dive into what it takes to speedrun BART. On the latest edition of BART's podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” Chief Communications Officer Alicia Trost speaks with three guests...
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How BART’s Art Program uplifts community, culture, and the economy
BART's innovative Art Program is making a huge difference in the transit experience of our riders. Since its inception in the 1960s, BART has prioritized bringing art and cultural experiences to stations. On our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART,” BART Art Program Manager…
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Lessons from Switzerland could improve your ride on Bay Area transit
The accuracy of Swiss timing is well known across the globe. But it’s the precision, coordination, and prioritization of their transit system that has the potential to benefit riders here in the Bay Area. On the latest edition of our podcast series, “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” Chris...
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What BART's biggest rebuilding project means for your ride
When it comes to rebuilding the backbone of BART, the upcoming track work in the heart of Oakland is the main event. Welcome to “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” Years of planning have gone into the track replacement work that’s going to be happening on select weekends over the next three years...
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The future is now; the journey of the Fleet of the Future from blueprint to backbone of BART
BART’s base train schedule now consists of all new Fleet of the Future trains, a major milestone for a project that’s been more than a decade in the making. On our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories From BART,” Project Manager John Garnham reveals how fast the new cars speed along BART’s...
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A lifelong passion for transit inspires a BART Supervisor to improve your ride
On this edition of our podcast, "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART", we'll hear from Casey Unger, who is a Transportation Supervisor based in our Daly City Yard. As a Transportation Supervisor, Casey plays a critical role in BART's daily ability to implement its service plan. But before he got a...
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Addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence on BART through Not One More Girl Initiative
Not One More Girl is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at stopping gender-based violence and sexual harassment on public transportation. BART has been a partner in the campaign that first launched in April of 2021. Not One More Girl just launched its second phase, which places an emphasis on...
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Learn what BART’s new, reimagined schedule means for your ride
On September 11, BART will roll out a reimagined service plan that will eliminate 30-minute wait times on nights and weekends. That means no BART rider will have to wait more than 20 minutes for a scheduled train no matter the hour or day of the week. This new schedule is responsive to...
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Exploring the potential of Mobility as a Service to transform your commute
Mobility as a Service or MaaS is one of the hottest topics in public transportation. While the subject may be new for some, there's little question it impacts you every time you get on a BART train and its reach has potential to go even beyond that. Chris Filippi is your host for this episode of...
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Resourceful and determined mechanics keep 50-year-old train cars moving
This edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" features John Allen, who is a Transit Vehicle Mechanic at BART’s Hayward Maintenance Complex. John is BART's answer to MacGyver. In his time at BART, he's become an expert at keeping some of the oldest trains in the entire fleet in operation.…
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An inside look at BART’s complex scheduling dance
Changes coming in September will revolutionize BART’s schedule by adding a layer of consistency in the timing of trains across all 7 days of the week that will be unlike anything BART riders have experienced in the last 50 years. The latest edition of BART’s podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories...
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Four female leaders take center stage as BART celebrates Women's History Month
March is Women’s History Month so on this edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’re profiling four of the female leaders of the agency. We’ll hear their stories of growing up, hear about the trajectories of their careers, their triumphs, challenges, how they define good leadership, and...
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The future is now for BART’s renewable power initiatives
BART has set an ambitious goal to get at least half of its power from renewable sources by 2025 but the Bay Area likely won’t have to wait that long. On the latest edition of our podcast series, “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” you’ll hear from BART Energy Manager Paul Bostrom who is…
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A new era begins for escalators at BART
The first of 41 rebuilt escalators at downtown San Francisco BART stations is now open to the public at Powell Street Station. BART is making its largest investment in escalators in decades with a generational project that will have a direct impact on the everyday experience of thousands of…
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A trailblazing woman who brought inclusion and reform to BART calls it a career
There are few people who can claim a career path like the one followed by Tamar Allen. Over a span that stretches across four decades Allen has worn many hats ranging from police officer to Assistant General Manager. Allen has played a critical role in some of the largest projects in BART’s…
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Transit Worker Appreciation Day marks a time of transition at BART
BART’s podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” is back just in time for national Transit Worker Appreciation Day. In our latest episode we’ll hear from John O’Connor who is one of the 287 employees participating in BART’s District Retirement Incentive Program as the agency cuts costs…
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Meet the woman helping to lead an innovation revolution at BART
From new platform signs to making the most out of millions of pieces of data, BART is going through an innovation revolution that’ll have a big impact on the rider experience. On the latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’ll go into the lab to meet Wendy Wheeler who is BART’s...
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Explore the history of the BART map
There are few images in the Bay Area that are more iconic than the BART system map. Millions of people see the maps throughout the system every year and regular riders can probably create a fairly accurate version of it from memory. On this edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories…
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BART’s wet weather game plan pays off with fewer delays
Rain can have a major impact on the Bay Area’s commute and BART is no exception. “Welcome to Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” On this edition of Hidden Tracks, we’re answering your questions about why BART so often faces delays when it rains. BART has a game plan to keep weather-related issues…
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Momentum builds for BART's cleaning revolution
On the latest edition of our podcast series "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we’re talking about all things cleaning with the two men who have been at the center of an important transformation that has taken place over the last year. BART is redoing the way it cleans its trains and stations.…
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Training ramps up to fuel Fleet of the Future expansion
More BART riders than ever before can now ride the Fleet of the Future through the Transbay Tube. By mid-February, every transbay line will be served by a Fleet of the Future train. As more new cars arrive, BART is expanding its hands-on training for the operators who will run the new fleet. On…
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Go inside BPD's video surveillance recovery room
BART has a robust video surveillance network. It includes working cameras on board all trains, in every station, and elsewhere throughout BART. But the reason BART police have been able to identify and arrest suspects in connection with several recent high-profile cases has as much to do with the...
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BART’s Station Ops Manager uses real-world insight to provide smooth commute
It takes a team effort to carry more than 413,000 riders on a typical weekday. On the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we meet Operations and Transportation Supervisor Phaethon Brown who oversees all station operations throughout the system. Brown has spent...
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The science of the screech: Big progress for BART's efforts to lower the volume of your ride
BART has reached a milestone in its efforts to bring riders a quieter ride. Now more than half of BART’s train cars have been outfitted with an advanced wheel profile that reduces both noise and wear on the rail. On the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’re...
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There's more to ticket vending machines and fare gates than meets the eye
There’s a lot of technology that goes into making sure you can easily reload your Clipper card or buy a BART ticket and get quickly through the fare gates. On this latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’ll take an inside look at what makes BART’s Ticket Vending Machines and fare...
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On the front line of customer service: Station Agents see it all
Station Agents are the face of BART for many riders but the position might be one of the most misunderstood in the agency. On the latest edition of our podcast series "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we take an in-depth look at Station Agents and the challenges they face on the job. Great...
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The details on doors: How forcing your way into a BART car can harm service for thousands
BART maintenance workers already are doing everything they can to keep as many cars as possible in service. But they’re facing a growing challenge because of an avoidable problem. BART’s service yards are spending precious work hours repairing train doors that were forced open by riders or...
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BART has a plan for expected surge in bike usage
Several exciting initiatives are underway to make BART even more accessible for bicyclists. In the latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART,” we’ll hear from BART Bicycle Program Manager Steve Beroldo. From a big expansion in the Ford GoBike bike share program to new high-tech ways to...
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BART team wins top prize at international competition
The International Rail Rodeo is a special opportunity for transit agencies to show off their top talent and BART rose to the occasion. In the latest edition of our series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” you’ll meet the BART team that won the overall title at this year’s competition. This is…
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Go inside our Emergency Operations Center
Safety and security are a primary focus at BART and that commitment is visible at our Emergency Operations Center. On this episode of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’ll take you inside our Emergency Operations Center to learn what BART is doing to be as ready as possible for any disaster…
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Go inside the Wheelhouse for BART to OAK
Getting people between Oakland International Airport and the Coliseum Station quickly and safely is right in BART’s Wheelhouse. On this edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we’ll take a look behind the scenes at the Wheelhouse, the hub of activity for BART to OAK. The ride is smooth and...
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You might be surprised by what's BARTable
In our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn about all things BARTable. The site has only been around for a couple of years but already it has generated a large following among those interested in fun activities that are just a BART ride away. Few transit agencies have a...
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BART train operator brings a sense of humor to the afternoon commute
Train operators are a critical part of the team that keeps BART moving around the Bay. The system may be automated but the operators are the eyes and ears of the trains. It’s an important job but a sense of humor can still come in handy. In our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART”...
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A new strategy helps BART to reduce delays in the Transbay Tube
BART is using a new strategy to reduce delays through the Transbay Tube. During peak commute hours BART is now deploying mainline technicians at both ends of the Tube at our West Oakland and Embarcadero stations. These highly-trained technical experts spend the commute riding dozens of trains...
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New efforts to build sustainability at BART
We’ve been hearing a lot about the many improvements that BART is investing in when it comes to its aging infrastructure, station upgrades and of course the Fleet of the Future. But there are also some exciting plans in the works when it comes to sustainability and BART’s impact on the…
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Maintaining BART's right-of-way is a 24/7 job
The term "right-of-way" might be a familiar one when it comes to driving, but it is also a phrase that is critically important when it comes to operating a railway. This time on our podcast series we’re going to learn about BART’s right-of-way team. That’s a group that plays a critical role in...
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Go inside BART's version of mission control
In this latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take you behind the scenes of the Operations Control Center. The OCC is the nerve center of the BART system. This is where a dedicated team of problem solvers oversees BART's critical infrastructure as well as all…
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The public gets its say on critical issues facing BART PD
2017 is shaping up to be an important year for the BART Police Department. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take a closer look at the citizen oversight model that’s playing an important role in charting the direction of BART PD. The department is…
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Meet the woman who watches over the third rail
In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn more about one of the people who plays a critical role in keeping the system running. Stephanie Bookout is an electrical foreworker who is part of the team that watches over the third rail, which provides…
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The sounds of the holiday season fill BART stations
In our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we listen to the sounds of the holiday season that are filling stations across the system. Buskers are nothing new for BART but this time of year many are taking a more festive approach to their music. BART riders are hearing from a...
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An inside look at BART’s customer call center
You won’t believe some of the questions that people ask when they dial up our customer call center. In the latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take an inside look at the call center, which is open 365 days a year. We hear from some of the longtime staffers at the center and…
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The outgoing board president talks about 20 years at BART
Big changes are coming to BART’s Board of Directors. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we hear from Tom Radulovich who is leaving the BART Board after 20 years of service. The outgoing board president talks about his decision to not seek re-election as...
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An inside look at BART inspires East Bay teens
BART is making it a priority to reach out to young people. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn more about how BART is teaming up with U.C. Berkeley on the Y-Plan (Youth – Plan, Learn, Act, Now). It’s an educational strategy that empowers young...
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Podcast: The dramatic history of BART is now a new book
In our latest episode of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we sit down with former BART chief spokesman Mike Healy to relive the history of the transit agency. Healy has written a new book entitled “BART: The Dramatic History of the Bay Area Rapid Transit System.” Healy started his tenure with...
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BART’s GM shares her vision for 2017 and beyond
BART General Manager Grace Crunican is our guest on the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” In the interview, Crunican talks about the need to build a Better BART. Crunican also provides updates on new initiatives to deal with crowding, improve customer…
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Field trips on BART bring excitement and great memories
In our latest episode of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we visit Ocean View Elementary School in Albany where Isabel Cohen’s fourth graders are getting ready to ride BART to a pair of field trips. The kids are excited for their big trips and Ms. Cohen is looking forward to sharing her…
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New technology could make getting to BART stations easier
In our latest edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we hear from BART's Customer Access Director Bob Franklin. He talks about how small computers could make it easier to get vital information about BART service to riders with disabilities. We also learn what BART's plan is for sharing...
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You Won't Believe What Turns Up at BART's Lost and Found!
We take you behind the scenes at Lost and Found. All hope is not lost if you accidentally leave something on a train car or in a station.p;/
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to BART's new podcast series "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART." Our podcasts will give you an inside look at BART, the San Francisco Bay Area's rapid transit system that serves five Bay Area counties. This is your source for stories about the people who make the system work and our riders.
HOSTED BY
Bay Area Rapid Transit
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART have?
Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART currently has 54 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART about?
Welcome to BART's new podcast series "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART." Our podcasts will give you an inside look at BART, the San Francisco Bay Area's rapid transit system that serves five Bay Area counties. This is your source for stories about the people who make the system work and our riders.
How often does Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART release new episodes?
Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART has 54 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART?
You can listen to Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART?
Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART is created and hosted by Bay Area Rapid Transit.
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