On the Go with Tim Haile

What makes a traffic signal “smart,” and why does it matter to the way people move through Contra Costa County every day?In this episode of On the Go with CCTA, host Tim Haile is joined by Andrew Dillard of CCTA and Matt Redmond, Traffic Engineer for the City of Walnut Creek, for a conversation about CCTA’s Countywide Smart Signals program.They discuss how the program is modernizing traffic signals across the county, what real-time signal coordination can mean for drivers, transit riders, pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency response, and why this kind of behind-the-scenes infrastructure can have a real impact on safety, reliability, and everyday travel.The conversation also looks at how local agencies are working together to create a more connected transportation network, and what smarter traffic management could mean for the future of mobility in Contra Costa County.Learn more about the Countywide Smart Signals program here: https://ccta.ca.gov/projects/countywide-smart-signals/Want to see the Podcast on video? Check out CCTA's YouTube channel to see Tim, Matt and Andrew in the studio: On the Go - S2E2: Building a Smarter Signal Network in Contra Costa - YouTube

In this special Measure J episode, CCTA Executive Director Tim Haile is joined by Contra Costa County Supervisors Diane Burgis and Ken Carlson (also CCTA Board Members!) for a conversation about how local transportation funding shapes everyday life across the county.Together, they break down what Measure J is, why it matters, and how a half-cent local sales tax supports everything from road maintenance and congestion relief to transit, safety improvements, and innovative transportation programs. The discussion also highlights how Measure J investments are planned, delivered, and tailored to meet the unique needs of Contra Costa’s cities and communities.Whether you’re curious about where transportation dollars go or how local decisions translate into real-world improvements, this episode offers a clear, practical look at how Measure J continues to move Contra Costa forward.Want to see the video version? Check out our YouTube channel! 

How can innovative transportation infrastructure change quality of life and help further the American dream? On this episode of On the Patio, Tim Haile is joined by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier of Contra Costa County’s 10th Congressional District to speak about how transportation ideas have changed over the course of his career, leading to his present transportation policy goals. They also discuss the beginning of the Congressman’s career as a restaurant owner in Concord, how Innovate 680 has recently received the largest transportation funding allocation in the state, and how California can learn from highly developed financial centers across the globe.Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

By 2026, Archer Aviation (Archer) aims to have electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) available for commercial use in the Bay Area. On this episode of On the Patio, Tim Haile is joined by Andrew Cummins, Director of Strategy and Business Development at Archer. Tim and Andrew discuss how Archer’s innovative aviation technology works; how its Midnight aircraft takes advantage of existing technologies; the aircraft certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and how Midnight’s take-off and landing infrastructure enables it to land in small spaces--making urban air mobility a viable future transportation choice in Contra Costa County. Andrew also describes the broad partnerships Archer formed--including alliances with prominent airlines like United and Southwest. Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

Zoox, an  autonomous vehicle (AV) company in the Bay Area, aims to deploy the first purpose-built AVs for commercial use. How can Zoox’s AVs make transit safer and help bridge gaps in public transit? On this episode of On the Patio, Tim Haile is joined by Phil Pierce, Senior Public Policy Manager at Zoox, to speak about the importance of purpose-built vehicles, prioritizing safety during development, and partnering with cities and counties to better understand transit needs. They also discuss the different roles Zoox can play in San Francisco and Las Vegas — the first two locations to serve passengers — to connect transit, attractions, and city centers.Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

How can autonomous vehicle technology help bridge transit gaps in Contra Costa County? On this episode of On the Patio, Tim Haile is joined by Gokul Hemmady, CEO of Glydways, and Stephanie Hu, CCTA Director of Projects. They dive into the multiple benefits of Glydways’ Dynamic Personal Microtransit system—a game changing, innovative mobility solution to reduce congestion—which will cost less to build than traditional transportation options. The conversation includes the role CCTA’s GoMentum Station plays in the evolution of Glydways’ technology and how CCTA, Tri Delta Transit and Glydways are working together with other private partners to bring an Automated Transit Network to eastern communities in Contra Costa County.Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

Episode 16 of On the Patio highlights AC Transit, recently honored as the Outstanding Agency of the Yearby the American Public Transit Association. Tim Haile and AC Transit General Manager Michael Hursh discuss AC Transit’s leadership in running zero emissions buses in areas with the poorest air quality, working with operator unions to make buses safer, and developing the large-scale Bus Rapid Transit system TEMPO. Tim and Michael also speak about the need to prioritize transit over cars, and how this requires working with other agencies and cities, regional and state funding Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

How is BART truly enhancing its customers’ experience? On this episode of On the Patio, Tim Haile and Mark Foley, BART Vice President, District 2 Director (Eastern Contra Costa County) and frequent BART rider, speak about how important BART service is for the region — even for those who don’t take transit. Hear what actions BART takes to make trips safer and cleaner as well as more convenient and accessible. They also discuss how ridership has evolved since the pandemic, ways CCTA and BART partner to encourage more transit use in Contra Costa County, and how BART is planning for the future.Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

How are Contra Costa County’s transit agencies planning for the future? In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Tim Haile rejoins Executive Director of Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) Christy Wegener, CEO of Tri Delta Transit Rashidi Barnes, General Manager of Western Contra Costa Transit Authority (WestCAT) Rob Thompson, and General Manager of County Connection Bill Churchill. With overlapping service areas, coordination between these agencies is essential to answering the big questions: how does transit fit into social and economic development? How can we reconcile sustainability goals with funding realities? Listen to discover how the county’s transit operators aim to deliver better service regionwide — and what obstacles they’re working together to overcome. Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

How do Contra Costa County’s different transit agencies work together to improve service? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Tim Haile is joined by Executive Director of Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) Christy Wegener, CEO of Tri Delta Transit Rashidi Barnes, General Manager of Western Contra Costa Transit Authority (WestCAT) Rob Thompson, and General Manager of County Connection Bill Churchill. These industry leaders and long-time colleagues explain how their high-level of collaboration maintains connections between each transit system to provide high-quality, accessible service to their riders. This includes piloting ground-breaking programs like One-Seat Ride, which eliminates required transfers for paratransit passengers by providing a single ride across multiple transit agency service areas. Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

How can transportation planning measure a project’s environmental impacts? On this episode of On the Patio, Tim Haile and EPD Solutions Director of Technical Services Megan Macias are interviewed by AEP Executive Vice President and EPD Solutions VP of Environmental Planning Konnie Dobreva. They speak about new approaches to measure the environmental impact of transportation and development projects and how CCTA’s Innovate 680 project is working to quantify important benchmarks like Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). Megan and Tim also speak about Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and different strategies to promote multi-modal transportation systems across the region. Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

How do we incorporate air travel into future transportation planning? On this episode of On the Patio, host Tim Haile and Contra Costa County Director of Airports Greg Baer speak about how our two general aviation airports — Buchanan Field Airport and Byron Airport — serve the county by creating jobs, providing STEM education programs, supporting emergency services, and so much more. Tim and Greg speak about how these airports can be integrated into the broader transportation system: the future of electric urban air mobility is closer than it seems! Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

How do we ensure the public is represented in CCTA processes? In this episode of On the Patio, host Tim Haile and Chair of CCTA Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Jared Asch discuss the significant role the CAC plays in holding cities in Contra Costa County accountable for the money they spend on housing developments and where their transportation dollars are going to mitigate congestion. The CAC is comprised of members of the public who have a passion for transportation and want to get involved in their communities; Tim and Jared speak to the power of this key stakeholder group as well as the CAC’s goals for future transportation in the county.  Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

How do people want to travel, now and in the future? On the new episode of On the Patio, host Tim Haile and guests CCTA Director of Projects Stephanie Hu, Convey Managing Partner Rebecca Krawiec, and Convey’s Nicole Hilaire, Ph.D. discuss “people-centered planning,” or how to use robust, individualized public engagement to understand what motivates residents to make certain mobility choices. Stephanie Hu spearheads CCTA’s Innovate 680, a suite of projects aimed towards using sustainable, reliable transportation instead of driving cars. Rebecca Krawiec and Nicole Hilaire support CCTA’s innovative programs by conducting award-winning studies of travel behavior across Contra Costa County. Listen to the full episode to learn more. Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net Watch videos about transportation habits and applying behavioral science to transportation.Learn more about Innovate 680: https://ccta.net/projects/innovate-680/Learn more about Convey’s travel behavior study: https://www.conveyinc.com/case_story_ccta_behavior_science

How has the pandemic impacted transportation? On the new episode of On the Patio, host Tim Haile and guest Kam Schroeder discuss the long-term outlook of how the pandemic has shifted market, retail, and sales tax revenue trends, affecting workforce real estate portfolios and investments in transportation. Kam is the Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Newmark, a commercial real estate firm, where he supports brokerage operations throughout the East Bay. Listen to the full episode to learn more. Connect with Kam Schroeder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kam-schroeder-0b33043/Learn more about Newmark: https://www.nmrk.com/Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

This week host Tim Haile chats with guest April Treece about the importance of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in schools. April Treece is the Executive Director of the non-profit Bay Area LEEDS (Linking Education and Economic Development Strategies). Bay Area LEEDS helps prepare the region’s youth for tomorrow’s STEM careers by focusing on meaningful experiences that lead students to success in high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers. April says kids can only be what they can see. Tune in to learn how CCTA collaborates with Bay Area LEEDS to inform teachers of cutting-edge jobs and hands-on learning experiences that inspire and prepare students to pursue their STEM education.Learn more about Bay Area LEEDS: https://ba-leeds.org/about-the-organization-2/Connect with April Treece: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-treece-39a2601b3/Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/

Welcome to the sixth episode of On The Patio! In today’s after-hours discussion, Tim Haile chats with guest Seamus Murphy, the Executive Director of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA). Tim and Seamus discuss how enhancing the transit network throughout the Bay Area will motivate the community to get out of cars and take the many unique transit options offered — such as the ferry service! Seamus shares innovative developments for the ferry service including new connections, expansion of ferry and waterfront services to new cities, decarbonization methods, and new state-of-the-art vessels. Tim and Seamus also discuss the funding solutions and policy measures needed to improve waterfront transportation. Listen in to stay on top of Bay Area waterfront transportation!Learn more about WETA at: https://weta.sanfranciscobayferry.com/Connect with Seamus Murphy at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seamus-murphy-75a665/Learn more about Contra Costa County Transportation Authority: https://ccta.net/ 

Tim Haile’s guest for episode five of his On the Patio podcast is Andrew Fremier, the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). Andrew discusses how the transportation industry invests in local revenue opportunities to create innovative solutions for old problems — such as seismically retrofitting bridge structures — and shares strategies MTC is considering to reduce congestion on I-80. Tune in to hear how MTC partners with Bay Area agencies in developing new technologies that support regional goals to improve local roadways, enhance interconnectedness, and reduce greenhouse gases. 

On the 4th Episode of On the Patio podcast, Tim chats with Joe Moye, CEO of Beep Inc. Tim and Joe discuss CCTA’s partnership with Beep and Bishop Ranch to explore how low-speed, autonomous, electric, and shared vehicles can enhance existing mobility services. The Bishop Ranch PRESTO shuttle program launched in April 2023 and runs a continuous loop around Bishop Ranch using the electric autonomous shuttles enhancing connectivity throughout Bishop Ranch and the San Ramon City Center. Tim and Joe also discuss the many benefits of the autonomous shared shuttle technology, such as reducing congestion on local roadways, lowering carbon emissions, providing a flexible on demand rider experience, offering more convenient and accessible services, and closing the first and last mile gap. This is especially important for the underserved, elderly and people living with disabilities who might not be able to access traditional public transportation services. Tim and Joe also touch on the safety measures taking place to enhance public acceptance and adoption of these autonomous shuttles. CCTA's goal is to expand this technology throughout the county to enhance shared mobility, as well as transportation access and safety for everyone. Check out the next generation shuttle service and Presto at Bishop Ranch today! 

In the third episode of On the Patio Podcast, Tim Haile chats with Debbie Toth, the Chief Executive Officer for the nonprofit organization Choice in Aging. One of the greatest barriers for independence for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities are accessible transportation options. Tim and Debbie discuss the many programs that are available throughout Contra Costa County that make transportation more accessible for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, such as Mobility Matters, Spirit Van, and One Seat Ride. Listen in to learn how CCTA, and partnering organizations are collaborating to make these services more available to meet the needs of everyone and overcome transportation gaps and barriers providing mobility for all.

On the second episode of On the Patio Podcast, host Tim Haile speaks with Kirsten Riker and Carl Clement from 511 Contra Costa about how they are creating safe streets throughout Contra Costa County with the goal of no more serious or fatal injuries. Kirsten and Carl educate and inspire children and families to bike and walk more in their daily lives and provide safety tips to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The Street Smarts program teaches age appropriate and engaging safety tips to elementary, middle, and high school students. Tim, Kristen, and Carl also raise awareness about all the opportunities the 511 Contra Costa Program has to offer, such as the Summer Youth Discount Passes, the Summer Bike Challenge, the Back to School 2-month free bus pass, and the Carpool Program. Listen now to learn about important safety tips and all the incredible opportunities Contra Costa County has to offer for building safer and smarter streets!

On the first episode of On the Patio, host Tim Haile speaks with Chris Kelley, Council Member of the City of Hercules and the Board Chair at Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA). Tim and Chris provide an early look at the innovative projects and programs that CCTA is working on, such as the Iron Horse Trail Bridge, School Bus Programs, widening of State Route 4, One Seat Ride, and Shared Autonomous Vehicles.