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 amid financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.  O’Connor is a transportation supervisor who has spent a quarter century at BART and is probably best known for saving the life of a man who fell into the tracks at the Coliseum Station after a Raiders game by pulling him back to the platform just as an oncoming train was arriving.  O’Connor talks about his difficult decision to retire, his fond memories at BART, and the future of the agency as some of its most experienced employees depart.

Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2021/news20210317

Transit Worker Appreciation Day marks a time of transition 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 riders. The latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks Stories from BART” features Mark Dana who is the manager of the Market Street Escalators Renovation Project. The new escalators are built especially for the challenges they'll face at BART and are a key part of the plan to revitalize the entrances to some of BART's busiest stations.

Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2021/news20210831-0

A new era begins for escalators at BART

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 history including the $3.5 billion Measure RR rebuilding program and the procurement of the Fleet of the Future. But Allen’s legacy will be largely defined by the systemic change and reforms she brought to the district. Those efforts helped to usher in a spirt of inclusion and respect at BART that opened the doors of opportunity for many current employees.

Read the transcript here:
https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2021/news20210729

A trailblazing woman who brought inclusion and reform to BART calls it a career

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 spearheading the District’s clean power efforts. BART is well known for its impact on the Bay Area environment by taking thousands of cars off the roadways. The District is already greenhouse gas emission free. But now the focus is on increasing BART’s reliance on wind, solar, and hydroelectric power sources. Bostrom talks about BART’s progress and his recent visit to the Sky River Wind Farm, one of the District’s newest sources of energy. Innovative projects like the Sky River Wind Farm are expected to help BART increase its reliance on renewable energy from 5% to as much as 50% over the next year.  

Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2021/news20211221

The future is now for BART’s renewable power initiatives

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 more.

Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2022/news20220325

Four female leaders take center stage as BART celebrates Women's History Month

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 from BART” explores what the schedule change means for you and takes an inside look at everything you’ve ever wanted to know about how the schedule is made.  BART’s Manager of Scheduling and Planning John FitzGibbon explains how new software has transformed what used to be the transit equivalent of sausage making into a coordinated symphony that has the prospect to save valuable time for thousands of riders. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2022/news20220901-0

An inside look at BART’s complex scheduling dance

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. We'll learn how he and his fellow mechanics use creativity, reverse engineering, and anything they can lay their hands on the Internet to keep these trains moving.

Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2022/news20221028

Resourceful and determined mechanics keep 50-year-old train cars moving

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 "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" and he's joined by BART's Director of Technology, Angie West, and Tim Moore, BART's Manager of Web Services. Both are here to talk about MaaS and its far-reaching impacts. 

Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2023/news20230426

Exploring the potential of Mobility as a Service to transform your commute

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 post-pandemic commute patterns and opens new opportunities for BART to expand its ridership. To do a deep dive into the new schedule Jay Sathe sat down with BART’s Manager of Scheduling and Planning John FitzGibbon on the latest edition of our podcast series, "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART".

Transcript available here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2023/news20230905

Learn what BART’s new, reimagined schedule means for your ride

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 enabling people to have a greater sense of empowerment in a harassment situation. On this episode of Hidden Tracks, BART's Anna Duckworth speaks with Anyka Howard, founder and CEO of the Betti Ono Foundation, which partnered with the Unity Council's Latin X Mentorship and Achievement Program and BART for phase two of the Not One More Girl campaign. 

Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2023/news20230927-0

Addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence on BART through Not One More Girl Initiative

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 promotion, Unger was a Train Operator and a very popular one known for his memorable announcements.

Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2023/news20231030

A lifelong passion for transit inspires a BART Supervisor to improve your ride

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 test track, explains why the process of building the outer shell is a bit like using a classic DIY toy and other insider nuggets.

Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20240109

The future is now; the journey of the Fleet of the Future from blueprint to backbone of BART

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 in the core of the BART system. Organizers are calling this the most challenging and complex segment of BART’s revitalization plan that started in 2016, when District voters approved Measure RR. The measure provides $3.5 billion to replace aging track, traction power cables, and other vital equipment.

This time on Hidden Tracks BART Project Manager Kevin Reeg talks about the challenges of this work and what will be accomplished and BART Operations Planner Hayley Toy shares more about how to navigate BART during all this work and the many efforts we’ve taken to reduce the impacts on riders from these shutdowns.

Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20240620

What BART's biggest rebuilding project means for your ride

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 Filippi, speaks with BART Manager of Strategic and Policy Planning Hannah Lindelof, who was recently part of a study group that visited Switzerland. The trip allowed Lindelof to observe their integrated transit system in action. She’s now back and shares lessons learned about how the Bay Area can put the rider first and make public transit the most appealing option for more people. 

Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20240827

Lessons from Switzerland could improve your ride on Bay Area transit

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 Jennifer Easton discusses the wide range of projects her one-woman department has undertaken – from murals and fashion shows to poetry contests and safety initiatives – and makes the case for the importance of weaving art and culture into the transit experience.

Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20241119

How BART’s Art Program uplifts community, culture, and the economy

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 who have set records speedrunning BART.

A speedrun is the total time it takes to travel through all 50 BART stations. It's a race against the clock to ride every BART line as fast as possible. Ameen DaCosta, Enzo Wu, and Adam, who runs the YouTube page, “Adam Does Not Exist” share their exploits and talk about what it could take to set an even faster record.

Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20241226

Speedrunners push their limits to set records on the BART system

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 complying with the law. On this edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART,” we’re joined by BART’s Inspector General Claudette Biemeret who was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to lead the team that provides independent oversight for BART. 

Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2025/news20250605

BART’s Inspector General is asking tough questions and saving taxpayers millions of dollars

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 who is BART’s Senior Manager of Performance and Innovation. Rubin’s team is leading an effort to take some of the best ideas from BART staff and turn them into real-world improvements that can transform the daily rider experience. This “from the bottom up” effort to spur innovation is giving employees a voice and it’s really true that if there is something that is a pain point for a BART employee, it’s likely also an issue for riders.

Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2025/news20251014

BART Leans into ideas from employees to save money and improve the rider experience

It’s a criticism that’s been around for as long as there has been public transit. “If the people running these systems actually rode the trains, things would be different.” BART is responding to that thought with a program that is making sure dozens of the agency’s top leaders on a consistent basis are riding the system they manage. Welcome to “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” I’m Chris Filippi with the BART Communications Department and on this episode of Hidden Tracks I’m joined by the man who launched the Managers Riding Trains program, BART General Manager Bob Powers.

Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2025/news20251202

BART managers take to the trains to hear directly from riders

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 BART back in 1971 and spent several decades as the public face of BART.  He offers a unique perspective on the transit agency’s colorful history as someone who personally experienced much of it.

Podcast: The dramatic history of BART is now a new book

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 people to take on real-world challenges in their communities.   Listen as 70 students from Kennedy High School in Richmond get a behind-the-scenes look at BART operations.   That special tour prepares the students to come up with answers to this question: “How can BART better use technology to get more people excited about careers in the transit industry?”

An inside look at BART inspires East Bay teens

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 of the trains as they carry tens of thousands of passengers.   Public safety and doing everything possible to keep the trains on time are critical concerns. It’s a fast-paced environment where collaboration is the key.  In this episode we hear from one of the managers of the control center as well as a train controller who has been with BART for more than two decades.

You can read the transcript here:  https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170203

Go inside BART's version of mission control

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 campaign like BARTable that shows off all the interesting places people can visit by riding a train during non-commute hours.  It’s a popular program that has some exciting changes on the way.

In this episode of Hidden Tracks we will hear from BARTable Manager Andrea Frainier and BART Marketing Manager Dave Martindale.

You can read the transcript here:  https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170518

You might be surprised by what's BARTable

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 secure your bicycle there are many bike-friendly ideas that are being turned into realities at BART.  Beroldo shares his thoughts about the various programs as well as what he says is a growing trend in the number of people who use their bikes to get to BART.

You can read the transcript here:  https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170831

BART has a plan for expected surge in bike usage

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 gates tick.  It takes a dedicated team to keep an array of roughly 1,200 machines in good working order.  One of the biggest challenges is dealing with paper tickets, both authentic and counterfeit, that can jam up busy machines

First, we’ll visit with one of the technicians who is specially-trained to get malfunctioning machines back in action.

Then we’ll hear from John Yen who manages the team that oversees vending and fare gate machines.  He’ll share more about the technology upgrades the vending machines have gone through and what BART is doing to make sure they stay in operation for years to come.

Read the transcript:  https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2018/news20180330-0

There's more to ticket vending machines and fare gates than meets the eye

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 focusing on the science of screech.  The new wheel profile has been years in the making.  One of our managing engineers talks in-depth about how the design was developed and what’s next for BART’s plan to bring a quieter ride to our passengers.

Read the transcript:  https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2018/news20180606

The science of the screech:  Big progress for BART's efforts to lower the volume of your ride

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 the latest edition of our podcast series, “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’ll learn more about the preparation that goes into being a Fleet of the Future Train Operator.  We’ll hear from one of the first graduates of the training program and learn what it’s like to operate one of BART’s newest trains.

Read the transcript here:  https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2019/news20190116

Training ramps up to fuel Fleet of the Future expansion

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 to a minimum that’s put into action by a team with decades of experience.  

Preparation and hard work are key.  The effort began well before this winter’s storms arrived.  Grounds crews worked for months to trim back trees and brush that could be threatened by powerful winds and rain.  That effort has led to a sharp decline in the number of trackway obstructions compared with last winter.

Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2019/news20190226

BART’s wet weather game plan pays off with fewer delays

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 from BART,” we're diving into the history of the BART map. There have only been a few versions of the BART map in the entire history of the system dating back to the start of service in 1972. Anytime there's been a suggestion for changes it has sparked a heated debate. Our guest on this episode is Bart Wright, a professional designer and mapping expert who has been heavily involved in designing the BART map over the last two decades. 

Read the podcast transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2019/news20190712-1

Explore the history of the BART map

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 Manager of Computer Systems Engineering.  Wheeler is one of BART’s leading innovators and she’s pushing for some major changes. That’s especially true when it comes to BART’s digital platform signs.  Upgrades have already been made to make it easier to tell if the next train is part of the Fleet of the Future but that’s just the beginning.  Take a listen to learn about the technological advancements in the pipeline for BART riders.

Read the transcript here:  https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2020/news20200117

Meet the woman helping to lead an innovation revolution at BART

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.

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