The Next Stop: METRO Houston's Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Next Stop: METRO Houston's Podcast
It can turn deadly in just seconds! METRO's Doug Delony visits with AAA's Doug Shupe about the dangers of distracted driving. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
Houston's air quality, like many large metro areas, is not great, but there are some actions everyone can take to help turn things around. Charlie Gagen from the American Lung Association visits with METRO's Doug Delony.
Andy Marchant from TomTom joins METRO's Doug Delony to discuss the latest traffic study that shows the financial and environmental impacts of traffic congestion. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
Kerri Taylor from Unbound Now Houston joins Doug Delony to discuss tips to spot human trafficking, its connection to public transit and how to help if you suspect someone is a victim. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
Doug Delony takes a look back at some of the touching stories and big headlines you may have missed from METRO in the last year. We are looking forward to another great year in 2024! (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
METRO's Casey McKay visits with Doug Delony about new bus shelters that are being installed across the Houston region as part of the METRONext plan. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
Kim Williams from the METRO Office of Innovation joins Doug Delony to discuss METRO FutureLink, which aims to integrate autonomous vehicles into the public transit system. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
METRO is actively involved in the community as we work together to develop the METRORapid University Corridor Project. Host Doug Delony and Tanya McWashington, VP of Public Engagement for METRO, discuss. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
Sgt. Alex Edwards with the METRO Police Department discusses the important role of transit marshals in protecting patrons and employees. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
The METRO Police Department's K-9 team works alongside other specialty units to keep the transit system safe and secure. Host Doug Delony visits with MPD Officer Armstrong to learn more. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
METRO's Director of Public Facilities, Miguel Zavala, visits with Doug Delony about the important job that keeps the Facilities Maintenance team busy 24/7. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
METRO's Danicel Whitaker explains why offering students discounted and free rides is an investment for the future. Plus we discuss another way to save money: the METRO Rider Rewards program. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
METRO's Andrei Dragomir joins host Doug Delony to discuss all the behind-the-scenes work that takes place to prepare the Authority for the arrival of more zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric buses. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
METRO's safety educator Ramona Crayton stops by The Next Stop to discuss how the Authority prioritizes safety - especially when we have big events like the rodeo and the Final Four, which can attract visitors from around the world. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
Are you ready to rodeo? For spring break? The Final Four? METRO is! METRORail's Eddie Espinosa joins host Doug Delony to discuss how our rail team and community leaders prepare for big events. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
METRO PD Assistant Chief Dennis Ribeiro sits down with The Next Stop to discuss what it takes to police a large transit authority like Houston METRO. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
Doug Delony takes a look back at some of the accomplishments and stories you may have missed from METRO in the last year. We are looking forward to another great year in 2023! (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
METRO Urban Designer Brandie Lockett joins Doug Delony to discuss the positive impact that urban design has on public spaces. Also, don't be surprised when you see new art popping up along the METRO system. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
Members of the METRO Police Department join Doug Delony to discuss the important work that is being done every day to help those experiencing homelessness. (Transcript available at www.RideMETRO.org/Podcast)
Rachel Maleh, Executive Director of Operation Lifesaver, joins METRO's Doug Delony to talk about the dangers of not paying attention around tracks. You'll also hear from METRO trainers Ruben Zepeda and LaMechea Mallett.
Ed Ryland and Tiffany Ryland of ARVO Realty Advisors come by The Next Stop to share their story of using METRO for a day and why everyone should give it a try.
As we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we look at the incredibly important job of a METRO trainer. Listen as METRO's Doug Delony visits with METRO Trainer Tyrone Scott.
Joshua Zuber with AAA drops by The Next Stop to share the real-life consequences of distracted driving. Even a brief distraction can be deadly!
METRO Police Chief Vera Bumpers and METRO President & CEO Tom Lambert reflect on the METRO Police Department's 40 years of public service to the Houston region.
Gas prices remain high, have you considered METRO's vanpool service? Danicel Whitaker and Dezra Nauls from STAR Vanpool join Doug Delony to explain why you need to give it a try.
There will always be a need for public transit, and there will always be a need for public transit employees. In this edition of The Next Stop, we’re talking job stability and perks of the job at Houston METRO.
Bryant Chan and Noah Fons from Houston Exponential join METRO's Doug Delony to discuss the upcoming Tech Rodeo Roadshow. Everyone is welcome, and the Red Line will be the best way to make sure you don't miss out.
Jay Blazek Crossley from Farm&City joins METRO's Doug Delony to talk about pedestrian safety, Vision Zero and what drivers need to know.
So how does route planning work anyway? From planning to evaluation, METRO has a talented team working behind the scenes to plan the routes and get riders where they need to go. In this episode, the head of METRO’s service planning explains how it works, and why even the most thoughtful plans sometimes have to quickly change.
This episode explores the ways METRO is working closely with Vision Zero Houston to make our streets safer and end traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
From landscaping to major capitol projects, small businesses provide vital services to help METRO operate. This episode explains how small business owners can learn about opportunities and programs METRO offers.
METRO Police Chief Vera Bumpers shares security tips to make your next ride on transit even more safe.
A new METRO route is expanding access and opportunity in one of the Houston’s busiest and most diverse neighborhoods. In this episode, learn how a collaboration between stakeholders and METRO paved the way for the Gulfton Circulator.
METRO is rolling towards a more sustainable future as it develops a climate action plan. Zero-emissions vehicles are part of those plans starting with the addition of battery electric buses to METRO's fleet.
METRO customers will soon have a new amenity to enjoy while riding, free WIFI. The METRO WIFI Network is being deployed across the transit network in buses, paratransit vans and trains. In this episode, we learn about the program and how this feature will help customers do more while enjoying their rides.
As more people return to their traditional commutes, METRO is looking for hundreds of bus operators and support staff to help get them there.
In this edition of the Next Stop, we check in with Houston BCycle. We discuss how the growing bike share non-profit is helping more transit riders to reach their destinations and gain a new perspective of the city from two wheels. We also discuss how to make our streets safer for cyclists, pedestrians, transit riders and drivers. As well as, upcoming cycling events.
Work is underway on METRO's BOOST Network. The METRONext Moving Forward Plan includes enhancements to 17 high-ridership bus routes so you can enjoy a better walk, a better stop and a better ride.
Considered the Queen Transit, Shirley DeLibero shattered barriers and built vital transit connections across the country during her history making career. In this edition of the Next Stop, DeLibero shares the powerful story of her professional journey and how her determination built a brighter future for the communities she served.
Transit isn't only about buses and trains. METRO has found a two wheel solution to help connect riders to transit. In this episode, we learn how METRO's bike lane projects are creating vital connections to service and what armadillos have to do with it all.
The world of microtransit service is expanding. Transit agencies across the country are announcing more customized, curb to curb type services. This episode explores the growth of microtransit service at METRO. It examines how technology and this form of transit's ability to fill service gaps is driving the expansion.
A local US Army veteran shares his story of how losing his sight has led him to gain vision. He has found a broad community of support including transportation from Houston METRO. It's a powerful transit connection that he says provides him and other veterans freedom.
METRO connects customers to essential destinations. In this episode, we hear directly from some of those customers as they explain how the service impacts their lives.
Vision Zero Houston is on a mission to end traffic deaths and serious injuries on Houston roads by 2030. With a draft plan taking shape, help from the entire community is needed to reach that goal.
The greater Houston region is introduced to bus rapid transit technology with the launch of the METRORapid Silver Line. We get the details on this new route, learn what makes it different from METRO’s other services and discuss why this is just the beginning for this transit option in the region.
We revisit some of the most interesting stops made during the podcast's previous 24 episodes.
A conversation with researcher and author Kyle Shelton examining the historical context of transit infrastructure investments and the role expansion of equitable access to public transportation can play in the conversation about improving civil rights overall. Shelton is the author of Power Moves: Transportation, Politics and Development in Houston and deputy director at Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research.
COVID-19 has meant dramatic changes for public transportation. METRO is now restoring service as businesses begin to reopen. Some services and operations may be changed forever. The episode examines the changes, long term impact and opportunities for public transit as recovering from the pandemic begins.
METROLift, one of the nation's largest paratransit services, continues to serve the disability community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode takes a close look at the dedicated efforts to ensure continued safe operations of this essential service.
Even during a world pandemic, public transportation remains a lifeline to frontline workers and other riders. From increasing sanitization to changing boarding procedures, METRO is adapting to protect the safety of its passengers and employees while continuing to provide its vital service.
Transit expert and author of Better Buses Better Cities, Steven Higashide, joins the Next Stop for a chat about the link between thriving transit and thriving cities. He highlights what is working in public transit systems across the United States, and the lessons that can be learned to implement swift and meaningful changes in transit equity and access.
From increasing activity to lowering stress, we explore the link between choosing the bus or train for your daily commute and living a healthy lifestyle.
Riders on some METRO routes can now text, surf, scroll, even catch up on their favorite shows thanks to a pilot program that is testing free WiFi on select routes.
Distinguished author and urban planner Alexander Garvin shares insights into what makes a successful city and how investments in the public realm including, the soon to launch METRORapid service, in Houston's Uptown district make it a model for other cities.
METRO's 2019 Top Bus Operators of the Year shares lessons on life he's learned behind the wheel, and explains how he was able to use a tragic loss as motivation to make every day meaningful.
From the Super Bowl to major conferences, METRO knows how to get passengers to major events. It is a well coordinated effort across the agency and that happens more often than you might think.
A college student spends her summer interning in METRO's press office and shares some of most interesting lessons she learned.
Trading your solo commute for a vanpool can save hundreds of dollars every year but this vanpool captain tells us that's not even the top reason he shares his commute with his co-workers.
Commuting alone can get lonely and not mention expensive. METRO offers a solution to those issues and more with Star Vanpool. In the first part of this two part series find out how it works and what you need to do to get connected with the program.
Long time Houston radio personality, Dana Tyson from Sunny 99.1, is excited to be one of METRO's newest riders. Tyson shares her experiences riding METRO and offers tips for those who are ready to hop on board.
Budget travel expert Deidre Mathis knows her way around the globe. She's traveled to more than 40 countries and all 7 continents. In this episode, she explains why getting the most out of your next vacation could be a simple as hopping on a local bus or train.
We asked, you spoke, we listened. Now METRO is giving everyone a look at the draft regional transit plan. The $7.5 billion Moving Forward Plan is designed to move more people, more places and improve speed and reliability. In this episode, learn the details of the plan and how the public can get involved.
From colorful murals to inspiring messages, a little known METRO program is making a significant impact in communities across the service area. In this episode, how METRO's Art Shelter program is connecting communities through art.
A first-of-its-kind application now allows METRO customers to turn their smart phones into a personal guide. In this episode listeners learn how this innovation removes barriers for everyone, and how it is already starting a trend across the public transit industry.
Increasingly, access to high-frequency transit is becoming a selling point in Houston. This episode examines how that is impacting existing real estate and attracting new development.
METRO is looking for experienced mechanics and is offering cash incentives up to $4000 to new hires who qualify.
METRO joins Operation Lifesaver's national effort to increase rail safety awareness to help stop track tragedies.
From savings to safety, METRO is helping ease the transition for students as they go back to school. Plus, find out the one essential every student should carry.
No one has time to waste. We've got the skinny on the top time-saving METRO commuter hacks. From how to track your favorite route to paying your fare all from a smartphone, don't leave home without learning this tips.
Students ride free through September 1, 2018 with METRO's Summer of Fun Program. Find out how to register and why the program means savings for students even after they go back to school.