Between The Lines: A Metrolinx Podcast: Recent Episodes
Metrolinx
Every week, we tackle transit-related topics that are important to you & hear from some of the brightest minds and leading global experts in the transit field.
Thank you to all of our thousands of listeners who have joined us so far.
The Between The Lines team will be taking a short break over the summer, but we will be back.
We want to hear from you!
What topics should we focus on?
What Metrolinx projects do you want to learn more about?
What are you liking about the podcast? What would you improve?
Send us your thoughts: podcast@metrolinx.com
Have a great summer.
Stay tuned...
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Gregory David / Shifting Out / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
From assistance with e-tickets to keeping up-to-date with schedules, there are countless reasons GO Transit customers need help. Luckily, the GO Transit contact centre runs seven days a week, ready to lend a hand. The dedicated team is headed by Trish Colley, Metrolinx’s vice president of customer service delivery. She joins Between the Lines host Matt Llewellyn on this week’s episode to talk about the main reasons customers reach out to her team. She also gives a look into the new services coming to make commutes easier for customers. If you need to get in touch with GO Transit’s customer care team, there are many options available. Online: https://www.gotransit.com/en/contact-us Phone: 416-869-3200 Toronto (local calling area) 1-888-438-6646 toll-free Contact Centre Hours Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekends & Holidays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The automated self service is always available Host: Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx) Guest:
Trish Colley, Metrolinx vice-president, customer service delivery
Producer/Social: James Wattie (@jameswattie) Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com Credits: Czar Donic / Red Red Shoes / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
This week, we delve into a heart-stopping video showing how close three young people came to serious injury or death while trespassing on a railway in Toronto.
We also get into how hot weather may mean delays on our GO Trains due to what's known as 'sun kinks'.
Finally, after 2 years of virtual events, Pride Month is officially back in full swing. We look at how Metrolinx and GO Transit are taking part in this year's celebrations.
New episodes of #AMAwithAMA are every other Thursday.
Stay tuned next Thursday for another episode of Between The Lines: A Metrolinx Podcast.
If you have a question you'd like Anne Marie to answer, send us an email: podcast@metrolinx.com
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Guest Host/Producer/Social:
James Wattie, spokesperson (@jameswattie)
Links:
Watch | Near miss – Metrolinx releases chilling video from front of GO Train after close call incident
Watch | How hot weather can lead to GO Train delays
Metrolinx kicks off Pride month – meet the transit agency’s Pride committee chairs
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Henyao / Fredagsmys Kw / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
On this week's episode: from Kennedy in the east to Mount Dennis in the west, we talk with a man who walked the entire route of the Eglinton Crosstown.
Jason Paris made the trek in 4 parts: Kennedy Road to Pharmacy Avenue in February; Pharmacy Avenue to Laird Drive in March; Laird Drive to Cedarvale in early April; and the final leg of Cedarvale to Mount Dennis, which was completed Easter Sunday.
He tells us what he saw, what he ate and drank and who he talked to along the 19 kilometre stretch.
Read more here:
He walks the line: Toronto man treks the Eglinton Crosstown LRT route – Metrolinx News
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Guest:
- Jason Paris (@jasonparis)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Czar Donic / Red Red Shoes / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Nylonia / Last Question / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
Our most frequently asked question, answered! Service changes are coming to both GO Transit and UP Express as more customers return to transit. We dig into some of the increases in service.
Plus, how Metrolinx is keeping would-be thrill seekers away from a Mississauga rail bridge and we answer some transit fan questions about staying up-to-date with the many Metrolinx transit projects on the go.
New episodes of #AMAwithAMA are now every other Thursday.
Stay tuned next Thursday for another episode of Between The Lines: A Metrolinx Podcast.
If you have a question you'd like Anne Marie to answer, send us an email: podcast@metrolinx.com
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Anne Marie Aikins, Chief Spokesperson (@metrolinxspox)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Henyao / Fredagsmys Kw / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
On this week's episode: we talk with Metrolinx's Director of Rail Operations, Rob Fuller.
He takes us into the Willowbrook Rail Maintenance Facility and talks about the changes he's seen in the rail industry in the last 50 years and where GO Transit service is heading in the future.
Watch: Rob Fuller takes us through the Willowbrook Rail Maintenance Facility
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Guest:
- Rob Fuller, director of rail operations
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Czar Donic / Red Red Shoes / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Nylonia / Last Question / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
There's a TikTok celebrity in Toronto. This week on Ask Me Anything with Anne Marie Aikins, find out more about Francis Bourgeois (aka Train Guy) and how he's teaming up with Metrolinx.
Plus, can tunnel boring machines (TBMs) be reused and when are more service changes coming to GO Transit?
New episodes of #AMAwithAMA are now every other Thursday.
Stay tuned next Thursday for another episode of Between The Lines: A Metrolinx Podcast.
If you have a question you'd like Anne Marie to answer, send us an email: podcast@metrolinx.com
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Anne Marie Aikins, Chief Spokesperson (@metrolinxspox)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Henyao / Fredagsmys Kw / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
On this week's episode: we go deep (pun intended) on tunnel boring machines (TBMs).
We talk with the director of construction for the Scarborough Subway Extension, Walter Trisi, about how TBMs work, how using them can help minimize disruptions above ground during construction and how the Scarborough Subway Extension is making history in Ontario.
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Guest:
- Walter Trisi, director of construction, Scarborough Subway Extension
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Czar Donic / Red Red Shoes / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
When are the Crosstown and other LRT projects opening? Is the Ontario Line an LRT or a subway?
This week on Ask Me Anything with Anne Marie Aikins, we answer your questions about light rail transit.
New episdoes of #AMAwithAMA are now every other Thursday.
Stay tuned next Thursday for another episode of Between The Lines: A Metrolinx Podcast.
If you have a question you'd like Anne Marie to answer, send us an email: podcast@metrolinx.com
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Anne Marie Aikins, Chief Spokesperson (@metrolinxspox)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Henyao / Fredagsmys Kw / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
On this week's episode: Metrolinx President and CEO Phil Verster weighs in on how inflationary pressures are impacting Metrolinx's day to day operations and capital projects. We also ask him if Metrolinx can play a role in helping to solve some of the labour shortage issues in the industry.
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Guest:
- Phil Verster, Metrolinx President & CEO
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at https://blog.metrolinx.com/podcast/
Credits:
Czar Donic / Red Red Shoes / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
This week on Ask Me Anything with Anne Marie Aikins, we look at recent changes to GO Transit & UP Express service, reminders for customers when it comes to paying for your ride and how Metrolinx is working to improve wayfinding at Union Station.
New epsidoes of #AMAwithAMA are now every other Thursday. Stay tuned next Thursday for another episode of Between The Lines: A Metrolinx Podcast.
If you have a question you'd like Anne Marie to answers, send us an email: podcast@metrolinx.com
Host:
Matt Llewelyn (@mattrolinx)
Anne Marie Aikins, Chief Spokesperson (@metrolinxspox)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Henyao / Fredagsmys Kw / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
On this week's episode: Metrolinx is offering new training to help employees disrupt human trafficking on its networks.
We talk with Metrolinx investigator, Jessica Langley about the red flags to look out for and with Randy Cowan, Metrolinx's head of investigations, who was part of the first team to successfully lay a human trafficking charge in Canada.
If there is an immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 911 or your local police. If you or someone you know needs support or you want to report a potential case, call the Canadian human trafficking hotline at 1-833-900-1010. It’s confidential, toll-free and open 24/7.
To report any suspicious activity to Metrolinx Customer Protective Services, call 1-877-297-0642. Callers always remain anonymous.
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Guests:
- Jessica Langley, investigator, Metrolinx
- Randy Cowan, head of investigations, Metrolinx
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Czar Donic / Red Red Shoes / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Lax Superlative / Toronto / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Ballpoint / Wave Line / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
This week on Ask Me Anything with Anne Marie Aikins, we talk about how one of our employees was able to get someone help who was having a medical episode while on a virtual meeting, what the province's latest COVID-19 rules mean for our services and what's going on with Niagara and Barrie weekend GO Train service.
Host:
Matt Llewelyn (@mattrolinx)
Anne Marie Aikins, Chief Spokesperson (@metrolinxspox)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Henyao / Fredagsmys Kw / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
On this week's episode, we chat with the former long-time mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion. For her 101st birthday, she was given a very unique gift: when the 18 km Hurontario LRT opens, it will be named in her honour.
We talk about how she reacted to the news, her thoughts on the future of transit in Mississauga and how she's been keeping busy during the pandemic.
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Guest:
Hazel McCallion, former mayor of Mississauga
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Czar Donic / Red Red Shoes / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
This week on Ask Me Anything with Anne Marie Aikins, we look to answer your questions about everything from replanting trees in Small's Creek, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT opening and the naming of the Hurontario LRT.
Host:
Matt Llewelyn (@mattrolinx)
Anne Marie Aikins, Chief Spokesperson (@metrolinxspox)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Henyao / Fredagsmys Kw / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Nylonia / Last Question / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
On this week's episode, we head into Small's Creek ravine to talk about Metrolinx's plans to add a track to the Lakeshore East rail corridor, the impact that work will have on the area and the plans for restoration to keep Small's Creek as ecologically sound as possible. Host: Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx) Guests:
Lisa Drew, chair of the Merrill Dog Park Association Gretel Green, ecologist & Metrolinx manager of environmental programs & assessments
Producer/Social: James Wattie (@jameswattie) Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com Credits: Czar Donic / Red Red Shoes / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Silver Maple / Superior / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
This week on Ask Me Anything with Anne Marie Aikins, we talk about how Metrolinx is honouring Canada's First Lady of the Blues, Salome Bey, how we planned for this weekend's protest in downtown Toronto and how our staff went above and beyond to get a woman home safe. Host: Matt Llewelyn (@mattrolinx) Anne Marie Aikins, Chief Spokesperson (@metrolinxspox) Producer/Social: James Wattie (@jameswattie) Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com Credits: Henyao / Fredagsmys Kw / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
In this week's episode, Matt chats with Metrolinx's Director of Customer Protection Services & Chief Constable Rod Jones.
His division is undergoing massive changes: its name, its look and how it responds to a variety of calls for help.
Hear about how they are switching their overall mentality from "enforcers" to "problem-solvers" and the introduction of a Crisis Outreach And Support Team (COAST), staffed with mental health professionals.
Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Guest:
Rod Jones, Director of Customer Protection Services
Producer:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Czar Donic / Red Red Shoes / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
This week on Ask Me Anything with Anne Marie Aikins, we look at affordable housing at Port Credit GO station, the winners (and losers) of the tunnel boring machine contests, why GO trains are different shades of green and a whiff of a hint about what classic Union Station store could be coming back soon.
Host:
Matt Llewelyn (@mattrolinx)
Anne Marie Aikins, Chief Spokesperson (@metrolinxspox)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Henyao / Fredagsmys Kw / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
On this week's episode: a conversation with Metrolinx's President and CEO Phil Verster. We talk about the timeline to open the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, his message to businesses along planned transit routes as well as his professional and personal goals for 2022. Host: Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx) Guest:
Phil Verster, President & CEO
Producer/Social: James Wattie (@jameswattie) Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com Credits: Czar Donic / Red Red Shoes / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
This week on Ask Me Anything with Anne Marie Aikins, we look at the impact of a major snowstorm on Metrolinx's services and answer a listener question about GO Transit service to the Niagara region.
Hosts:
Matt Llewelyn (@mattrolinx)
Anne Marie Aikins, Chief Spokesperson (@metrolinxspox)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Henyao / Fredagsmys Kw / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Nylonia / Last Question / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
On this week's episode: a discussion on the Omicron variant's impact on Metrolinx and GO Transit's services. As Ontario experience a return of heavy pandemic restrictions - and a surge of new cases amid a more transmissible variant - Metrolinx has announced a reduction in service. We've brought together a roundtable to talk about why this decision was made, how omicron is affecting Metrolinx and its contractors workers, and what customers need to know.
Host:
Matt Llewelyn (@mattrolinx)
Guests:
Eve Wiggins, VP, Bus Services
Rob Andrews, Director, Rail Operations
Doug Tuira, Senior Manager, Network Operations Control
Anne Marie Aikins, Chief Spokesperson (@metrolinxspox)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
Credits:
Czar Donic / Red Red Shoes / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message
Every Thursday - we will bring you in-depth conversations with some of the industry-leading transit experts who make up our team here at Metrolinx on issues that matter to you.
Every Tuesday - AMA with AMA: if you have a question you want answered, be sure to tune in for a quick Ask Me Anything with our very own Chief Spokesperson, Anne Marie Aikins.
And keep an ear out for bonus episodes on special projects, news and events.
Subscribe to 'Between The Lines - A Metrolinx Podcast' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen.
Learn more at blog.metrolinx.com
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Host:
Matt Llewellyn (@mattrolinx)
Producer/Social:
James Wattie (@jameswattie)
Credits:
Dusty Decks / Golden Crates / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/metrolinx/message