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/