On the Patio

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/