38. Pollution Solutions

Valley Metro’s South Central Extension/Downtown Hub opens soon and hosts Juliana and Ricky are previewing the big day. In this episode, they speak with City of Phoenix Light Rail Administrator Markus Coleman about what this expansion means for the South Central community and how we're celebrating the opening on June 7th.

The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub, Valley Metro Rail's largest expansion to- date, opens this June. On this episode, hosts Juliana and Ricky explore the impact of this new two-line system with three experts from Valley Metro's Operations and Service Planning teams.

On this episode of Storylines, hosts Juliana and Ricky celebrate Women's History Month by highlighting some of the women who make Valley Metro Rail expansions possible. They speak with Valley Metro Office Engineer Crystal Lewis and AECOM Project Manager Janet Yeow about their journeys into the construction industry and advice for the next generation.

On this episode of Storylines, hosts Juliana and Ricky highlight Valley Metro's partnerships with minority-owned and small businesses. First, they speak with Jonathan Thatcher to learn how Valley Metro finds the businesses it contracts with. Then, they interview small business owner and photographer Zee Peralta about her experience working with the organization.

On this episode of Storylines, Juliana and Ricky are ringing in the new year by highlighting Valley Metro’s big plans for 2025. They speak with Deputy Chief of Design and Construction Tony Santana about all the exciting projects coming up and the role of our communities in making them happen.

Maricopa County voters have approved Prop 479, continuing critical transportation investments across the region. On this episode, hosts Juliana and Ricky chat with John Bullen from the Maricopa Association of Governments to learn how this funding will benefit drivers, public transit riders and the region overall.

Plaza19 is back open and hosts Juliana and Ricky are celebrating the reactivation! First, they speak with Shannon McBride from the 19North Community Alliance about how the organization helped Valley Metro revitalize the plaza. Then, they sit down with Mandi Rupple from Discover to learn how the business is supporting this transit-oriented space. To learn more about the Northwest Extension Phase II Transit-Oriented Community Policy Plan visit https://www.phoenix.gov/nweii

Valley Metro’s new fare system is here! On this episode of Storylines, hosts Juliana and Ricky sit down with Public Information Officer Renata Cló to answer your most frequently asked fare questions and learn how riders can benefit from the new system.

In this episode of Storylines, hosts Juliana and Ricky get the dirty details on air quality. First, they talk with ADEQ Meteorologist Matt Pace about the science behind air quality in the Valley. Then, they sit down with Ari Halpert from Maricopa County to learn how we are making our air cleaner in the Valley and how you can help.

Operators are the backbone of Valley Metro. That’s why we’re spotlighting them on this episode of Storylines! Hosts Juliana and Ricky talk with bus operator Jesus Valencia and Streetcar operator Sami Haddad to explore their day-to-day experiences and why they enjoy working for Valley Metro.