What if the future could already be at your doorstep, or rather, your bus stop? The team at SARTA Next Stop is thrilled to bring you an episode that peels back the curtain on the future of transit. Our guest, the insightful Kirt Conrad, joins us for this thought-provoking discussion as we untangle the potentials of a streetcar system and micro-transit services for SARTA. We also entertain the possibility of Sunday services and real-time scheduling for paratransit services, making transportation a breeze for everyone, including our differently abled friends.

Travel with us, metaphorically, as we ride the wave of innovation in the world of low emissions vehicles. We share our adventures in sourcing better solutions for over-the-road coaches, with a special focus on wheelchair accessibility. Our journey leads us to the exciting discovery of zero emissions, electric coaches equipped with wheelchair ramps and tie-down locations. Our ambition soars to the skies with the prospect of transitioning to a zero-emission fleet. Although the scarcity of suitable vehicles is a bump on the road, our determination to make this dream a reality is unyielding.

Be prepared to pack your bags as we venture out to Canton, Ohio. Picture this- a streetcar or train seamlessly connecting the airport, Hall of Fame Village, and downtown Canton. We share news of a parking and access study underway to identify potential spots for this transportation system. We're also thrilled to discuss hydrogen-powered trains as a zero-emission alternative. This episode ends on a hopeful note as we delve into the community's initiatives to reduce emissions, emphasizing the steps being taken for a greener and sustainable future. Tune in to this enlightening journey through the future of transit.

Ever wondered how a bustling transportation company keeps its buses and facilities at peak performance? Well, prepare to pull back the curtain and discover the intricate and often overlooked world of maintenance with our special guest, Keith Zachary, SARTA's maintenance supervisor. Keith, who is instrumental in the upkeep of the company’s buildings, grounds, and fleet of vehicles, shares his valuable insights about preventive maintenance, major repairs, and the science of scheduling.

This episode goes beyond the usual bus routes and stopovers, burrowing deep into SARTA's commendable vehicle maintenance and organizational process. Imagine managing over 100 buses that come in each night needing fueling, cleaning, and repairs - it's no small task! Yet, Keith and his team make it look easy. Their secret? A combination of well-trained technicians, a unique peer-to-peer training system, and a well-orchestrated maintenance strategy. This conversation will leave you impressed with the remarkable dedication and tireless effort that ensures SARTA's buses are always ready for the next journey. So, buckle up and join us for an enlightening ride into the heart of SARTA’s operations.

Ever wonder how transit operations function smoothly even under unexpected situations such as bus breakdowns or bad weather conditions? Curious about the role of dispatch services, particularly in coordinating with different teams and strategizing to ensure passenger safety and punctuality? Join us as we unravel the complexities of bus operations with none other than Delano Means, a seasoned dispatch supervisor. Delano gives us a unique behind-the-scenes look at the intriguing dynamics of the dispatch team in maintaining seamless transit operations.

Get exclusive insights into the fascinating technology that tracks and updates bus routes in real-time, ensuring that you, as passengers, are always informed. Delano deftly explains how the team efficiently handles unexpected hitches like bus breakdowns, and road detours due to accidents or road construction. Learn from an expert how they manage to extend transit center hours and provide additional buses during special events for your convenience. We also dip our toes into the intricate procedures of paratransit services and how swift actions are taken to accommodate passengers' schedules. Hold onto your seats for a captivating discussion that might just change the way you view your daily commute.

Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey of clean energy evolution with our esteemed guest, Kirt Conrad, CEO of SARTA's. Hold your seat tight as we revisit his remarkable experiences from his early clean energy days in Akron in 2005, and his work with Stan, who was named 'Scientist of the Century' by Scientist Magazine. We'll recount the thrill of Kirt’s ride in Stan's hydrogen-powered Prius with Senator Brown, and the pivotal role the Infrastructure bill and Inflation Reduction Act are playing in fueling more funds for decarbonization.

We'll dive deep into the realm of renewable energy, weighing the pros and cons of producing hydrogen from renewable sources. Get ready to sift through the debates around the "greenest" form of energy and discover the potential of hydrogen as an energy storage solution. Kirt will share insights into the practical application of hydrogen at SARTA, revealing the intriguing process of creating solar panels that produce hydrogen during the day and how it is then fed back into a fuel cell at night. This episode will not only ignite your interest but also broaden your understanding of clean energy solutions!

Welcome to a glimpse into the world of transit projects with our esteemed guest, Clayton Popik Director of Development and Special Projects at SARTA. Navigating the labyrinth of capital projects can be daunting, but Clayton is here to demystify it all. We journey with him through the intricacies of the Massillon Transit Center expansion – a riveting narrative that includes the creation of a training pad, expanded parking, a walking path, lush landscaping, and an electric vehicle charging station. Clayton's insights into this project and the anticipation for its completion come January 2021 serve as a fascinating peek behind the curtain of construction and development.

But the conversation doesn’t stop at construction. Clayton, with his rich experience in procurement, unravels the complex world of value purchasing. From the subtle art of acquiring the right kind of furniture to exploring procurement methods like invitation for bid processes and request for proposals, his insights offer a comprehensive understanding of the nitty-gritty of transit operations. And that's not all. Our discourse extends to his role at Wayne County Transit, Title VI administration, and ADA evaluations, offering a holistic perspective on transit operations. Engage with us in this absorbing discussion, which promises to both educate and intrigue.

Do you often find yourself puzzled by the myriad of public transit payment options? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Join us as we chat with Bobbie Barnett, a seasoned supervisor at SARTA, who demystifies the fare payment process for us. Bobbie shares fascinating insights about the various ways you can pay for your ride, be it exact cash, tap cards, or through the innovative EZfare app. She also explains how the tap cards and the fare boxes interact, and how these high-tech cards differ from the old-school paper tickets.

Public transit can be intimidating, especially for first-time users. To the rescue, we have Bobbie who takes us through a detailed exploration of the fare payment options and types. She discusses the perks of owning a SCORECard or a Touchdown card and guides us through the registration process. The conversation later shifts to the cash-only Community Coach fare and the convenience of using EZfare, especially for those who commute using multiple transit authorities. Bobbie concludes this segment with some wise words for newbies and emphasizes the crucial role of the Travel Training Department.

With the introduction of the SCORECard system in 2024, transit is all set to become a breeze. Bobbie highlights the benefits of the SCORECard, especially for securing payments. In the event of missed buses, she suggests reaching out to the priority care line for rescheduling. We also touch upon the exciting services provided by Proline reservationists and how customer service reps can be your best guide for smooth transit experiences. So, gear up for an enlightening ride as we decode the fascinating world of fare payments with Bobbie Barnett. Rest assured, your next trip on SARTA is going to be so much easier!

Ever pondered about the intricacies of public transportation service applications, particularly for disability? Buckle up, because this episode will guide you through it like none other. We connect with Tracy Tulley, the man who has ascended the ranks at SARTA, starting from customer service and now leading the contract support services. Tracy offers an invaluable peek into the application process, requirements for Proline mobility devices, and the essence of community partnerships in the effective facilitation of services.

In the second part of our chat with Tracy, we delve into the nitty-gritty of the disability application evaluation process. Tracy explicates on the eligibility criteria, the indispensable role of a personal care attendant (PCA), and the rigorous training procedures for drivers. He even brings to light how unpredictable weather conditions can affect pickup times and the crucial door assist policy at SARTA.

As we wrap up our enriching conversation, Tracy addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about Proline transportation service. With his profound knowledge and experience, he elucidates on the intricacies of pickup and drop-off services, particularly under the influence of fluctuating weather conditions. He also underscores SARTA's commitment to adjusting reasonably for those who require assistance. If you have ever been curious or confused about public transportation services, this episode is a treasure trove of insights.

Ever wondered how the intricate world of public transit operates and what its fixed routes have to offer you? Buckle up and embark on a journey with us as we venture into this fascinating subject. We are joined by Delano, our Dispatch Supervisor, who takes us behind the scenes of his role in ensuring smooth transit operations. Listen closely as Latrice and Nina, our fantastic representatives from the Customer Relations Department, lay bare the significance of fixed routes in public transit and unveil some of the most efficient routes offered by Starter, such as the Canton-Massillon direct route and the budget-friendly round trip to Cleveland.

Curious about the cost of the 81 bus or the transfer agreements with other agencies? We've got you covered! We further explore the connecting routes in Canton, Maslin, Belden Village, Alliance, and Stark County. Gain an understanding of the busy 102 route, which sees three buses running every hour, or unravel the workings of the 125 and 158 routes. This rich discussion will equip you with tips and tricks on how to expertly navigate these routes to your advantage.

But that's not all! We zoom into the public transit options available in the Canton, Maslin, Belden Village, East Canton, and North Canton areas. Our guests share their expertise on express buses, employment loops, the Community Coach, and the iconic 81 bus that services the Akron-Canton Airport. They impart insights on how these routes are meticulously tailored to meet the needs of passengers heading to work, school, or even grocery shopping! As we wrap up, join us in showing some love for the fantastic public transportation network in these areas, fully appreciating the fixed routes, transfer agreements, and the overall cost-efficiency they offer. This captivating chat with Delano, Latrice, and Nina is an eye-opener you won't want to miss!