What's the T | The TransLink Podcast

S4E10 | What's the T with the TransLink CEO

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:00:31 +0000

How did a community planner from Baltimore end up leading one of Canada’s largest transit agencies? TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn shares what’s next for Metro Vancouver transit, the innovations he's excited about, and why every rider matters. Plus, a few unexpected glimpses into the man behind the title, including his love of music, tattoos, and the curious story of a lost umbrella.

S4E9 | How can transit respond to the needs of women?

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 23:45:37 +0000

We chat with Drs. Emily Grisé and Geneviève Boisjoly about their findings in their study on understanding and responding to the transit needs of women. Emily is an assistant professor with University of Alberta, while Geneviève is an associate professor with Polytechnique Montréal.

S4E8 | What is the transit experience for people living with autism?

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:30:59 +0000

Walk in the shoes of a transit customer and self-advocate for people living with autism. Kayla Tellier shares her experience and how you can help foster a supportive space for all abilities.

S4E7 | How does the MTR in Hong Kong design memorable stations?

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 23:00:12 +0000

We delve into the fascinating world of transit architecture at the MTR in Hong Kong. Discover how art and design transform transit stations into vibrant community spaces, enhancing the daily journeys of millions of passengers.

S4E6 | What's the T on the T?

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:31:20 +0000

Think of the London Underground and you think of the blue, red and white roundel. In Metro Vancouver, it’s the white “T” on a blue square that’s the symbol for transit. We travel the world to learn about their transit symbols, before coming home for our story behind the “T.”

S4E5 | How can we prepare for the big one and more?

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 17:09:09 +0000

We delve into the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure the safety and reliability of transit. Discover how we prepare for emergencies in the community, coordinate with local governments, and manage large events like Taylor Swift concerts and FIFA in the future to keep our transit system running smoothly.

S4E4 | How are we involved in Metro Vancouver communities?

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 21:30:04 +0000

Transit plays a vital role in enhancing community experiences and creating lasting memories. Learn about the various community events and initiatives we’re involved in. Plus, did you know you can charter a transit bus?

S4E3 | Is there such a thing as a perfect bus route?

Fri, 30 May 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Discover how bus routes are expertly crafted. Plus, hear personal anecdotes from our guest about the significance of transit in daily life and the continuous evolution of transit services to meet changing community needs.

S4E2 | How are we speeding up the humble, everyday bus?

Fri, 23 May 2025 21:15:42 +0000

Buses are the workhorses of our transit system and wider transportation network. They carry about two-thirds of riders each day. And on the busiest roads, buses are responsible for moving up to 60% of people. So, making it better is crucial.

S4E1 | Which movie or TV show filmed inside a SkyTrain car?

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Blade: Trinity and Friday the 13th — what do they have in common? They're both films with scenes filmed on transit. Known as Hollywood North, Vancouver is North America's third largest film production centre after Los Angeles and New York City. Naturally, you can expect Metro Vancouver transit cameos.

S3E10 | Why transit is so important for newcomers

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:30:00 +0000

About 120,000 people new residents moved to Metro Vancouver last year — many of whom were newcomers to Canada. We chat with the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia for a better understanding of just why and how transit is so important for newcomers as they settle into Metro Vancouver.

S3E9 | Quick Sips: Why there's a third platform at Stadium-Chinatown Station

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 21:30:00 +0000

Our first installment of Quick Sips, where we deliver quick and tidy answers to your questions. We tackle why there's a third platform at Stadium–Chinatown Station, the Expo 86 monorail, why the trolleybus routes operate where they do, what are the different buses and SkyTrain models, the NightBus, and more!

S3E8 | How are bus routes numbered?

Thu, 30 May 2024 21:00:00 +0000

Think about your bus route. Have you wondered why it carries that number? Well, there's probably a story behind how it got that number. Michael Vena, who is the manager of service planning at Coast Mountain Bus Company, explains the principles they try to apply when numbering a route.

S3E7 | Doo doo doo you know the story of the SkyTrain chime?

Fri, 24 May 2024 17:20:00 +0000

It's arguably the most iconic sound in Metro Vancouver: the "doo doo doo" as the doors on the SkyTrain. But how did it come to be? We chat with both the retired and current manager of operations planning at SkyTrain to uncover the history of this iconic sound and how it has stood the test of time.

S3E6 | Where does the SkyTrain sleep at night?

Thu, 16 May 2024 19:00:00 +0000

You ride the SkyTrain during the day, but where do they go at night for downtime and TLC at the end of a long day of work? Listen to find out and what an expanding SkyTrain system means for that — all made possible with funding from many years ago. But with an ever-growing system, we’ll need more investments to continue to build it out and accommodate population growth for years to come.

S3E5 | How we're helping newcomers learn to use the transit system

Fri, 10 May 2024 18:00:00 +0000

“Transportation might only be a small part of everyday, but it is that part that makes everything else possible.” Those are the astute words of Chris Chan, manager of travel training at TransLink. Chris shares his challenges learning how to use transit as a newcomer and how that informs his mission to ensure new riders are setup for success as part of fostering a transit system that is welcoming to all ages and abilities.

S3E4 | How do we plan SkyTrain service for events and track maintenance?

Thu, 02 May 2024 18:00:00 +0000

"My name is Taylor!" It's been a long time coming as Taylor Swift's Eras Tour comes to Vancouver in December. How does SkyTrain plan extra service on the Expo and Millennium Lines for large events like this? What about when there's single tracking or shuttle trains for track maintenance? Explaining it all is Ian Fisher, manager of operations planning for SkyTrain.

S3E3 | We reveal a voice behind TransLink's Twitter account

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 18:30:00 +0000

Our popular @TransLink X (Twitter) account is one of the most followed in Metro Vancouver and is known for delivering top-notch customer service to our riders. Meet one of the voices behind the keyboard answering your questions. Discover the role the Customer Information team plays in delivering up-to-date transit information to your fingertips.

S3E2 | What's the role of Transit Security?

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Step aboard with us for ride-along with Transit Security! We walk the walk and learn more about their role is in supporting and fostering a safe and reliable transit system for you.

S3E1 | Meet the voice of SkyTrain

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0000

You hear the voice every day as it narrates your SkyTrain commute, telling you what the next station is. But have you wondered who the voice belongs to? Listen to find out.

S2E10 | A peek behind the West Coast Express curtain

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 19:30:00 +0000

We wrap up the second season by giving you the "T" on what it's like to operate the West Coast Express. What are some of the most common reasons for delays? And what makes the WCE experience so special?

S2E9 | Revealing the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain station names

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000

Join us as we travel down the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension, explaining how we chose the names for each of the eight new stations along the way.

S2E8 | The wacky finds of the lost and found

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 22:30:00 +0000

Discover the extensive work that goes on behind the scenes at TransLink's Lost Property Office. What is the most commonly recovered item? What about the most bizarre?

S2E7 | How are we prepping for winter weather?

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 20:22:36 +0000

We've got the "T" on how buses are prepped for winter weather. Plus, why do we position attendants at the front of the SkyTrain during snow? We reveal the answers.

S2E6 | Walk this way: the art and science of wayfinding

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 23:45:24 +0000

Explore the intricate dance of maps, signs and more as they come together to help you seamlessly navigate throughout the transit system.

S2E5 | Step inside the SkyTrain Control Centre

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 01:01:30 +0000

There's so much more than meets the eye when it comes to making SkyTrain go. We visit the brains of the SkyTrain operations, the air traffic control of SkyTrain.

S2E4 | The one where we ride the SeaBus

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 19:30:00 +0000

Hop on board with us! We're going where very few people have gone before: the captain’s chair, perched high atop the SeaBus vessel.

S2E3 | What's it like to walk the beat with Transit Police?

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 19:40:00 +0000

Follow the unique career trajectories of its Chief Officer Suzanne Muir and Constable Travis Blair. Muir started on the soccer pitch and is a Canada Soccer Hall of Famer. Tune in for a glimpse of what it's like to walk the beat as a member of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police.

S2E2 | What's the role of SkyTrain Attendants?

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 19:35:00 +0000

You're invited to ride the rails with a SkyTrain Attendant to discover what it really entails. It will surprise you as there's truly more than what meets the eye. Don't believe us? Listen to find out.

S2E1 | Are there ghosts on transit?

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 19:30:00 +0000

It's spooky season. Have you ever felt a chill as if someone was watching you? We explore spooky stories and urban legends with Greg Mansfield, author of "Ghosts of Vancouver." We'll take you on a ride you won't forget. Tune in if you dare!

SPECIAL | Celebrating 75 years of the trolley bus

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 21:45:00 +0000

In this bonus episode, Jawn celebrates this milestone anniversary by speaking with the people who illustrate the past, present, and future of Vancouver's iconic trolley bus.

S1E10 | Taking care of business on SkyTrain

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 22:45:00 +0000

We close out our first season where we began: a deep dive on SkyTrain. This is all the things we do behind the scenes to maintain safe and reliable service for you.

S1E9 | Elevators and escalators

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Take this ride with us on why an elevator and escalator may not be available. We have the "T" on the types of regular inspections that have to be done, why we take pride in our work, and more.

S1E8 | Bike + Bus = Bike Bus

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Just one of the many ways we're putting you at the heart of everything we do. Plus, tips on where to go with your bike and Bike Bus.

S1E7 | Making buses more reliable

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:50:00 +0000

What are some of the reasons why buses can be late and what are we doing to make them more reliable, for you? Listen and find out.

S1E6 | Transit meets real estate

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Metro Vancouver is growing by 50,000 new residents each year — we need to help provide people with sustainable ways to move and live. Discover how we're breaking new ground to support transit expansion and helping to deliver new housing.

S1E5 | What we're planning to build for you

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:00:00 +0000

We also reveal what it takes to transform an idea into a SkyTrain line or bus route that you can ride. Plus, what are we talking about when we playfully say the 99 Tree-Line?

S1E4 | Saying thanks and "secret friends" on transit

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 19:58:25 +0000

Dr. Amy Hanser, an associate professor of sociology at the University of British Columbia, joins us to discuss the fascinating social interactions we share on transit. We also hear from bus operators to find out what they think when you say thanks!

S1E3 | Transit icks

Tue, 30 May 2023 17:02:00 +0000

Playing loud music, blocking the doors and not taking backpacks off — some of the things fellow riders do that might give you the ick. Robert Willis with TransLink takes us behind the scenes on a pair of transit etiquette campaigns and shares his observations as our in-house expert.

S1E2 | What's it like operating a bus

Tue, 30 May 2023 17:01:00 +0000

Host Jawn Jang goes behind the scenes at our training centre. Derrick Bayer, chief instructor at Coast Mountain Bus Company, puts him through the paces as Jawn takes a spin at the wheel of our bus simulator for a taste of what it's like to operate a bus.

S1E1 | Why doesn't the SkyTrain run 24 hours?

Tue, 30 May 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Matt Doyle, SkyTrain's vice-president of maintenance and engineering, has the answer why the SkyTrain doesn't run all night. He also explains what's going on behind the scenes on the SkyTrain tracks overnight when most of us are asleep.

Trailer | Hey! Welcome to the TransLink podcast

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

I'm your host, Jawn Jang. Come behind the scenes with me as I put some voices and names to the work that we do at TransLink. Can't wait to get started. Welcome aboard to What’s The T.