Wheel Talk: Transit, Trends, and How We Get There
Join Dan Lieberman and Randol White as they explore how transit agencies are working to solve public transportation challenges, improve the rider experience, and build a more connected future..
Each Wheel Talk episode features insightful conversations about navigating travel — whether on foot, by bicycle, SamTrans bus, Caltrain commuter rail, or car. Listen to in-depth interviews with transit experts, agency leaders, planners, and community advocates who share transparent insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping Bay Area mobility.
Also, once a month, check out Hop Off Here — Wheel Talk’s special series on food, festivals, and fun. From taco trucks to music festivals, we’ll help you discover the flavors, celebrations, and hidden delights waiting just beyond your stop. Think of it as your rider’s guide to making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Whether you’re a daily transit rider, transportation planner, or interested in sustainable, inclusive transportation solutions, Wheel Talk delivers strategic perspectives on the public transit systems that keep the Bay Area connected and moving forward.
Subscribe to Wheel Talk to stay informed about the latest developments in Bay Area public transit and regional transportation planning. And don't forget to rate us on your favorite streaming device!
Wheel Talk: Transit, Trends, and How We Get There
Reimagining a Bay Area highway for the future
Wheel Talk Podcast Guests (in order of appearance):
- Cassie Halls, SamTrans Major Corridors Manager
- Patrick Gilster, San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) Director of Planning and Fund Management
- Megan Wooley-Ousdahl, South San Francisco Deputy City Manager
- Jacob (Jake) Buffenbarger, Caltrans System Planning Branch Chief: Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties
- Mitch Postel, San Mateo County Historical Association President
The Grand Boulevard Initiative: Turning El Camino Real into a street for everyone
This busy highway was once a trade route linking Ohlone villages in what we now call San Mateo County, in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. When the Spanish arrived, it became known as El Camino Real — the King’s Highway — carrying travelers between California’s missions.
Centuries later, this corridor remains a backbone for commerce and travel. But today, it faces modern challenges: congestion, safety concerns, and the need to better serve all who rely on it.
The Grand Boulevard Initiative (GBI) aims to reimagine this historic roadway as a modern “complete street” designed for everyone—walkers, bikers, transit riders, drivers, and local businesses.
What Is the Grand Boulevard Initiative?
The Grand Boulevard Initiative is a collaboration led by SamTrans in partnership with Caltrans, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA), and 15 cities along the Peninsula. The goal is to ensure that El Camino Real is a safe and vibrant street where people of all ages and abilities travel comfortably. Potential improvements include:
- Wider sidewalks and safer pedestrian crossings
- Dedicated bus lanes and better transit efficiency through congested areas
- Bike-friendly design and protected lanes
- Street trees, landscaping, and placemaking enhancements
Why El Camino Real Matters to San Mateo County
El Camino Real is more than just a highway — it connects residents to jobs, health care centers, schools, and civic spaces. In South San Francisco alone, the corridor links the new Library | Parks and Recreation Center (LPR), medical facilities, and BART. A revitalized El Camino Real would not only improve mobility and safety but could also boost economic vitality and quality of life along the Peninsula.
Learn More About the Grand Boulevard Initiative
The Grand Boulevard Initiative is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform San Mateo County’s most important streets. To stay updated on workshops, planning milestones, and opportunities to get involved, visit samtrans.com/GBI.
