Podcast Episode 31 - Ride Sharing, Taxis, and Transit

The TransitMatters Podcast returns from break with a discussion on Lyft and ride sharing services with special guest Tyler George, General Manager of Lyft Boston. Tyler has a spirited discussion with hosts Josh Fairchild, Jeremy Mendelson and recurring panelist, sound engineer (and former General Manager for both Zipcar's Chicago operation and for Hubway bike share here in Boston) Scott Mullen. Our discussion focused on ride sharing services and its effect on the Taxi industry and Transit. This episode was recorded in the studios of WMBR 88.1fm Cambridge, engineered by Scott Mullen, and edited by Charleston Sarjeant.

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Podcast Episode 30.5 - Ride-Along with Jim Aloisi to WGBH's The Scrum

Buses berth at Sullivan Square in Somerville, MA  [Photo via Flickr]

For this mini-episode of the podcast, we were joined by former Massachusetts Transport Secretary and TransitMatters Board Member Jim Aloisi. We both took a trip on transit from Haymarket Station to Brass Union in Somerville's Union Square.

This episode was recorded on 12 July in the lively environs of an Orange Line train, a CT2 bus, and under the I-93 overpass at Sullivan Square.

During the episode we talked about:

• Hillary Clinton's MetroCard Miscue
• The BTD Sullivan Square/Rutherford Ave study - check out the presentation [PDF] from the last meeting that we couldn't personally make. Were you there? Let us know in the comments!
• The various overlapping studies happening in and around Sullivan Square
  • Lower Mystic Regional Working Group
  • Everett Transit Action Plan
  • The Wynn Casino in Everett [PDF]
• We lamented the delay of Green Line Extension
• We discussed concern over proactive development to counteract gentrification in Union Square and Sullivan Square
  • City of New York is trying to be proactive - set-aside housing ordinance ensures mixed income, transparency about public benefits included in development
  • Gentrification is inevitable, at least in part
• MBTA needs to make good on its goal for a system-wide assessment of routes - are they doing what people need today?
• My work on service advisories with the T, underscoring a fundamental need for attention to details of the rider experience...more on that from us soon!
• Complete streets and transit priority that Jim and Boston City Council President Wu experienced (separately) in the Netherlands
  • NACTO has adopted in its Urban Street Design Guide and Transit Street Design Guide
• Unified fare payment system in Netherlands - OV-chipkaart - MBTA/MassDOT are modelling AFC 2.0 on modern fare payment systems like this
• McGrath highway grounding is also a project that we crossed during our brief trip
  • Similar to Casey Arborway boulevardisation
  • Syracuse is also…torn between rebuilding or tearing down a highway

And finally WGBH's The Scrum episode we spent 40 minutes trekking to! You can watch our live recording of The Scrum on Periscope.

Like what you hear? Share it around, tell your friends and colleagues, and subscribe to the blog and podcast - through iTunes or Google Play. Support our work by becoming a member, donating, or volunteering.

Find out more about Jim Aloisi, me, and our other board members.

Send us your feedback by connecting with us on our various social media channels or contact us here.