Connecting the Sacramento Region: The Future of Fare Payment

Episode 8: What RydeFreeRT Means for Schools and Students

This episode explores SacRT’s RydeFreeRT program and how fare-free transit for students in grades TK–12 is making a real difference in classrooms and communities. Hear from school partners and students about the benefits of reliable, fare-free transportation, from boosting attendance to expanding opportunities beyond the school day.

Episode 7: Clean Air, Earth Day, and the Future of Sustainable Transit

In this Earth Day–themed episode of Next Stop: SacRT, host Gregg Fishman sits down with two leaders dedicated to cleaning up Sacramento’s air: Jennifer Finton, Executive Director of Breathe Sacramento, and Alberto Ayala, Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. Together, they reflect on how far our region has come, from the days when summer haze obscured the Sierra Nevada, to today’s cleaner skies and major progress in meeting federal air quality standards. Plus, learn how you can celebrate Earth Day with SacRT by trying transit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, using a promotional flyer available at the link below. Link to flyer: sacrt.com/EarthDay [sacrt.com/earthday] Tune in and take your next steps toward a cleaner, greener Sacramento.

Connecting the Sacramento Region: The Future of Fare Payment

SacRT is transforming the way you pay your fare! In this episode of Next Stop: SacRT, host Gregg Fishman sits down with Casey Courtright, SacRT’s Director of the Office of Management & Budget, to talk about Transit Connect, the new mobile fare payment app replacing ZipPass.  Learn what’s available now, what’s coming in 2026—including contactless fare payment, fare capping, and real-time service alerts—and how these changes will make riding easier and more connected than ever before.

Episode 5: Building the Future of Transit: Behind the Scenes with SacRT’s Engineering Team

What does it take to modernize an entire transit system while keeping service running every day? In this episode of Next Stop: SacRT, host Gregg Fishman sits down with Craig Norman, SacRT’s Director of Engineering, to explore the massive projects shaping Sacramento’s transit future. From preparing for new low-floor light rail vehicles and upgrading platforms, to building the new Dos Rios Station and planning future expansions into the Railyards, Craig shares how his team is literally building the foundation for better mobility. Plus, hear about the challenges, opportunities, and what excites Craig most about the future of transit in our region.

Episode 4: Joining Forces to Prevent Human Trafficking

This January, SacRT is partnering with local organizations to help prevent human trafficking in our region during Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Please Note: This episode includes discussions and real stories related to human trafficking, which may be sensitive or distressing for some listeners. In this episode of Next Stop: SacRT, host Gregg Fishman talks with: 👤 Lisa Hinz, VP of Safety, Security & Customer Satisfaction 👤 Jessica Gonzalez, Director of Marketing, Communication & Public Information Together, they share how SacRT is working to protect vulnerable individuals, raise awareness, and empower the community to take action. Learn about the signs of trafficking, how transit agencies play a critical role, and what you can do to help.