On the Patio

The Rippling Impacts of Transportation Infrastructure – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

How can innovative transportation infrastructure change quality of life and help further the American dream? On this episode of On the Patio, Tim Haile is joined by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier [https://desaulnier.house.gov/] of Contra Costa County’s 10th Congressional District to speak about how transportation ideas have changed over the course of his career, leading to his present transportation policy goals. They also discuss the beginning of the Congressman’s career as a restaurant owner in Concord, how Innovate 680 has recently received the largest transportation funding allocation in the state, and how California can learn from highly developed financial centers across the globe. Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/ [http://ccta.net/]

Air Mobility Innovation – Archer Aviation (Andrew Cummins)

By 2026, Archer Aviation (Archer) aims to have electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) available for commercial use in the Bay Area. On this episode of On the Patio, Tim Haile is joined by Andrew Cummins [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbcummins/], Director of Strategy and Business Development at Archer. Tim and Andrew discuss how Archer’s innovative aviation technology works; how its Midnight aircraft takes advantage of existing technologies; the aircraft certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and how Midnight’s take-off and landing infrastructure enables it to land in small spaces--making urban air mobility a viable future transportation choice in Contra Costa County. Andrew also describes the broad partnerships Archer formed--including alliances with prominent airlines like United and Southwest.  Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/ [http://ccta.net/]

Purpose-Built Autonomous Vehicles – Zoox (Phil Pierce)

Zoox, an  autonomous vehicle (AV) company in the Bay Area, aims to deploy the first purpose-built AVs for commercial use. How can Zoox’s AVs make transit safer and help bridge gaps in public transit? On this episode of On the Patio, Tim Haile is joined by Phil Pierce [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipppierce], Senior Public Policy Manager at Zoox, to speak about the importance of purpose-built vehicles, prioritizing safety during development, and partnering with cities and counties to better understand transit needs. They also discuss the different roles Zoox can play in San Francisco and Las Vegas — the first two locations to serve passengers — to connect transit, attractions, and city centers. Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/ [http://ccta.net/]

Pioneering Autonomous Transit – Glydways and CCTA (Gokul Hemmady and Stephanie Hu)

How can autonomous vehicle technology help bridge transit gaps in Contra Costa County? On this episode of On the Patio, Tim Haile is joined by Gokul Hemmady [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gokul-hemmady-38187ab], CEO of Glydways, and Stephanie Hu [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-hu-90ab24a0], CCTA Director of Projects. They dive into the multiple benefits of Glydways’ Dynamic Personal Microtransit system—a game changing, innovative mobility solution to reduce congestion—which will cost less to build than traditional transportation options. The conversation includes the role CCTA’s GoMentum Station plays in the evolution of Glydways’ technology and how CCTA, Tri Delta Transit and Glydways are working together [https://ccta.net/news/contra-costa-transportation-authority-and-tri-delta-transit-announce-public-private-partnership-with-east-county-connection-partners-llc-to-offer-dynamic-personal-micro-transit/] with other private partners to bring an Automated Transit Network [https://ccta.net/projects/east-county-automated-transit-network/] to eastern communities in Contra Costa County. Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/ [http://ccta.net/]

Prioritizing Transit with AC Transit – AC Transit General Manager (Michael Hursh)

Episode 16 of On the Patio highlights AC Transit, recently honored as the Outstanding Agency of the Yearby the American Public Transit Association. Tim Haile and AC Transit General Manager Michael Hursh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehursh] discuss AC Transit’s leadership in running zero emissions buses in areas with the poorest air quality, working with operator unions to make buses safer, and developing the large-scale Bus Rapid Transit system TEMPO. Tim and Michael also speak about the need to prioritize transit over cars, and how this requires working with other agencies and cities, regional and state funding  Learn more about Contra Costa Transportation Authority: http://ccta.net/ [http://ccta.net/]