Spilling the T

How the MBTA Handles Climate Change

Spilling the T

Show Notes

Ever wondered how the T is planning for climate change? On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by two guests, Katherine Eshel and Caroline Bean, from the MBTA’s Climate Policy and Planning team. Kat and Caroline discuss the T’s two pronged approach to climate change in resilience and decarbonization. We’ll talk stats and data on the T’s environmental impact, how mode shifting to public transit helps decarbonize, why better service and decarbonization go hand in hand, and much more.

Check out the Resilience Roadmap: https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2026-04/2026-04-29-resilience-roadmap.pdf

Got questions or ideas for the show? Email us at [email protected] – your feedback might end up in a future episode!

More from Spilling the T

Sep 9, 2026

Why give buses their own lane, and what does that mean for everyone else on the road? On this episode of Spilling the T, MBTA Director of Transit Priority Alex Hallowell joins us to discuss how bus lanes can improve the way we move through our communities. We discuss plans for Blue Hill Avenue and the Lynnway, lessons learned from Columbus Avenue, concerns about traffic and parking, how community feedback shapes these projects, and much more.

Jun 17, 2026

What will it take to meaningfully build a better T? On this episode of Spilling the T, transit advocate and former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation, Jim Aloisi joins us to discuss what real progress requires. We discuss the best way to get people to mode shift, how to finally connect the Red and Blue Lines, new funding options for the T, why public transit is an essential part of a healthy society, and much more.

Mar 17, 2026

On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Reggie Ramos, Executive Director of Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA). Reggie shares the story of how she got into advocacy from an early start as an outspoken 12 year old activist in the Philippines, to being the Under Secretary of Transportation for an entire country, to her current role at T4MA. Reggie has almost literally done it all, and her dedication to equitable transport remains unwavering.

Dec 3, 2025

On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Sam Zhou, Chief Engineer & Assistant General Manager of Engineering and Capital at the MBTA. Sam shares his innovative approach to streamlining projects at the T. He gives us the rundown on what “A new way of doing business at the T” really means, including how we’re saving money, delivering results more quickly, and making the T better for everyone. How do we “do more with less”? Find out on this episode of Spilling the T!

Nov 5, 2025

On this episode of Spilling the T, we’re joined by Randy Clarke, General Manager and CEO of WMATA, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Randy recaps how he ended up leading WMATA, including stints at the MBTA and CapMetro. Randy also shares what WMATA’s plans for the future are and what the MBTA and WMATA can learn from each other to keep public transit moving in the right direction.

See all episodes →