RTA Delivers is the official podcast of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and RTA Next. Pima County voters approved a 20-year regional transportation plan in 2006 and a half-cent excise (sales) tax to fund it. A new 20-year plan was approved by residents in March 2026. The Regional Transportation Authority manages the finances and overall implementation of the plan.
RTA Business Support Program Manager Steve Taylor explains how his program assists businesses affected by RTA projects.
17 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT
RTA Next Begins
City of Tucson Director of Transportation and Mobility Sam Credio and RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega discuss the RTA's 2026 plan kickoff and current and future projects.
1 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT
Accountability and project delivery in the new RTA plan
RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega discusses accountability and project delivery within the new RTA plan.
5 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT
RTA Projects Update
Pima Association of Governments Director of Transportation Services Rick Ellis updates host on key RTA projects nearing completion and on the horizon.
15 May 2026TRANSCRIPT
How busy is that road? PAG has the answers.
PAG Transportation Planning Director Jeanette DeRenne and Transportation Data Science Manager James Tokishi explain how traffic data informs regional planning and development decisions in this interview.
16 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
When is a roadway project done?
When is a roadway project actually done? Pima Association ofGovernments Transportation Planning Director Rick Ellis explains some of the complexities that go into planning and delivering major roadway projects.
25 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT
What’s the first line of business for RTA Next?
With voter approval of Props 418 and 419, we sit down with RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega to discuss some of the next steps for the RTA Next plan.
Ortega explains how accountability and project delivery will be the RTA's top priorities and how the Pavement Preservation element of the new voter-approved plan will deliver needed roadway repairs to for the region.
26 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
Dispelling myths and misconceptions about Props 418 and 419
RTA Executive Director Michael J. Ortega clarifies misconceptions surrounding Props 418 and 419, offering voters clarity on the RTA Next plan.
13 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
Roadway corridor projects in the RTA Next plan
Rick Ellis, Pima Association of Governments Director, examines roadway corridor projects in the RTA Next plan, which aims to ease congestion and improve regional connectivity.
4 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
How the RTA Next plan was developed
Michael Ortega and Jeanette DeRenne explain the development of the RTA Next plan and its projects, focusing on regional transportation needs and voter approval.
23 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
More facts about RTA Next
Michael J. Ortega, Regional Transportation Authority Executive Director, shares more facts about the the RTA Next plan and funding (Props 418 and 419) on the ballot in March.
Tune in to the discussion to learn how the 20-year transportation plan would be funded, why regional funding benefits all transportation users, and the economic impacts of improved transportation networks.
8 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
What's up with the RTA: Update on projects in the current RTA plan
Pima Association of Governments Director of Transportation Services Rick Ellis, who coordinates with member jurisdictions on RTA funded projects, provides updates on RTA projects that are underway and several about to begin construction activities.
24 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
Transit and RTA Next
Pima Association of Governments Transportation and Mobility Manager Preston McLaughlin joins the podcast to discuss transit, the RTA's role in supporting local transit and how transit will be impacted by the RTA Next plan. Learn more about RTA Next. (https://rtanext.com/)
10 Dec 2025
Facts about the RTA
RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega returns to the podcast to discuss some facts about the RTA and give insight on some of the more frequently asked questions about the original plan and RTA Next.
14 Nov 2025
History of the RTA
Join us for a discussion with Pima Association of Governments Community Relations Administrator and former Deputy Director of Pima Association of Governments Jim DeGrood. They discuss the history of the Regional Transportation Authority, the successes of the plan and what the future holds.Huffman was one of the legislators who created the bi-partisan legislation that led the creation of a former RTA director who recently served as a consultant to help finalize the RTA Next plan.
7 Nov 2025
What is RTA Next?
Join host Patrick McNamara as he interviews Pima Association of Governments and RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega as they discuss the RTA and RTA Next, a regional transportation plan for voter consideration to fund transportation improvements for the next 20 years.
The proposed $2.67 billion, 20-year plan would fund arterial roadway reconstruction, roadway corridor improvements, existing and expanded transit services, environmental protection, small business assistance, and safety, ADA and active transportation improvements.
Who has been a guest on RTA Delivers
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Steve Taylor
Sam Credio
Michael Ortega
Rick Ellis
Jeanette DeRenne
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact RTA Delivers
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about RTA Delivers
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes bi-weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does RTA Delivers take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Where can I read transcripts?
13 of 16 episodes have a transcript on Pod Engine. Full transcripts are available with a Pod Engine plan.
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