Call him the BART whisperer: A day in the life of a BART train operator

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- It's a voice many people hear every day, but most often ignore. They may be too busy listening to music or reading a book to hear Alan Hollie announce the approaching Bart station.

Hollie is a train operator, but he prefers to be called something else - a BART ambassador. If you ever listened to him on the intercom, you would know why.

"Fruitvale Transit Village, also known as Jingletown. We have Highland Hospital, Lake Merritt College," said Hollie as he approached the Oakland station. But then he adds,"Red Bay Coffee, Ale Industries Tap Room and Brewery."

Hollie likes to name local businesses and attractions to the approaching destination. He said it's because he travels a lot and he enjoys it when an operator in another country shares information.

"There are a lot of people who come to visit the San Francisco Bay Area. I like to give information on my announcement because it may be their first time riding the train," said Hollie.

We followed Hollie for an afternoon as he crisscrossed the Bay on a train.

Watch the video to hear the thoughts and words of advice he shares with Bart riders.

Check out more stories about BART and Building a Better Bay Area.