The Mission to sabotage Hitler’s atomic bomb; SEPTA’s new e-fare system

Guests: Neal Bascomb, Jeffrey Knueppel

In February of 1943 a group of nine Norwegian resistance fighters set out on skiis across Norway’s snowy landscape on a mission to sabotage a German-controlled hydro-electric plant.  The Norsk hydro or Vemork power plant produced a rare substance, heavy water, which was an essential ingredient in the Nazi’s effort to build an atomic bomb.  The German’s had taken over the plant when they invaded Norway in 1940.  The raid by the young commandos on the Vemork plant is considered one of the most remarkable acts of sabotage in WWII and is credited with stalling the Nazi atomic bomb program.  Writer NEAL BASCOMB tells this incredible story in his book Winter Fortress: The Epic Mission to Sabotage Hitler’s Atomic Bomb.  Bascomb is the author of a number of nonfiction books including Hunting Eichmann and The Perfect Mile.  He spoke with Radio Times producer Debbie Bilder who asked him about when scientists first recognized the potential power in an atom. Then, Marty speaks with South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) general manager JEFFREY KNUEPPEL about the “early adopter” implementation of its new electronic fare system, SEPTA Key. He’ll also discuss plans for the full rollout of the technology, which is slated for later in the year.