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Keeping Southern ’ 25Future on Track CONTENTS

Message from the Board Chair...... 1

CEO’s Message...... 3

A Quarter Century of Moving People: The Story...... 5

How It All Began...... 19

Metrolink’s Top Priority: Safety...... 27 WHO WE ARE Environment...... 31 Metrolink is ’s regional service in its Metrolink Relieves Driving Stress...... 35 25th year of operation. Metrolink is governed by The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), Board Members Past and Present...... 40 a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing Metrolink Pioneering Staff the transportation commissions of Still on Board...... 47 , Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. Metrolink Employees Metrolink operates seven routes Put Customers First...... 48 through a six-county, 538-route-mile network with 60 stations.

Facts at a Glance...... 50 For more information, including how to ride, go to www.metrolinktrains.com MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to provide safe, efficient, dependable and on-time transportation service that offers outstanding customer experience and enhances quality of life. For more information, including how to ride, go to metrolinktrains.com.

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

Metrolink started 25 years ago when the five counties that compose our joint powers authority–Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura—came together for a common purpose–offering commuter rail service in a traffic-choked region. By reducing 8.7 million car trips annually, Metrolink has proven to be an effective relief valve taking enough pressure off the freeways to avert gridlock. WITH ROADWAYS Our double-decker make Metrolink has harnessed cutting- International CONGESTED AND it possible for residents from the edge technology in other areas, Airport, AT CAPACITY, THE to Ventura, northern too. Its new Tier 4 locomotives are are being Los Angeles County and elsewhere the cleanest, most powerful and integrated into FUTURE OF MOBILITY to access jobs and education safest diesel engines of any major strategies to LIES IN PUBLIC throughout Southern California and commuter rail agency in the nation. expand and TRANSPORTATION. explore a region rich in culture and We’re making it easier to buy tickets improve our METROLINK IS THE network. entertainment. We serve workers, with a mobile app, track trains online ONLY WAY TO TRAVEL students, families, seniors and and communicate better with our It’s fitting that THE VAST REGION OF tourists. We have carried millions of customers. as Metrolink riders in safety, comfort and reliability SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA New technologies such as is poised to at an affordable price. FOR A SAFE, STRESS- autonomous shuttles connecting expand, we FREE COMMUTE. Metrolink also moves the economy. riders with Metrolink stations may look to an Each month Metrolink Operations debut in the not so distant future. ensemble staff efficiently dispatches more than Building a throughway at Union of funding partners—the private sector, federal 1,400 freight trains and 4 million Station for trains, construction of new and state governments—to augment pounds of goods on Metrolink tracks inner city systems like the what the counties of Los Angeles, used by BNSF and Union Pacific in downtown Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino that wend their way from the ports of Los Angeles that connect with and Ventura contribute. Investing in Los Angeles and Long Beach bound Metrolink, and other projects will bolster ridership. Metrolink is much more cost-effective for inland manufacturing centers and than pouring concrete for new shipment across the country. This next quarter century Metrolink ribbons of highway. will grow its network, add more trips This is an agency that has grown and convert more drivers to With roadways congested and at over the years in so many ways. riders by offering quality commuter capacity, the future of mobility lies in It transcends service expansion. rail service. Grade separations public transportation. Metrolink is the Metrolink has grappled with tragedy, and more track along our existing only way to travel the vast region of notably the fatal crash in Chatsworth corridors will allow Metrolink to Southern California for a safe, stress- in 2008, and emerged as a national improve its current service and add free commute. safety leader. It advanced positive • service for the next 25 years and train control that can stop a train beyond. and prevent train-to-train collisions and derailments and other safety Plans for future connections, such improvements. as Disneyland, LAX and Ontario Andrew . Kotyuk, Board Chair

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 1

CEO’S MESSAGE

Metrolink exists to take cars off the road. There is no cheaper or more effective way to do that and give relief to our congested freeways. That held true 25 years ago. It holds true today.

But we’re really talking about people. Major job expansion will take place Fewer cars means people can get in San Bernardino and Orange where they need to go faster and Counties in cities like Irvine but car or extending service to Santa without stress. And as we look ahead, also in Riverside, Santa Clarita and Barbara or San Luis Obispo. Perhaps Metrolink is uniquely poised to do northern Los Angeles County and we should explore truncating some even more to ease traffic in a region other areas. Oceanside service at Irvine to add that suffers from the will remain the vital center of the trains on the Inland Empire-Orange worst congestion in region and its transportation system. County line to meet pent-up demand. the nation. ABOVE ALL WE As it has for a quarter century, We need to double-track the Metrolink will knit these disparate MUST PUT OUR That’s a bold entire Metrolink system and add statement, but the communities together, providing CUSTOMERS FIRST. more signals to bolster speed and reality is that 82 access to jobs, schools, hospitals, reliability. Run-through tracks at Union THAT’S THE TICKET percent of our riders shopping, sports, cultural and Station could save travel time. Diesel FOR SIPHONING could drive to work, entertainment venues. Our regional multiple units and rail cars – smaller MORE CARS OFF and most commute service complements local transit trains powered by on-board diesel operators as well as . OUR FREEWAYS long distances across engines instead of locomotives – county lines. So, might be an option in the not so At the same time Metrolink must AND KEEPING OUR for just about every distant future to run more midday secure adequate funding to, REGION ON THE Metrolink train rider, and evening trains. most importantly, ensure that our MOVE. one car or truck is equipment, track, bridges, signals parked somewhere, Metrolink could partner more with and maintenance facilities are kept ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft so many in fact that in a state of good repair and bolster to help shuttle riders to and from our Metrolink eases traffic safety as well as expand service. stations. And we must figure out how volume by about one or two parallel to reduce while still recovering lanes of freeway traffic during rush Metrolink has a resourceful, financially 44 percent of our trip costs from hours. prudent staff and an enterprising riders and other sources, the highest governing board that has always The era of freeway construction is among public transit operators in found creative ways to succeed. In an ending, even if billions of tax dollars Southern California. era when major transit agencies are were readily available. But we can losing riders, Metrolink is still showing Above all we must put our customers add more trains to help handle not gains. On-time performance and first. That’s the ticket for siphoning only today’s demand for service but service reliability keep improving. more cars off our freeways and future demand in Southern California keeping our region on the move. as our population grows by 4 million Still, we can’t rest on our laurels. • residents by 2035 to about 23 million Metrolink should consider drawing people. Half that growth will take new riders by offering such place in the Inland Empire. passenger amenities as a beverage Art Leahy, CEO

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 3

A QUARTER CENTURY OF MOVING PEOPLE: THE METROLINK STORY

People. They’re the essence of Metrolink, not the powerful locomotives or the hundreds of miles of track that knit together dozens of far-flung communities in the sprawling Southern California region. For the past 25 years Metrolink has given desperate commuters and others an alternative to slogging through the nation’s worst traffic and made commuting a more humane experience.

“ love the train and will never a human face on the Southern been a conductor on Metrolink trains commute on Southern California California Regional Rail Authority, the past nine years and is currently highways again,” says Metrolink rider commonly known as Metrolink. working the early morning Antelope Kristi Hall, who switched to Metrolink Valley Line as well as midday service “The people. That’s why I do this two years ago after fighting traffic on on the . job,” says Maurice Stokes, who has the 405, 55, 22 and 73 freeways.

We love being able to relax and enjoy the view,” say Metrolink riders Andrew and Elizabeth Leal, seconding that sentiment. “We don’t have to worry about anything and can save time avoiding traffic.”

Tens of thousands of Metrolink passengers can relate, but statistics don’t tell the Metrolink story. Metrolink: People do. It’s the It’s people like Carlos Perez, Metrolink’s assistant director of People. equipment maintenance, and his crew readying trains before dawn. It’s conductor Blythe Reynolds greeting familiar passengers and newcomers on the Ventura County Line, scanning their tickets and handing them a smile, that puts

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 5 THE METROLINK STORY

“I’ part of something that is service for the first time since the last Dozens of Southern California cities changing Southern California,” says of the Railway’s Big from Lancaster and Ventura to Los Charlene Ariza, a Metrolink marketing Red cars quit running in 1961. Angeles, Anaheim, Riverside, San manager who was there at the Bernardino, Perris and Oceanside beginning. She’s passionate about “Looking back over the past quarter are seamlessly connected. Metrolink helping to untangle the traffic knot in century, Metrolink has made the most trains glide along at up to 90 Southern California, a commitment significant difference in Southern miles per hour in some corridors, shared by Metrolink CEO Art Leahy California transportation,” notes making them and his staff and the 11-member Hasan Ikhrata, executive director of competitive with Metrolink board chaired by San the Southern California Association the automobile METROLINK RIDERS of Governments (SCAG), himself a Jacinto Councilman Andrew Kotyuk. sans the stress of TRAVEL MORE THAN Metrolink rider. driving as trains The board represents the pass congested 400 MILLION MILES Ikhrata explains that for most transportation commissions of Los freeway traffic. EACH YEAR (8 BILLION Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San residents of the region, Metrolink SINCE INCEPTION), offered the first real alternative to Metrolink riders Bernardino and Ventura counties that MAKING METROLINK came together in the early 1990s to driving. That accounts for the travel more than give their travel-weary constituents an growth of Metrolink, which started 400 million miles THE SECOND- option to buck freeway traffic. with three lines serving two counties each year (8 billion BUSIEST PUBLIC spanning 112 route miles, 11 since inception), TRANSPORTATION When the first double-decker stations and 2,300 daily boardings. making Metrolink Metrolink train rolled out of the the second- PROVIDER IN bound for Los Today Metrolink operates seven busiest public SOUTHERN Angeles Union Station at 5:06 a.m. lines through six Southern California transportation CALIFORNIA. on Oct. 26, 1992, it marked the counties. There are 60 stations provider in return of regional passenger rail along 538 miles of railroad track. Southern California. Metrolink also is the third-largest commuter rail agency in the United States based on directional route miles and the eighth- largest based on annual ridership.

As other transit providers have experienced decreasing ridership, perhaps in part due to rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft which offer more convenience for some short trips, Metrolink ridership has remained steady. Most Metrolink riders commute long distances.

It’s mind-boggling to think that this “Looking back over the past quarter century, Metrolink has made the most significant difference massive enterprise was launched just in Southern California transportation.” —Hasan Ikhrata, executive director, Southern California two years after railroad right-of-way Association of Governments was acquired from Southern Pacific

6 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report THE METROLINK STORY

shared journey to reach their many destinations. Metrolink would give them a unique riding experience with access to jobs and school and other venues as well as a community of fellow travelers.

Barbara and Chip Clampitt can attest to that. They met on the Inland Empire- in 2012 and married three years later.

Martha Susana Campos uses Metrolink to stay connected to her family, riding the train from Northridge to Corona to visit her niece and baby.

Richard Stanger, Metrolink’s first CEO, helped launch Metrolink a quarter century ago to relieve A fellow Metrolink passenger taught commuters and others frustrated by traffic. M. Feldstein of Los Angeles how to crochet and that led to her teaching Railroad in October 1990. Additional drivers began pressing their elected The Art of Crocheting at a local track was secured over the next officials for relief. college. two years from Santa Fe and Union Bringing People Together Young surfer Ian Hughes of Riverside Pacific railroads. From the outset, Stanger and his successfully lobbied Metrolink to “If it didn’t get done in that window, fellow pioneers envisioned Metrolink permit surfboards on trains so he can there never would have been a not as inanimate trains but rather ride to the ocean and catch a wave. Metrolink,” recalls Richard Stanger, vehicles for bringing people from Now he brings his friends. Metrolink’s first CEO, who along with all walks of life together on a Neil Peterson, executive director of the former LA County Transportation Commission, and South Bay transit leader Jacki Bacharach, conceived and delivered Metrolink.

“It was just like the sun beaming through the clouds for a brief period,” Stanger says. He explains state and local tax resources became available at a time when Philip Anschutz of Staples Center fame was eager to unload Southern Pacific right-of-way.

This fortuitous turn of events played out against a backdrop of worsening traffic as the Southland’s population and economy grew, and frustrated

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 7 THE METROLINK STORY

eliminates the stress of driving. METROLINK “I thank God every DRAWS A day for Metrolink,” DIVERSE MIX OF Ikhrata of SCAG says. RIDERS. NEARLY “When I look out the TWO THIRDS window and see the 10 Freeway, I’m so glad not ARE ETHNIC to be in one of those MINORITIES. cars stuck in traffic.”

Of course, Ikhrata and his fellow Metrolink passengers could’ve been clogging the freeways. Eighty-two percent of Metrolink riders have access to a car, about the opposite of most public transit Metrolink ferried Lisa Diggs and her When Candy Vong’s parents visited operators, who largely serve the young summer arts program students from Macao, she took them on transit-dependent. to the Los Angeles County Museum Metrolink and made a free connection Students, seniors, families, tourists, of Art. It was their first time riding to the Metro Red Line to show all commute and commune on public transportation. them the magic of while Metrolink. They lug aboard their avoiding the unglamorous reality of Likewise, hundreds of students from laptops, smartphones, books, costly and nerve-wracking parking Golden Valley High School in Santa bicycles, skateboards, even and traffic. Clarita and A.. Miller High School in surfboards. They’re all part of the Fontana recently chartered Metrolink . Cumming says, “Multiple sclerosis human mosaic that makes Metrolink trains to usher students safely to may have changed my life, but trains more than just steel behemoths proms. Metrolink changed my commute,” trundling along whistling track or echoing an oft repeated sentiment mere lines on a map. “I think it’s awesome because I from commuters that riding the train do get anxiety on the freeway, and there’s no traffic when you’re on a train,” says A.B. Miller student Vanessa Rivera.

Ian Price bonded with Dijon Jamir Venable, Hunter Laubach and Matthew Velazquez on a half-hour ride from Fullerton to Los Angeles.

Jean Flores fondly recalls taking her two grandsons on Metrolink for the first time, boarding at the bound for downtown, an adventure they enjoy even as teens.

8 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report THE METROLINK STORY

The trains are filled with people. Some doze in the designated Quiet Cars where talking on cell phones and loud conversations are taboo. Mosey through the other compartments and catch familiar riders — many Metrolink passengers have been riding for years — engaged in animated conversation A about everything from the Dodgers to gardening or commiserating about Ticket to work. Explore Others are tapping away on their laptops, reading, staring dreamily out the window, watching movies and television shows on their portable devices, or chatting with family and friends. They’re not detoured by distracted driving. Some crack jokes, maybe share a bite of last night’s cooking triumph or toast a commuting buddy’s birthday. “Metrolink is no doubt a commodity and staff have opted to take Metrolink that California State University Los to save money and also avoid the “It’s a community,” Ariza smiles. Angeles students don’t take for hassle of finding a parking spot in the The trains also are emblematic of a granted,” says Carmen Gachupin, midst of a shortage. director of California State University lifeline of sorts, especially for college Outside the bustling work week, Los Angeles’s parking and and university students seeking Metrolink beckons explorers with transportation services. She added access to affordable education the best travel bargain anywhere – many students from different counties beyond their communities. $10 for either a Saturday or Sunday unlimited-rides pass. The beaches at San Clemente and Oceanside, the Mission at San Juan Capistrano, Riverside’s historic Mission Inn, , (home of the Anaheim Ducks) Disneyland, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, Olvera Street, Chinatown, Little Tokyo and Hollywood, Old Town Pasadena, the San Bernardino Museum and so many other destinations are a quick jaunt away.

Young surfer Ian Hughes of Riverside, center, successfully lobbied Metrolink to permit surfboards on trains so he can ride to the ocean and catch a wave. Now he brings his friends.

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 9 THE METROLINK STORY

METROLINK ALSO HAS REACHED OUT TO UBER AND LYFT, AS HAVE OTHER TRANSIT OPERATORS, TO EXPLORE A PARTNERSHIP THAT WOULD DELIVER RIDERS SHORT DISTANCES TO AND FROM METROLINK STATIONS.

Metrolink’s new Tier 4 locomotives are the cleanest, most powerful and safest diesel engines of any major commuter rail agency in the nation.

And Metrolink passengers enjoy stations to serve commuters, and Consider: free transfers to dozens of local ridership skyrocketed. The gains have ◗◗ Metrolink was the first commuter and rail operators throughout the been sustained even as other local rail agency in the United States region. Moreover, Metrolink monthly and national public transit operators to install and operate positive pass holders along the Orange and have seen their ridership plunge, train control (PTC) during regular Ventura County corridors can travel perhaps because of competition with service on all hosted lines. This on Amtrak trains ride-hailing companies like Uber GPS-based safety technology, within the station pairs of their pass and Lyft. introduced in 2015, can stop a at no additional charge. train and prevent train-to-train Metrolink Remains collisions and derailments caused For travelers bound for more distant an Enigma by speeding and unauthorized train adventures, Metrolink offers direct Yet, Metrolink remains an enigma. movement. service to Bob Hope Burbank Airport Even the media confuses Metrolink ◗◗ Complementing this major safety and easy connections to John Wayne with Metro, which operates advance, Metrolink also bought Airport and LAX. and trains strictly within Los Angeles new crash energy management County. Many confuse Metrolink passenger cars and installed Metrolink makes all of Southern trains with Amtrak, the national rail inward- and outward-facing California accessible in more ways carrier. cameras in the cabs to monitor the than one. Never was that truer than safety behavior of its engineers. following the 1994 Northridge Metrolink also draws a diverse mix of ◗ earthquake, when damage to riders. Nearly two thirds are ethnic ◗ Metrolink also was the first Interstate 5and the 14 and 118 minorities. commuter rail agency in the nation freeways isolated north Los Angeles to purchase new Tier 4 clean air Haunted by horrific tragic accidents County and the . operating locomotives that emit in the past, Metrolink has made safety less emissions, generate more Within days, Metrolink’s small but its top priority, one of many ways horsepower and are safer than nimble staff mobilized makeshift train Metrolink stands out from the pack. older diesel models.

10 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report THE METROLINK STORY

◗◗ Likewise, Metrolink was the first riders, and that early success helped be needed for the added traffic among commuter rail operators muster public support for future Los during the peak commute hour on to offer universal fares good for Angeles County transit sales taxes. parallel freeways. service on its trains Sixty percent of Imagine how congested Southland and on local transit Metrolink commuters freeways would be if Metrolink didn’t lines. cross county lines act as a relief valve. It’s conservatively ◗◗ In addition, Metrolink on their commute, estimated there would be more than is at the vanguard of and they travel long 15,000 cars on Southland freeways. mobile ticketing and distances – 36 has a robust social “Metrolink exists to take cars off miles is the average media following the freeway,” says Metrolink CEO one-way trip, more that it taps to keep Leahy. “There is no cheaper or more than double that of riders informed about effective way to do that and give relief other commuter rail service impacts in to our crowded, decaying freeways. networks and about real time. That was true 25 years ago. It’s true nine times the trip today. But we’re really talking about length of an average Despite being an people. Fewer cars mean people can bus rider in Southern innovator and catalyst get where they need to go faster and California. advancing safety and without the stress.” other technology for This a key point since Over the past 25 years Metrolink commuter rail and 82 percent of the has removed 164 million car trips freight operators long-distance Metrolink riders have from the region’s freeways for a total across America, Metrolink is rarely cars but opt for the train. If Metrolink reduction of 5.9 billion vehicle miles recognized for its role as the regional did not exist, one or two additional traveled. transit operator. freeway lanes in each direction would Metrolink covers a huge swath of Southern California extending into six counties and is an integral part of the public transportation fabric. It’s not the Lone Ranger by any means, rather Metrolink complements other carriers like Metro in Los Angeles County and the Orange County Transportation Authority and vice versa, as well as other bus companies and Amtrak.

Indeed, throngs of Metrolink commuters pass through Los Angeles Union Station during weekday rush hours, transferring to the subway, light rail, Metro bus lines, shuttles, taxis and Uber and Lyft. An argument could be made that Metrolink galvanized the fledgling Metro Rail system in the 1990s by feeding it Movement on the vast Metrolink system is closely monitored to enhance safety.

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 11 THE METROLINK STORY

But Leahy points out transit operators in underscores that point: “Metrolink the era of freeway Southern California. takes 8.7 million annual automobile construction is trips off local roads, and that not only “Metrolink is part nearing an end reduces traffic congestion but also of the multimodal so the only way minimizes the environmental impacts solution to address to relieve traffic is to our communities.” traffic congestion through Metrolink. and mobility in Mother Nature Loves “Metrolink is a solid Southern California,” Metrolink Riders public investment,” notes Stephen Mother Nature Leahy says noting, Finnegan, manager loves Metrolink the average of public and riders. By not “METROLINK TAKES construction cost government affairs driving solo to 8.7 MILLION ANNUAL per mile of Metrolink with the Automobile work, the average AUTOMOBILE TRIPS track is $8 million Club of Southern Metrolink commuter OFF LOCAL ROADS, compared to $30 California. “To work reduces his or her AND THAT NOT ONLY million per mile well, our region C02 emissions by of new freeway, needs both better eight tons a year. REDUCES TRAFFIC assuming space is even found to roads and good transportation That’s equal to CONGESTION BUT build new freeway. Moreover, 44 options for commuters and other about a 35 percent ALSO MINIMIZES THE percent of Metrolink trip costs travelers.” reduction in all ENVIRONMENTAL are covered by riders and other greenhouse gases Jenny Larios, executive director of sources such as fees paid by freight produced by a IMPACTS TO OUR Mobility 21, Southern California’s operators to Metrolink for dispatching typical two-adult, COMMUNITIES.” transportation advocacy coalition, services, the highest among public two-car household. —JENNY LARIOS,

If Metrolink didn’t EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Traveling exist in the past OF MOBILITY 21 for Fun and quarter century, more than 2.7 million metric tons of Adventure additional greenhouse gas emissions would have been spewed into the atmosphere. Couple that with energy savings – nearly 310 million gallons of fuel saved.

And Metrolink is reducing its own carbon footprint. Its new Tier 4 locomotives — the first have just been ushered into service — will reduce emissions by up to 85 percent over standard diesel engines. When all 40 of these Tier 4 locomotives are operating, it will be equivalent to reducing the annual emissions of 31,320 vehicles.

12 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report THE METROLINK STORY

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) helped fund the Tier 4 locomotive purchases, the first by any .S. commuter rail network.

“This funding is the first of its kind to a local agency to purchase the cleanest locomotives available,” says Dr. William Burke, SCAQMD Governing Board chairman. “The public health benefits will be significant for the Southland.”

Metrolink Doesn’t Metrolink is becoming the safe vehicle of choice for many high-school students bound for their proms. Just Move People Lucy Dunn, president and CEO, Commerce, echoes that sentiment Here’s another little-known fact: Orange County Business Council. saying, “All of us understand the only Metrolink doesn’t just move people. “Southern California’s success way to reduce congestion on our Each month Metrolink Operations depends on the ability for goods and freeways is through mass transit.” staff efficiently dispatches more than people to move fluidly throughout He points out Metrolink helps in that 1,400 freight trains and 4 million the region, and Metrolink has been a regard and other ways. pounds of goods on Metrolink tracks critical part of that success story for used by BNSF and Union Pacific Parking is becoming more expensive the past 25 years, offering one of the that wend their way from the ports of and challenging for employers most innovative and adaptable transit Los Angeles and Long Beach bound to provide, Toebben adds while for inland manufacturing centers and programs in the nation, reducing underscoring Metrolink helps shipment across the country. gridlock and increasing commerce.” employers in Los Angeles recruit “Without Metrolink, Orange County Gary Toebben, president and CEO workers from throughout the region. would look very different today,” says of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of The majority of Metrolink trips are by

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 13 THE METROLINK STORY

commuters bound for jobs in central ◗◗ Metrolink is nearing needs to add track and Los Angeles, though trips to jobs in operational capacity signals and construct new Orange County and elsewhere are during weekday peak maintenance facilities along picking up as the population and hours. with Quiet Zones. employment sectors there grow. ◗ Its fleet is aging along ◗◗To live up to its moniker with infrastructure such and become a true Metrolink is uniquely poised to capture as track and bridges. regional “link” that this growth. It is projected that by Separate rehabilitation passengers can turn to as 2035 another 4 million people will live costs, including an alternative to driving, in the SCAG region – Los Angeles, assets like stations Metrolink needs to add Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, owned and maintained more midday and late- Ventura and Imperial counties — a total by cities served by night service. of 23 million people. Half the future Metrolink, over the next ◗◗Metrolink faces growth will occur in the Inland Empire. 10 years are estimated competition from Metrolink Faces Challenges at $1.9 billion. Ƿ fellow transit agencies running overlapping service and, After operating for a quarter century, ◗ Sixty percent of the system is single to a lesser degree, rideshare apps Metrolink finds itself at a crossroads track. To add service, increase like Uber and Lyft. facing daunting challenges. Consider: speeds and reduce delays, Metrolink

Lancaster

Palmdale METROLINK COMMUTER AIL SYSTEM

Vincent Grade/Acton

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14 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report THE METROLINK STORY

◗◗ Access to train stations must Still, Metrolink CEO Leahy is upbeat. Metrolink board workshop, there was be improved so that riders don’t “I think the future is very bright for discussion of exploring a small multi- necessarily have to drive there. Metrolink and its customers.” county sales tax as well as carving Bike sharing, connecting shuttles a niche by offering new passenger Leahy is pleased with Metrolink’s and more local public transit amenities such as a beverage car to strides with safety and notes on-time would help. boost ridership. Likewise, Metrolink performance also is up (94.4 percent ◗◗ High fares. Even though it’s far could play a more active role in in March 2017, up 10 points from a cheaper to travel by Metrolink encouraging development around year earlier). Double-tracking studies than drive solo, Metrolink is still stations to build ridership and recruit and safety enhancements at grade expensive compared to other new corporate partners to subsidize crossings are taking place throughout carriers that enjoy higher tax employee transit passes as a job the system. And there is other major benefit.

Top 10 Reasons To Ride Metrolink subsidies. Metrolink does offer construction work such as extending 1 discounts to students and seniors, Metrolink to San Bernardino’s Transit and its weekend is the Driving in Southern California has Center, bringing the first passenger best bargain in town. Metrolink rail service to downtown San been known to increase health risks; fares also are good for transfers Bernardino in at least 70 years. Metrolink is the antidote to driving to many local lines and some stress. Amtrak service, and the agency This comes on the heels of the 2016 is implementing cheaper rates opening of the 91/Perris Valley Metrolink Operations staff hopes to for short trips and expanding its service between Riverside and Perris. deploy smaller diesel multiple units corporate partner program. The 24-mile extension with four new and rail cars — smaller trains powered stations cost $247 million and was Ikhrata of SCAG says the lack of by on-board diesel engines instead of the first major expansion of Metrolink a dedicated, sustainable funding locomotives — or a hybrid version to service in more than a decade. source is the biggest challenge run more midday and evening trains facing Metrolink because current However, the CEO says Metrolink at less cost, however, no dates or funding is limited for Metrolink will have to be even more flexible and locations for such service have been expansion. creative moving forward. At a recent determined.

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 15 People Tell the Metrolink Story

16 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report THE METROLINK STORY

Top 10 Reasons To Ride Metrolink 2 Save money. AAA says in 2016 the average cost of driving in Southern California was 57 cents a mile or Metrolink CEO Sees Bright south over the US 101 Freeway so about $713 a month, assuming 15,000 Future trains don’t just have to enter and annual miles in a typical sedan. Metrolink also exit from the north. This also could has reached out allow one-seat rides to regional “I THANK GOD to Uber and Lyft, destinations. Multiple transportation Stanger. He said the freeways need EVERY DAY FOR as have other agencies are pursuing funding. relief, but so do so many people who transit operators, rely on Metrolink as the antidote for METROLINK,” SAYS And Leahy said Metrolink should to explore a stressful driving. HASAN IKHRATA explore truncating some Oceanside partnership that service at Irvine to add trains on the He recalls with pride how the OF THE SOUTHERN would deliver riders Inland Empire-Orange County line member agencies came together CALIFORNIA short distances to to tap pent-up demand and perhaps a quarter century ago to grapple and from Metrolink ASSOCIATION OF extend Metrolink service to Santa with worsening traffic, and how a stations. GOVERNMENTS. Barbara and San Luis Obispo. skeleton staff delivered the railroad “WHEN I LOOK OUT One project that in two short years on time and under Stanger, fondly referred to by some could save up to budget. Was it luck? Stanger smiles. THE WINDOW TO THE as the father of Metrolink, is confident 20 minutes in travel RIGHT AND SEE THE 25 years from now Metrolink will be “Sometimes you’re lucky, but time for riders 10 FREEWAY, I’M SO celebrating its Golden Anniversary. sometimes you make your own luck.” would be extending GLAD NOT TO BE IN run-through tracks “Just like the early railroads tied To learn more about Metrolink, ONE OF THOSE CARS at Los Angeles Southern California together, including how to ride, go to STUCK IN TRAFFIC.” Union Station Metrolink does that today,” muses www.metrolinktrains.com •

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 17 Former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, center, and other elected officials and dignitaries were on hand for Metrolink’s inaugural celebration. HOW IT ALL BEGAN

In an era when it To put this in context, for the first time was fortuitous – Southern Pacific, since the Pacific Electric Railway Santa Fe and Union Pacific were can take decades to gave up the ghost, the debut of eager to sell hundreds of miles of Metrolink connected major cities in railroad right-of-way for the venture. debate, plan, cobble Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San The counties quickly realized they together funding Bernardino and Ventura counties, giving long-distance commuters should leverage their collective and build even a short and others their only alternative to bargaining power in negotiations with slogging through worsening traffic. the railroads before the opportunity rail line or busway, And today Metrolink also runs service slipped away. to Oceanside in San Diego County. the visionaries behind “It was just like the sun beaming By the late 1980s commuters and through the clouds for a brief period,” Metrolink launched one others all over Southern California recalls Richard Stanger, Metrolink’s of the nation’s largest were squeezed in a knot of ever- first executive director and a founding tightening traffic. That gave impetus member of the triad including Neil regional rail systems just to voter approval of transit sales Peterson, executive director of the taxes in the late 1980s and the two years after acquiring former LA County Transportation early 1990s first in Riverside and Commission, and South Bay hundreds of miles of San Bernardino then Los Angeles transit leader Jacki Bacharach that and Orange counties. For the first conceived and delivered Metrolink. underutilized freight time funds were committed for a commuter rail system. And coupled “If it didn’t get done in that window, railroad right-of-way. with new state rail funding, the timing there never would have been a

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 19 How It All Began HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Metrolink,” Stanger says. “All the pieces came together.”

Everything was on a fast track. Stanger and his team opted not to seek federal funds so the project was spared cumbersome and time- consuming federal environmental reviews. They made each city responsible for local environmental clearance of their stations and pledged a short schedule and fixed budget. In contracting for operators and maintenance work, they also Neil Peterson, executive director of the former LA County Transportation Commission, played a key insisted on a no-strike clause. role in launching Metrolink 25 years ago. Moreover, with rider convenience in mind, the Metrolink visionaries coalesce. Stanger kept a nimble staff The first double-decker Metrolink conceived of 20 focused on the task at hand, train rolled out of the Moorpark the concept and he had the foresight to hire John Station bound for Los Angeles of a universal Rinard, a veteran freight rail engineer Union Station at 5:06 a.m. on Oct. fare policy, who liked to build railroads and build 26, 1992. It marked the return of METROLINK becoming the them fast. Rinard would become regional passenger rail service for the DEBUTED WITH first transit Metrolink’s first engineering director. first time since the last of the Pacific company in THREE RAIL LINES – Electric Big Red cars quit running Southern “My first gut feeling was that they several decades earlier. VENTURA, SANTA California were crazy,” Rinard says of Stanger CLARITA (LATER to arrange and Peterson’s plans to build a Metrolink debuted with three rail lines – Ventura County, Santa Clarita THE ANTELOPE free transfers commuter rail line from scratch. But he embraced the challenge (later the Antelope Valley Line) and VALLEY LINE) AND with other operators. and quickly gained the support San Bernardino. Service to Riverside SAN BERNARDINO. and respect of the new Metrolink was added the following year. Then SERVICE TO Each team board, especially during protracted the Northridge earthquake struck, RIVERSIDE WAS member had negotiations to buy right-of-way from isolating many commuters in the a unique role the railroads. Antelope Valley and elsewhere, so ADDED THE to play. Metrolink’s small cadre of workers, FOLLOWING YEAR. “One of the smartest things we ever contractors and Navy Seabees Peterson ran did was hire freight guys because sprang into action. interference they could talk the language. It’s a with local fraternity,” says Bacharach. They expedited construction of the and state Antelope Valley Line, delivering opponents. Luck, good contacts and fast six stations in six weeks along the Bacharach, Metrolink’s first board footwork melded, and Southern corridor. The Lancaster and Palmdale chair, who had experience guiding California’s new commuter rail stations were built in a mere three development of the Metro Blue Line system was delivered on time within days, and trains started running just linking Long Beach and Los Angeles, budget. one week after the earthquake rocked helped the 11-member board the region.

20 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Service also was linking Riverside- connected. Metrolink trains glide extended on the Downtown, along at up to 90 miles-per-hour Ventura County Line to Fullerton and in some corridors, making them Oxnard. The Orange downtown Los competitive with the automobile sans County Line opened Angeles. Finally, the stress of driving. in March. Today it in 2016 Metrolink But only adding more track and trains is the longest in the debuted the Perris belies the resilient nature of Metrolink Metrolink system, Valley Line, a 24- and how it responds to demand and stretching 87 miles mile extension of circumstances, good and bad. from Union Station to the 91 Line that Oceanside with 14 is Metrolink’s first Following stations. major expansion fatal crashes ...METROLINK since the early in Glendale In October 1995 WAS THE FIRST 1990s. in 2005 and Metrolink launched the Chatsworth COMMUTER Inland Empire-Orange Metrolink started in 2008, the County route, the with three lines RAIL SYSTEM IN authority’s first suburb-to-suburb serving two THE NATION TO board of commuter rail line in the nation. A counties spanning 112 route INTRODUCE POSITIVE directors year later Metrolink opened its first miles, 11 stations and 2,300 daily instituted a TRAIN CONTROL beach service. Sun lovers relished boardings. Today Metrolink operates safety-top- (PTC) TO STOP A taking trains directly to San Clemente seven routes through a six-county, priority culture and Oceanside. 538- route-mile network with 60 TRAIN AND PREVENT that takes stations. TRAIN-TO-TRAIN In 1998 the Ventura County precedent COLLISIONS AND Transportation Commission approved Dozens of cities from Lancaster and over every more service to Moorpark. Four years Ventura to Los Angeles, Anaheim, aspect of DERAILMENTS later the 91 Line opened, becoming Irvine, Riverside, San Bernardino, Metrolink CAUSED BY Metrolink’s seventh route and Perris and Oceanside are seamlessly operations. SPEEDING AND UNAUTHORIZED TRAIN MOVEMENT.

Top 10 Reasons To Ride Metrolink 3 You can thumb your nose at stalled parallel freeway traffic as you glide to work in comfort, relaxing or getting a head start on the workday.

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 21 A Remarkable 25-Year History

22 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report HOW IT ALL BEGAN

As a result, Metrolink was the first commuter rail system in the nation to introduce (PTC) to stop a train and prevent train-to-train collisions and derailments caused by speeding and unauthorized train movement.

PTC is just one of a series of safety measures, including inward-facing cameras in the locomotives and cab

Top 10 Reasons To Ride Metrolink Metrolink was the first commuter rail system in Photo courtesy of Ventura County Transportation Commission the nation to introduce positive train control (PTC). 4 cars to monitor engineers and new ourselves up, and worked on Reduce your carbon footprint by 8 passenger cars to absorb energy rebuilding the agency,” former tons a year taking the train compared Metrolink Board Chair Keith Millhouse during a crash, initiated by Metrolink to driving solo. that set the standard for other train notes. “And we’ve led the way in rail operators across America. safety in this country. We’ve saved countless lives as a result of our Metrolink today is a stronger, more “We’ve gone through unspeakable efforts with PTC, cameras and new ebullient agency having emerged tragedy, we’ve cried, we’ve picked rail cars.” from the crucible of change. And 25 years after the first train carrying Stanger, Bacharach and Metrolink vice chair Larry Walker of San Bernardino County broke through a banner at Union Station the morning of Oct. 26, 1992, it’s still proving that it is a vehicle for bringing the region together.

“I think I’m most proud that we got all the counties and staff pitching in,” recalls Metrolink’s first executive director Richard Stanger. “Everyone sensed we were doing something important, that we weren’t going to just talk. We would do something.” •

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 23 24 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 25

METROLINK’S TOP PRIORITY: SAFETY

Metrolink’s safety credo is born of tragedy. Following fatal crashes in Glendale in 2005 and Chatsworth in 2008, the authority’s board of directors instituted a safety-top-priority culture that takes precedent over every aspect of Metrolink operations. As a result, Metrolink was the first commuter rail system in the nation to:

Operate positive train control 2010. The car bodies in Metrolink’s cab cars. This provides additional (PTC) during regular service Hyundai Rotem Guardian Fleet have accountability for train operators and on all hosted lines. This GPS- crumble zones that cushion the allows management to review footage based safety technology, introduced impact of crashes and other safety to prevent future incidents. in 2015, can stop a train and features now required by the federal Purchase Tier 4 locomotives prevent train-to-train collisions, government such as breakaway with positive train control and derailments caused by speeding and tables, more fire-retardant materials crash energy management. In unauthorized train movement. and improved rescue access. 2016 Metrolink received the first of Use crash energy management Install inward- and outward- 40 of these new clean air operating in passenger cars. Metrolink facing cameras. In 2009 Metrolink locomotives that emit less emissions, started operating rail cars with installed video and audio recording generate more horsepower and are Crash Energy Management (CEM) in systems in its locomotive and safer than older diesel models.

Top 10 Reasons To Ride Metrolink 5 It’s safe. There are roving conductors on every Metrolink train, security guards at the stations, and deputies Riverside high-school students promoted rail safety at an event where they signed a pledge to spread the word about safety. who do random train boardings.

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 27 METROLINK’S TOP PRIORITY: SAFETY

Make rail-crossing safety Avenue and Marlborough Avenue new Quiet Zone in Glendale along enhancements to create the and averages 15 trains per day. A three intersections at the Sonora nation’s longest Quiet Zone in third Quiet Zone is planned for the Avenue, Grandview Avenue and Orange County. A Quiet Zone is four crossings from Palm Avenue Flower Street crossings by San a segment of a rail line containing to Cridge Street. The crossings Fernando Road. Train engineers only one or several consecutive public at Palm, Brockton and Panorama will need to blast their horns in the highway-rail crossings in which are operated by the Union Pacific event of an emergency such as a locomotive horns are not routinely Railroad (UPRR), while Cridge is person or car on the tracks. sounded. The Orange County Quiet operated by BNSF. These crossings Other Safety Projects Zone spans 34 railroad crossings average approximately 30 trains per where safety enhancements were day (run by BNSF, Metrolink and Among other safety-related made to a total of 52 crossings Union Pacific). projects, in 2017 Metrolink in eight cities. The project was constructed rail-highway grade In 2017 Metrolink also designated a completed in 2012, and the entire crossing improvements in Covina. process took seven years and cost $85 million. Typical safety enhancements included extended Metrolink’s and widened center medians; improved sidewalks; improved Top Priority: highway approach geometry; four- quadrant pedestrian gates and Safety flashers; exit gates; pre-signals; queue-cutter signals; vehicle traffic signal system interconnections with advanced preemption; and reconstructed and lengthened highway-rail grade crossing surfaces.

Two Metrolink Quiet Zones in the City of Riverside opened in 2016. The first extends more than seven miles along the BNSF railway line between Mary Street and Buchanan Street (running parallel to the SR-91 Freeway). With 12 at-grade crossings, this stretch of tracks averages more than 100 trains per day (including those operated by BNSF, Metrolink and Amtrak).

The second Riverside Quiet Zone went into effect December 28, 2016. Running along the Perris Valley Line, this Quiet Zone is composed of four crossings between Mt. Vernon

28 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report METROLINK’S TOP PRIORITY: SAFETY

Improvements from this project Metrolink’s fleet of 55 locomotives include the installation and and 258 passenger cars is showing coordination of traffic signals, signs of aging after a quarter improved signage, century, so purchasing new vehicles striping and warning and rehabilitating older ones is an DOUBLE-TRACKING strips, driveway ongoing commitment to ensuring IS ANOTHER and pedestrian the fleet is maintained in a state of ramp modifications good repair along with work on track, KEY SAFETY and vehicular and bridges, stations and maintenance IMPROVEMENT pedestrian gates with facilities UNDERWAY flashing signals. Beyond safe operation of its trains, THROUGHOUT THE Altogether, Metrolink Metrolink puts a premium on security. METROLINK SYSTEM. is seeking to enhance Passengers can take comfort RUNNING TRACK IN safety at 312 grade knowing conductors are on every EACH DIRECTION crossings throughout train and security guards patrol the ALLOWS TRAINS TO the region. 60 Metrolink stations. • PASS EACH OTHER Double-tracking SAFELY, QUICKLY is another key AND EFFICIENTLY, safety improvement underway throughout WHICH INCREASES the Metrolink system. SAFETY, SPEED AND Running track in each RELIABILITY. direction allows trains to pass each other safely, quickly and efficiently, which increases safety, speed and reliability.

With single track, trains traveling in opposite directions can only pass by slowing or stopping so one can move onto a side track. In 2017 about 60 percent of the Metrolink system operated with single track. Considering Metrolink shares track with major freight operators BNSF and Union Pacific, double- tracking will do much to enhance the commuter rail system’s capacity and reliability as well as safety. Adding additional signals is another safety priority that will also enhance speed and reliability.

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 29 Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority ENVIRONMENT

Mother Earth loves Metrolink riders. By not driving solo to work, the average Metrolink commuter reduces his or her C02 emissions by eight tons a year.* That’s equal to about a 35 percent reduction in all greenhouse gases produced by a typical two-adult, two-car household.

◗◗ If Metrolink didn’t exist in the past these Tier 4 locomotives are in quarter century, more than 2.7 service it will be equivalent to million tons of additional carbon reducing the annual emissions of dioxide would have been 31,320 vehicles. The locomotives spewed into the atmosphere. also are more fuel-efficient (8 percent compared to Tier 0), Here are other Metrolink more powerful (64 percent more green facts: horsepower) and safer (equipped ◗◗ Metrolink’s new Tier 4 locomotives with PTC and crash management will reduce PM and NOx emissions system to absorb energy in the by up to 85 percent over standard event of a collision to protect diesel engines. When all 40 of passengers).

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 31 Metrolink: Good for the Environment

32 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report ENVIRONMENT

◗◗ Further reducing its own carbon ◗◗ “Reduce, reuse and recycle” is footprint, Metrolink has installed a concept Metrolink abides by. Automatic Engine Start/Stop Most waste material is recycled. technology on its locomotives to Metrolink disposes and recycles reduce idling and also installed engine oil, antifreeze, oil filters, train ground power at its maintenance brakes and batteries and many yards to further reduce idling and other parts in an environmentally noise while equipment is being friendly way. • maintained. *American Public Transportation Association research based on a solo commuter switching his/her commute from a private vehicle to public transit.

State Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon and other local, state and federal officials took the first clean powered ride on a train driven by one of Metrolink’s new Tier 4 locomotives.

Top 10 Reasons To Ride Metrolink 6 Free transfers to dozens of public transit operators are included in the Metrolink fare. Metrolink monthly pass holders along the Orange and Ventura County corridors can travel on Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains within the station pairs of their pass at no additional charge.

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 33

METROLINK RELIEVES DRIVING STRESS

Driving in Southern California can make you sick. Numerous medical studies have documented that commuting to work and other destinations in heavy traffic over time causes blood pressure and blood sugar to rise, adds inches to your waist, boosts cholesterol, causes neck and back pain, makes you anxious and depressed, hurts sleep, rruins relationships and negatively affects work. Breathing exhaust fumes also is not conducive to good health.

Metrolink is the antidote for driving Empire. Three sections of Interstate in lost wages and productivity. stress, particularly for long-distance 5 between Irvine and downtown Gridlock also contributes to air commuters who are most at risk. A Los Angeles rank among the most pollution. Thousands of Southern 2012 study in the American Journal clogged stretches of highway in California residents die each year of Preventive Medicine found that the the United States. The 91 freeway from breathing polluted air, much of farther people commute by vehicle, between Fullerton and Corona is it spawned by cars and trucks idling the higher their blood pressure and another dubious competitor. in traffic. Congestion also wastes body mass index is likely to be. millions of gallons of fuel. And traffic annually costs the average Considering that many Southern driver in the region nearly $2,000 California residents travel upwards of 30 miles one way to work in central Los Angeles, Orange County, Burbank, Glendale and elsewhere, that’s a lot of stress. And freeway traffic here is the worst in the nation, according to data company Inrix.

The average driver in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana region spent 81 hours stuck in freeway traffic in 2015. It’s almost as bad in other parts of Southern Top 10 Reasons To Ride Metrolink California thanks to an abundance 7 of jobs in Orange County and affordable housing in the Inland Metrolink is the best weekend travel bargain for families and others. It’s just $10 Saturday or Sunday for unlimited rides to the beach, the historic Mission at San Juan Capistrano and many other fun destinations.

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 35 Metrolink Relieves Driving Stress.

36 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report METROLINK RELIEVES DRIVING STRESS

So, it’s no surprise that traffic work in Burbank after tiring of stop- remains the top concern for and-go traffic driving the I-5. Southern California residents, “I NOW COME HOME “I thank God every day for Metrolink,” topping personal safety, housing RELAXED,” SAYS says Hasan Ikhrata, executive costs and retirement savings in STEVE DOONER, director of the Southern California a recent poll, Association of Governments (SCAG). WHO RECENTLY findings echoed by Metrolink “When I look out the window to the STARTING TAKING riders. Sixty-seven percent of riders right and see the 10 Freeway, I’m so surveyed said less stress than driving METROLINK glad not to be in one of those cars is why they take the train. FROM MOORPARK stuck in traffic.” TO WORK IN “I now come home relaxed,” says To learn more about Metrolink, BURBANK... Steve Dooner, who recently starting including how to ride, go to taking Metrolink from Moorpark to www.metrolinktrains.com •

Top 10 Reasons To Ride Metrolink 8 Make new friends on the commute to and from work.

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 37 METROLINK: WHERE PEOPLE MATTER MOST

38 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report METROLINK: WHERE PEOPLE MATTER MOST

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 39 CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR VICE-CHAIR 2ND VICE-CHAIR

Andrew Kotyuk Brian Humphrey Ara Najarian

Kathryn Barger Paul Eaton Deborah Franklin Paul Krekorian

Larry McCallon Shawn Nelson Hilda Solis Gregory Winterbottom 40 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report BOARD MEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT

BOARD MEMBER Board Member Official Title During Metrolink Tenure Representation SPOTLIGHT Bill Alexander SCRRA Board Member SANBAG Mayor, Rancho Cucamonga Walter Allen, III SCRRA Board Alternate Metro Council Member, City of Covina Michael Antonovich SCRRA Board Member Metro Supervisor, County of Los Angeles Michael Antonovich Jacki Bacharach SCRRA Board Member Metro Los Angeles County Mayor Pro Tempore, City of Palos Verdes served 36 years on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors representing a sprawling Don Bankhead SCRRA Board Alternate OCTA district that included all or parts of the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita, San Fernando Kathryn Barger SCRRA Board Member Metro and San Gabriel Valleys, and Pomona. Antonovich also served many years on the Supervisor, County of Los Angeles governing boards for Metrolink, LA County Robert T. Bartlett SCRRA Board Alternate Metro Metro and the South Coast Air Quality Mayor, City of Monrovia Management District board, where he was a staunch fighter for safety and clean air Michael Barry SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC funding for Metrolink Positive Train Control and Tier 4 clean locomotives as well as improvements in service on Metrolink’s Patricia Bates SCRRA Board Alternate OCTA Antelope Valley Line. Supervisor, County of Orange Brian Berkson SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC Council Member, City of Jurupa Valley Hal Bernson SCRRA Board Member Metro Council Member, City of Los Angeles Anthony Bejarano SCRRA Board Member Metro Council Member, City of Baldwin Park Paul Biane SCRRA Board Alternate SANBAG Jacki Bacharach Supervisor, County of San Bernardino Los Angeles County Lou Bone Ex-Officio Member Ex-Officio – (Metrolink’s First Board Chair) SCAG SCAG currently executive director of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments. Along with Mayor, City of Tustin Metrolink’s first CEO, Richard Stanger, and Neil Peterson, who headed the former Los Carrie Bowen Ex-Officio Member Ex-Officio – State Angeles County Transportation Commission Caltrans, Interim Director, District 7 of CA (LACTC), Bacharach was part of the triumvirate that launched Metrolink a quarter Nate Brogin SCRRA Board Alternate Metro century ago. The former Rancho Palos Verdes mayor’s career is intertwined with the modern era of public transportation in Art Brown SCRRA Board Member OCTA Southern California. Bacharach also was a Mayor, City of Buena Park member of the Los Angeles-San Diego Rail Corridor Agency, overseeing area Amtrak service, and served on the LACTC governing Ex-Officio Member SCAG board, overseeing development of the Metro Council Member, City of Buena Park/ Blue and Green rail lines. SCAG Regional Council 21st District Representative

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 41 BOARD MEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT

BOARD MEMBER Board Member Official Title During Metrolink Tenure Representation SPOTLIGHT Daryl Busch SCRRA Board Member RCTC Mayor, City of Perris Sarah L. Catz SCRRA Board Member OCTA

Carolyn V. Cavecche SCRRA Board Member OCTA Mayor, City of Orange Sarah L. Catz Ryan Chamberlain Ex-Officio Member Ex-Officio – Orange County Caltrans, Director, District 12 State of CA was a founding member and two-term chair on the Metrolink governing board. Kelly Chastain SCRRA Board Member SANBAG Catz served 10 years with the Orange Council Member, City of Colton County Transportation Authority and served as board chair. John Chlebnik SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC Mayor Pro Tem, City of Calimesa Alex Clifford SCRRA Board Member RCTC Council Member, Riverside Laurie Davies SCRRA Board Alternate OCTA Council Member, City of Laguna Niguel Bill Davis SCRRA Chair VCTC Mayor, City of Simi Valley Jaime de la Vega SCRRA Board Alternate Metro Deputy Mayor, City of Los Angeles Carolyn V. Cavecche General Manager, Department of Transportation Orange County Richard Dixon SCRRA Board Member OCTA served five years as a Metrolink board member and alternate. A fiscal Mayor, City of Lake Forest watchdog, the former mayor of Orange focused on bolstering Metrolink’s Paul Eaton SCRRA Board Member SANBAG accounting and other financial practices Mayor, City of Montclair to ensure fiscal integrity. John Fasana SCRRA Board Alternate Metro Council Member, City of Duarte Deborah Franklin SCRRA Board Member RCTC Mayor Pro Tem At Large, City of Banning Ginger Gherardi SCRRA Board Alternate VCTC Council Member, City of Santa Paula Patricia Gilbreath SCRRA Board Alternate SANBAG Mayor Pro Tem, City of Redlands

Paul Glaab SCRRA Board Member OCTA Ginger Gherardi Mayor, City of Laguna Niguel Ventura County currently an alternate on the Metrolink Joseph . Gonzales SCRRA Board Alternate Metro governing board, the vice mayor of Santa Council Member, City of South El Monte Paula is one of the early pioneers that helped steer Metrolink service to Ventura Jan Harnik SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC County. Gherardi was instrumental in Mayor, City of Palm Desert creating the Ventura County Transportation Commission and served as its first Jon Harrison SCRRA Board Alternate SBCTA executive director and held the post from Council Member, City of Redlands 1989 to 2007, when she retired.

42 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report BOARD MEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT

BOARD MEMBER Board Member Official Title During Metrolink Tenure Representation SPOTLIGHT Michael Hennessey SCRRA Board Member OCTA

Brian Humphrey SCRRA Board Member VCTC

Frank Johnston SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC

Richard Katz SCRRA Board Member Metro Brian Humphrey Ventura County is the current vice-chair of the Metrolink Will Kleindienst SCRRA Board Member RCTC governing board. Appointed to the Metrolink board in 1997, Humphrey is the longest Mayor, City of Palm Springs current serving board member. He is a 31-year member of the City of Los Angeles Don Knabe SCRRA Board Member Metro Fire Department (LAFD) with service as Supervisor, County of Los Angeles a firefighter/paramedic and LAFD public information officer. Andrew Kotyuk SCRRA Board Member RCTC Council Member, City of San Jacinto Paul Krekorian SCRRA Board Member Metro Council Member, City of Los Angeles Thomas Lackey SCRRA Board Alternate Metro Council Member, City of Palmdale Jeffrey Lalloway SCRRA Board Alternate OCTA Mayor Pro Tem, City of Irvine Richard Katz James C. Ledford, Jr. SCRRA Board Alternate Metro Los Angeles County Mayor, City of Palmdale was a former board chair who was a key advocate for Positive Train Control following Borja Leon SCRRA Board Alternate Metro the Chatsworth tragic accident. He also played a major role in putting together a funding strategy for purchase of the Tier 4 John Longville SCRRA Board Member SANBAG clean diesel locomotives.

Robin Lowe SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC Council Member, City of Hemet Larry McCallon SCRRA Board Member SANBAG Mayor Pro Tem, City of Highland Michele Martinez Ex-Officio Member Ex-Officio – SCAG Council Member, City of Santa Ana SCAG Regional Council Andrew Kotyuk Roxana Martinez SCRRA Board Alternate Metro Riverside County is the current chair of the Metrolink Council Member, City of Palmdale governing board and has been a Metrolink Maureen Micheline SCRRA Board Alternate Metro director since 2013. He is a San Jacinto councilman and former mayor and serves on the Riverside County Transportation Michael Miles Ex-Officio Member Ex-Officio – Caltrans Commission and is a past commission chair. Caltrans – District 7 Director

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 43 BOARD MEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT

BOARD MEMBER Board Member Official Title During Metrolink Tenure Representation SPOTLIGHT Keith Millhouse SCRRA Board Member VCTC Council Member, City of Moorpark Tom Minor SCRRA Board Member SANBAG

Gloria Molina SCRRA Board Member Metro Supervisor, County of Los Angeles Larry McCallon Ameal Moore SCRRA Board Member RCTC San Bernardino County Council Member, City of Riverside currently serves on the Metrolink governing board and served as a Patrick Morris SCRRA Board Member SANBAG past chair. As a member of the South Mayor, City of San Bernardino Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), McCallon helped secure Richard Murphy SCRRA Board Alternate OCTA SCAQMD funding to purchase new Tier 4 Council Member, City of Los Alamitos clean locomotives. Ara Najarian SCRRA Board Member Metro Council Member, City of Glendale Shawn Nelson SCRRA Board Member OCTA Supervisor, County of Orange Judy Nieburger SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC

Robert Nolan SCRRA Board Member SANBAG Mayor, City of Upland Keith Millhouse Francine Oschin SCRRA Board Alternate Metro Ventura County served a decade on the Metrolink governing board, including a stint as Greg Pettis SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC chairman during the tragic Metrolink crash with a freight train in Chatsworth in 2008 that killed 25 and injured 135 passengers. Beatrice Proo SCRRA Board Alternate Metro In the aftermath, Millhouse fought for a multilayered safety system that included installation of in-cab video cameras to Andrea Puga SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC monitor behavior of engineers, purchase of Council Member, City of Corona crash energy management rail cars, and positive train control, measures that have James Ramos SCRRA Board Alternate SANBAG set a new safety model for the nation. Supervisor, County of San Bernardino Mark Ridley-Thomas SCRRA Board Member Metro Supervisor, County of Los Angeles Richard J. Riordan SCRRA Board Member Metro Mayor, City of Los Angeles Susan Ritschel SCRRA Board Alternate OCTA Council Member, City of San Clemente

Frank Roberts SCRRA Board Member Metro Patrick Morris Mayor, City of Lancaster San Bernardino County was a longtime Metrolink board member Ron Roberts SCRRA Board Member Ex-Officio - SCAG who served as chair. The former San Council Member, City of Temecula Bernardino mayor was instrumental in developing a plan to extend Metrolink service to Redlands and development of a multimodal transit center in downtown San Bernardino.

44 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report BOARD MEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT

Board Member Official Title During Metrolink Tenure Representation Adam Rush SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC Mayor Pro Tem, City of Eastvale Charles V. Smith SCRRA Board Member OCTA Supervisor, County of Orange Hilda Solis SCRRA Board Member Metro Supervisor, County of Los Angeles Karen Spiegel SCRRA Board Member RCTC Council Member, City of Corona Todd Spitzer SCRRA Board Alternate OCTA Supervisor, County of Orange Gary Slater Ex-Officio Alternate Ex-Officio – State Caltrans, Deputy Director, District 7 of CA James Tolbert SCRRA Board Member Metro

Judith Valles SCRRA Board Member SANBAG Mayor, City of San Bernardino Larry Walker SCRRA Board Alternate SANBAG Auditor/Controller-Recorder County of San Bernardino Alan D. Wapner SCRRA Board Alternate SANBAG Council Member, City of Ontario Frank West SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC Council Member, City of Moreno Valley Diane Williams SCRRA Board Alternate SANBAG Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Mayor Pro Tem, City of Rancho Cucamonga Michael Wilson SCRRA Board Alternate RCTC Mayor Pro Tem, City of Indio Top 10 Reasons To Ride Metrolink Thomas W. Wilson SCRRA Board Member OCTA 9 Supervisor, County of Orange Gregory SCRRA Board Member OCTA Metrolink riders can receive up to Winterbottom $255/month in tax-free commuting Judy Wright SCRRA Board Member Metro benefits from their employers. Council Member, City of Claremont Metrolink also offers steep discounts Larry Zarian SCRRA Board Member Metro to students, seniors and the disabled.

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 45 Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metrolink board member Hilda Solis recently visited Cal State University, Los Angeles to talk about mobility issues with students. METROLINK PIONEERING STAFF STILL ON BOARD

Twenty-two employees have worked for Metrolink and its contractors since the beginning or joined the Metrolink team soon after service began in 1992. Below is a list of employees and years of service as of Oct. 1, 2017.

Karen Sakoda and Ron Mathieu have worked for Metrolink since its debut.

1 Ronald Mathieu Senior Public Projects Specialist, Planning + Development 26.75 2 Karen Sakoda Planning Manager, Planning + Development 25.08 3 Gregory Wong Program Management Analyst II 25.42 4 Gary Lettengarver Chief Operating Officer 25.33 5 Pamela Hempsted Accounting Assistant 25.17 6 Rod Elliker Manager, Special Projects 25.08 7 Phil Dearing Train Dispatcher 24.92 8 Evangelia McNeil-Kakaris Assistant Director, Contracts 24.83 9 Elsa Mendoza ROW Maintenance Coordinator 24.83 10 Jaime Romo Assistant Director, PTC Technical Services 24.67 11 Kenneth Dolph Train Dispatcher 24.50 12 Gary Peterson Train Dispatcher 24.50 13 Jacqueline Tyler Supervisor, Dispatching Operations 23.83 14 Samuel McLawyer Operations Compliance Officer 23.67 15 Linda Zander Customer Engagement Representative 23.25 16 Mark Ziegler Train Dispatcher 23.08 17 Charlene Ariza Marketing Manager 23.08 18 Sergio Marquez Director, Dispatching Operations 22.67 19 Rick Browning Train Dispatcher 22.25 20 Melvin Lawson Train Dispatcher 22.25 21 Scott Mallette Department Assistant 20.50 22 Lance Rapscher Business Administrator 20.00

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 47 Metrolink Employees Put Customers First

48 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report METROLINK EMPLOYEES PUT CUSTOMERS FIRST

It’s the employees who make Metrolink shine. Metrolink staff and contractors deliver outstanding customer service and always strive to put a smile on the face of riders.

OUR ENGINEERS

Veronica Brown and her daughter Danyell Jones are both Metrolink locomotive engineers and so are Veronica’s nephew Richard Brown and son-in-law Akili Wells. Veronica’s brother-in-law Dennis Brown is a retired Metrolink engineer, as is Veronica’s husband, Frank Brown, who also helped train his wife.

Richard Albitre has been a conductor for 24 years, including 19 with Metrolink. Albitre says he used to be an insurance agent with a desk job but much prefers being able to move around the trains and helping people. He reckons he walks at least five miles a day on six train trips.

METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report 49 FACTS AT A GLANCE

◗◗ Metrolink is ◗ 60% of Metrolink Metrolink’s service: the second- riders travel across ◗◗ Reduces 8.7 million car trips busiest public county lines annually transportation ◗ 81% of weekday ◗◗ Reduces 110,338 metric tons provider in trips are work- of greenhouse gasses (GHG) Southern California. related. Los (2.7 million metric tons of CO2 It is the third Angeles County is since 1992) largest-commuter the predominant rail agency work destination, ◗◗ Reduces traffic volume by 30% on in the United followed by parallel freeways States based on Orange County. ◗◗ The average construction cost per directional route ◗ 82% of Metrolink mile of Metrolink track is $8 million miles and the riders own an compared to $30 million per mile eighth largest automobile but for freeway lanes based on annual choose Metrolink. ridership. ◗ 65% of riders in ◗◗ More than 400 2015 were non- million passenger Caucasian, up miles per year. from 45% in 2000. More than 8 billion miles since 1992. ◗ The average one-way commute for Metrolink riders is 36 miles, ◗◗ 44% of Metrolink trip costs are the longest of any commuter rail covered by riders and other operator in the U.S. sources – the highest of any public transit agency in Southern California

50 METROLINK 25th Anniversary Report Top 10 Reasons To Ride Metrolink 10 There is direct service to see the Angels and Anaheim Ducks plus Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority easy connections to Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers and other sports, avoiding parking cost and traffic hassles.

Project Manager: Sherita Coffelt Editor/Writer: Marc Littman Art Director and Designer: Harlan West/HWDS and Associates, Inc. Photographers: Thomas Hasani and Andrew Aronsohn www.metrolinktrains.com