Click here to watch our save the date video!

Summit Sponsorships Selling Quickly!

Sponsorships are selling quickly for the 21st Annual Southern California Transportation Summit on Friday, Aug. 19 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim!

Available sponsorships include:

  • Titanium Sponsorship – $25,000 SOLD OUT!
  • Platinum Sponsorships – $10,000
    Keynote Speaker (3 available)
  • Gold Sponsorships – $5,000
    Breakout Session (3 LEFT)
    Hospitality Suite (2 LEFT)
    Breakfast Buffet & Breaks (1 LEFT)
    Umbrella Promo Item (1 LEFT)
    Coaster Promo Item (2 available)
  • Copper Sponsorships – $2,500
  • Bronze Sponsorships – $1,000 
    (open to registered small businesses and nonprofits only)

Click here to view more information about the sponsorship packages or contact Kristin Slocum to sign up

Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Art Hadnet
Senior Vice President
HNTB

Art Hadnett, Senior Vice President brings more than 30 years of infrastructure and transportation experience on high-profile infrastructure projects in the West and throughout the United States. Hadnett oversees vital and complex infrastructure programs in growth markets, including rail, transit, architecture, tolling and aviation. He partners with the corporate leadership team on strategic growth planning and initiatives for the development of new business for markets and services throughout the Western Region. He is based in HNTB’s Los Angeles office.

Prior to this role, Hadnett served as West Division President, leading the operations of the nine-state division, including 11 offices and more than 700 employees. Before joining HNTB, Hadnett served as vice president and practice leader for Stantec’s transportation division where he was responsible for managing major assignments with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Orange County Transportation Authority, Los Angeles World Airports and Southern California Regional Rail Authority. He is past president of the Los Angeles County Chapter of American Council of Engineering Companies and serves as an Advisory Board Member for Mobility 21 and Move-LA.

Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Jason McLear
Vice President, Construction Western Region
Lane Construction Corporation

Jason began his career as a Job Engineer in 1992 on Lane’s taxiway project at the Pittsburgh International Airport.  In his 29 years with Lane, he has steadily worked his way up to his current position of Vice President of Construction for the Western Region of the USA.  As Area Vice President, he is responsible for Lane’s I-10 Express Lanes project in San Bernardino County, California and the I-405 Express Lanes project from Renton to Bellevue in Seattle, WA.
Between August 2018 to January 2021, Jason was the Project Director on the I-10 Express Lanes project for SBCTA in Southern California.  Before this project he was the Project Director on Lane’s SH360 Toll Lanes project in Tarrant County, Texas.

Jason’s career path from Job Engineer, to Project Engineer to Project Manager took him to projects in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas before his assignment in Southern California.

Jason received his BS in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University in 1992.  He is also a past president of ASCE’s Construction Institute.

AGC of California 2021 Heavy Civil Over $75 Million Constructor Award: Skanska USA Civil West for the I-5 Express Lanes Design-Build Project.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
Associated General Contractors (AGC) of California

AGC of California (AGC) supports more than 900 experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals who represent the full spectrum of the construction industry, including those who build California’s bridges, highways, rail transit systems, roads, and tunnels.

Within AGC, our membership is broken down into three divisions: Building, Utilities and Infrastructure, and Highway and Transportation. AGC’s Government Affairs team is responsible for staffing the three divisions. Specifically, AGC’s Highway and Transportation Division brings together our heavy civil members with public transportation agencies encompassing roads, ports, and rail to discuss and develop solutions on a variety of public policy matters.

Through the dedication of a robust, talented team spanning the state, AGC provides wraparound support and services for your company. Whether you are regionally based, statewide or national, AGC is prepared to provide you not only individualized support, but also the broader support your company needs across the state and nation.

Six Ways AGC Helps You

1. Advocate for Our Industry
2. Address Labor & Compliance Issues
3. Build Your Network
4. Build Your Competence
5. Meet Workforce Needs
6. Invest in Our Future

For more information, visit www.agc-ca.org.

As the prime consultant to the University of California at San Diego and engineer of record, Moffatt & Nichol led the Gilman Drive bridge project and provided civil, roadway, and bridge engineering. The bridge is 406 feet long and carries three traffic lanes, bike lanes, and 10- and 6-foot-wide sidewalks.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
Moffatt & Nichol

Always looking beyond the road ahead, at Moffatt & Nichol, we ask, “What is next?” Since our founding in 1945, Moffatt & Nichol has looked toward the next opportunity for greater innovation in transportation infrastructure. We see an exciting future of intelligent transportation and smart, future ports, where technology is leveraged to meet the needs of California’s vibrant and diverse citizenry.

Based on our experience over the last two years, as infrastructure and technology innovators, we must be prepared to respond and pivot quickly to address emerging global challenges that create impacts at a local level. Traditional partnerships between infrastructure designers, builders, and owners now require an ever-expanding world view. The future forward is clear: the world of transportation is changing rapidly, and to strategically adapt to that change means investing in good science, good commercial practices, and an openness to new ideas.

As unpredictable as Southern California’s transportation future may be, from the road travelled so far, we have learned together that being open to competition, transparent government policies, and long-term funding commitments prepares us for the complexities associated with navigating the future forward.

Summit Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
Skanska

Skanska is committed to building for a better society. The transportation projects that we help build make Southern California a better place to live and work. Whether it’s improving the movement of goods and materials across our region or providing better, safer, and more sustainable travel options for Californians, our efforts serve Skanska’s core values.

Mobility 21’s unified voice helps Southern California expand transportation options and create solutions that advance industry progress. Skanska continues to proudly support Mobility 21 and we are honored to play a continued role in helping them to transform the southern California transportation landscape for the citizens and businesses that rely on it.

Within the community, Skanska strives to create opportunity for our employees by advancing a culture of inclusion and embracing the diverse backgrounds, talents, and perspectives that our people bring to work each day. Our subcontracting programs provide opportunities for women, minority, small and veteran disadvantaged businesses; and we work directly with them to provide training, mentoring, and hands-on support. Our active Los Angeles projects have awarded over $650 million in contracts to disadvantaged business enterprises.

Thank you, Mobility 21, for your dedication and continued advocacy in support of positive regional growth for Southern California.

OCTA Multimodal Transportation Study

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) wants to hear your feedback on alternative travel options that could help improve transportation in south Orange County. Through April 15th, please take a short survey online at SouthOCStudysurvey.com. For more information, visit octa.net/SouthOCStudy.

OC Bus offers discounted passes that offer riders potentially huge savings compared to the rising cost of gasoline. And because OC Bus runs on natural gas and, in some cases, zero-emissions electricity, it’s also a cleaner alternative. Photo courtesy of the Orange County Transportation Authority.

OCTA Promotes Discount Bus Passes as Alternative to High Gas Prices

As gas prices rise to record levels in Orange County and the region, the Orange County Transportation Authority is offering discounts on the already reasonable price to ride public transportation.
A day pass on OC Bus costs just $5, allowing bus riders to travel on any regular bus route throughout the county. That’s less than the average cost of just one gallon of gas right now.
OCTA also recently introduced two additional ways to save with Value Pass options:

  • Five single day passes for $15 (a $10 savings compared to the regular price)
  • A 30-day pass for $40 (a $29 savings).

“OCTA has always offered a safe and affordable way to travel, but now more than ever we hope that people throughout Orange County will give public transportation a try and discover the many benefits,” said OCTA Chairman Mark A. Murphy, also the Mayor of Orange.

Buses in the OC Bus system run on clean-burning compressed natural gas. OCTA is also testing two zero-emission electric technologies on its buses.

OCTA continues to prioritize safety of its passengers and coach operators even as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to wane. All passengers and coach operators are required to wear masks, as required by federal mandate, and every bus offers hand-sanitizer dispensers and masks for riders who need them.

Additional bus service has gradually been added back based on demand.

OCTA also recently became the first transit agency in the region to permanently offer a Youth Ride Free pass, which allows youth ages 6 to 18 the chance to ride anywhere OC Bus travels at no cost. It’s estimated that 1.7 million trips will be taken annually using that pass.

For the Youth Ride Free program, OCTA is working with Caltrans and California Air Resources Board to continue to use Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) funds. That funding is made possible by the California Climate Investments program, a statewide initiative that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.

For additional information on OC Bus and specific routes, riders are encouraged to visit ocbus.com.

To purchase discounted passes, visit octa.net/valuepass

(Left to right) Geneva Monteleone, Office of Sen. Diane Feinstein; Oxnard Mayor John Zaragoza; Port Hueneme Mayor Rich Rollins; Port Hueneme City Council Member Laura Hernandez; Oxnard Harbor Commissioner Celina L. Zacarias; Capt. Richard “Barr” Kimnach, Commanding Officer of Naval Base Ventura County; Jim Rinchiuso, Managing Director of Global Ocean FedEx Trade Networks; Patrick Moebel, President of FedEx Trade Networks; Dr. Udo Lange, President & CEO of FedEx Logistics; Oxnard Harbor Commission President Mary Anne Rooney; Andrew Palomares Deputy Executive Director, CFO/CAO; Oxnard Harbor Commissioner Jess J. Herrera; Congresswoman Julia Brownley; Christina Birdsey Chief Operations Officer; Congressman Salud Carbajal; Rick Valenzuela President ILWU Local 46; Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director; and Dona Lacayo Chief Commercial & Public Affairs Officer.

FedEx Execs Join Port of Hueneme and Navy Leadership to
Celebrate Arrival of First Container Vessel with Goods from Asia

Joined by FedEx executives, Dr. Udo Lange, President/CEO of FedEx Logistics; Patrick Moebel, President of FedEx Trade Networks; and Jim Rinchiuso Managing Director, Global Ocean Product for FedEx Logistics; the Port of Hueneme, Naval Base Ventura County leadership and elected officials greeted the first vessel of FedEx containers arriving from Port of Humen, China. U.S. households will find essential commodities such as electronics, automotive materials, and garments, as well as general department store merchandise replenished on store shelves thanks to innovative services through this exciting new collaboration with FedEx and the Port of Hueneme.

The FedEx team, Port officials including Oxnard Harbor District Commission President Mary Anne Rooney, Commissioners Jess J. Herrera and Celina L. Zacarias, CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas, Chief Commercial Officer Dona Lacayo, and Naval Base Ventura County’s Commander Captain Robert Kimnach welcomed the FedEx cargo containers in person with a plaque ceremony as they watched the first set of 53-foot containers get offloaded from the ship to the docks.

“Thanks to the innovative thinking and dedication from the FedEx Logistics and Port of Hueneme teams, we are able to turn a challenge into an opportunity and help our customers with this solution,” said Udo Lange, President & CEO, FedEx Logistics.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Congressman Salud Carbajal, Port Hueneme Mayor Richard Rollins, Port Hueneme Council Member Laura Hernandez, Oxnard Mayor John Zaragoza, and Oxnard Council Member Vianey Lopez celebrated the event by presenting proclamations to the Port for excellence in private-public partnerships and in finding creative supply chain solutions. Other important stakeholders attending the event included the President of the ILWU, Rick Valenzuela, and representatives from ocean carrier United Cargo Management, Ceres Terminals and T&T Trucking.

A FedEx container sits atop a Ceres all-electric UTR (cargo handling truck).

“As the Port of Hueneme’s representative in Congress, I am always so enthused by the new business and new jobs that the Port brings to the region,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley, representing California’s 26th District. “Moving goods efficiently through the supply chain is critical for businesses of all shapes and sizes and infrastructure at our ports is a key part of that equation.”

With pressures on the supply chain, this type of service is not only important to goods movement and U.S. consumers, but to reducing emissions by alleviating shoreside and waterborne bottlenecking at the larger congested ports while generating benefits for the local community.

Commissioner Rooney expressed the Board’s strong support of this service coupled by its unwavering commitment to the environment and community, “As we build these services, we are motivated by the opportunities that it brings to foster economic prosperity and sustainable growth. These type of cargo operations create good paying jobs. Our successes also provide us with the critical revenue to invest in sustainable operations and zero emission technology, such as the electric UTRs (cargo handling trucks) the Port procured to offload containers.”

Putting to use its longstanding 2004 Joint Use Agreement with the Navy, the cargo will initially be staged on Navy property to avoid disruption to the critical existing services at the Port.

“It is truly an honor to participate at this historic occasion and on behalf of the Navy, I’d like to welcome the Genco Pyrenees FedEx Logistic Cargo vessel onboard Naval Base Port Hueneme,” said Capt. Robert “Barr” Kimnach, Commander of Naval Base Ventura County. “Strong community ties are critical to ensure our continued mission success. The Navy has endured a valued partnership with this community for over 80 years, operating the harbor after the outbreak of World War II.”

This operation is first of multiple chartered vessels scheduled to come to Hueneme with the plan to schedule more over the next year based on success with the initial services. With FedEx owned chassis lined up and truckers ready, the cargo will make a quick departure from the base to distribution facilities lined up off-port.

Dona Lacayo, CCO & CPAO of the Port of Hueneme said, “We worked together to have the entire logistics network in cue to move the cargo through each of the supply chain partners-from origin, ocean and trucking to destination facility. We thank FedEx Logistics and all of the project partners for a great collaboration and for making the first FedEx ocean charter a great success.”

FedEx trucks move cargo from the vessel Genco Pyrenees.

The Port of Hueneme has seen record imports and exports as it supports the challenges in the supply chain. Imports climbed 123 percent and exports 200 percent in the first half of fiscal year 2022 (July – December). It’s strong partnerships with the Navy, ocean carriers, stevedores and other key partners that keep the cargo moving and the Port uncongested.

 

Kristin Decas, CEO and Port Director shared, “Our slogan, We Make Cargo Move, is indicative of our reputation among Ports as one of the fastest through put ports in the nation and in this moment, through collaboration we can help make a dent in a national crisis. We thank FedEx for their business and look forward to a long-lasting relationship that creates market-based solutions for the benefit of the consumer.”

RCTC Awards Construction Contract to Add Temporary Lane to Southbound I-15 in Corona, Temescal Valley

Work will start this spring to add a temporary lane to help relieve traffic congestion on southbound Interstate 15 in Corona and Temescal Valley, following the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s award of a $3.4 million construction contract.

The Commission awarded the contract to All American Asphalt, located in Corona, paving the way for construction of the I-15 Interim Corridor Operations Project. The project will add a non-tolled lane to southbound I-15 from the Cajalco Road on-ramp to the Weirick Road off-ramp next to the outer shoulder. See map. Crews will strengthen the shoulder pavement to handle additional traffic loads and restripe the highway to accommodate the new lane.

Work is anticipated to begin in May, with the new lane planned to open this summer or early fall. The construction contract includesfinancial incentives if the lane opens ahead of schedule.

Once completed, southbound I-15 between the Cajalco Road and Weirick Road ramps will include four lanes. Other enhancements include adding space for emergency vehicles along the inner shoulder, upgrading and installing new guardrails, improving drainage, and installing overhead signs.

The project was developed to help relieve increased traffic congestion along southbound I-15 near Cajalco Road, where the 15 Express Lanes end. Last spring, RCTC, Caltrans, the City of Corona, and the County of Riverside officials began meeting to develop traffic improvements for this area, combined with input from the California Highway Patrol. The group recommended the I-15 interim project toprovide near-term congestion relief with a temporary lane.

The temporary lane will be in place for about three years. RCTC and project partners are concurrently working on environmental studies for the I-15 Corridor Operations Project, which proposes adding a permanent lane to this same section of southbound I-15. If approved, the second project would widen the median and restripe the highway to slightly wider lane widths and shoulders, modify the CajalcoRoad on-ramp and Weirick Road off-ramp, widen the Bedford Wash Bridge, build retaining walls, and improve drainage.

Register to receive email notices at rctc.org/15icop and follow @theRCTC on social media for updates. For more information, call 951-787-7141.

Want to Avoid Soaring Gas Prices? Go Metro with Discounted Fares

As of earlier this month, the average price of a gallon of gas locally is $5.65, according to AAA. Yikes! Until recently, that’s the highest the average gas prices have been since the summer of 2008 — when the California average was about $4.51 a gallon.

We know that many of you may not have ridden Metro in quite some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic — and some of you may never have taken our buses and trains. To help get you started riding, here are some tips:

How can I save money riding Metro?

Metro’s discounted transit passes that allow for unlimited rides are $3.50 for a 1-day pass, $12.50 for a 7-Day pass and $50 for a 30-Day pass.

You can purchase these fares and reloadable TAP fare cards from TAP vending machines, which are located at all Metro Rail, J (Silver) Line and G (Orange) Line stations.

You can also purchase a TAP card:

To pay your fare, just tap your card against the TAP validator when boarding a bus or on the validators at rail and bus rapid transit stations.

If you don’t want to fuss with a plastic TAP card, you can also use your iPhone or Android phone as a TAP card. Download the TAP LA app here for either iPhones or Android phones.

Does Metro have special discounted fares for low-income riders?

Yes! We also have steeply discounted fare passes for low-income riders as part of Metro’s Low Income Fare Is Easy (LIFE) program. A 30-day pass is currently $26 (a savings of $50) and a 7-day pass is $6.50 (a savings of $13). More info and apply online here.

New LIFE riders will get 90 days of free rides on Metro and participating transit systems. After the 90 days of free rides expire, customers can purchase discounted LIFE fares.

What about other fares for older riders and students?

Riders 62 and over can save up to 80 percent on their rides. Click here to learn more.

Metro’s student GoPass allows K to 12 and community college students to ride for free at participating schools and school districts. For more info and to see if your school and/or district offers the GoPass, click here.

How do I plan my transit trip? 

Download the Transit app for Android phones or iPhones — the Transit app is Metro’s official app and is easy to use. The app shows you when the next bus or train is arriving at your location and also lets you plan an entire transit trip.

There is also a trip planning tool on metro.net. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps can help you plan transit trips.

If you need help riding or have a question or concern, call 323.GO.METRO.

Where do Metro’s buses and trains go?

Here’s our basic map with our light rail lines (A, C, E and L Lines), subway (B and D Lines) and bus rapid transit lines (G and J Lines). Click to see a larger version.

Below is our current system map with all our bus lines, as well as the rail and bus rapid transit lines. Click on the map to see a larger version.

All of our bus and rail schedules are here — and you can download pdfs of each schedule. We also have regional maps with closer views of bus and rail lines:

Is there parking at stations?

Metro has parking at many of its rail, J Line and G Line stations. Some lots are free, others have paid parking — which helps ensure transit riders can get a space.

Here’s the list of parking lots by rail and bus line. And here’s more info on purchasing a daily, monthly or carpool parking permit.

Does Metro offer on-demand rides?

Yes! Our Metro Micro service is running in eight zones around the county. It’s only a $1 per ride. All info you need to ride is here. Below is the zone map — the Micro zones are in purple — and a video on how to use our Metro Micro service.

How do I get around by bike?

The Metro Bike Share system makes bikes available for short trips 24/7, 365 days a year in downtown Los Angeles, Central L.A., Hollywood, North Hollywood and on the Westside.

It’s just $1.75 to ride up to 30 minutes, $17 for a 30-day pass and $150 for an annual pass. Many bike share stations are adjacent to bus stops and rail stations — and you can pick up a bike at one docking station and drop it off at another.

All the info you need to ride is here. Below is a map of bike share stations — click on the map to visit an interactive version.

Click above to visit interactive Metro Bike Share map.

What about COVID-19 — is riding safe?

Metro, like many mobility providers, has been running service continuously throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re taking several steps to keep everyone as safe as can be:

  • Riders continue to be required to wear face masks while on the Metro system. It’s a federal mandate that applies to all transit systems across the U.S.
  • Metro, like many transit agencies, stepped up cleaning when the pandemic began and we continue to follow protocols from the American Public Transit Association, a group that represents transit agencies across the U.S.
  • And Metro, like many employers, has required that all employees get vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Metro also encourages everyone to get vaccinated, stay home if not feeling well and to continue to wash their hands often and use hand sanitizer.

What about security while riding Metro?

Metro’s system is patrolled by our own security guards, as well as law enforcement — the Long Beach Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles Police Department.

The real eyes and ears of the system are you. To contact Metro Security about an incident (non-emergency), a safety concern or suspicious activity:

  • Call: 888.950.SAFE (7233)
  • Text: 213.788.2777
  • Use the Transit Watch appfor smartphones.

In case of an emergency, always call 911.

SCAG to Host 2022 Regional Conference & General Assembly in May

Join Southern California’s most influential elected officials and policymakers on May 5–6 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa for the 57th annual Regional Conference & General Assembly.

This two-day event will focus on solution-oriented discussions to address the most pressing problems facing communities, businesses and families throughout the SCAG region. The event program will include five-panel sessions that address significant regional issues while showcasing successful examples of regional problem-solving.

Don’t wait to make your plans — reserve your seat. The event is free for elected officials and city managers in the region.

We hope to see you in Palm Desert in May! For more information about the event, including COVID-19 protocols, visit scag.ca.gov/ga2022.

SANDAG Tackles Local Housing Crisis with New Programs and Initiatives in 2022

SANDAG is launching several regional initiatives to address the San Diego region’s housing crisis through its new Regional Housing Acceleration Program.

In addition to significant transportation investments, the Regional Plan adopted by the SANDAG Board of Directors last year includes housing and land use programs to accommodate future growth, help address the housing crisis, and meet greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

As a part of this commitment to increasing housing availability, SANDAG also formed a new Regional Equitable Housing Subcommittee to discuss potential funding sources, a comprehensive regional housing framework, and the exploration of a regional housing finance authority. Chaired by San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, the Subcommittee includes a representative from each part of the county, including Subcommittee Vice Chair and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner, La Mesa Councilmember Jack Shu, and National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis.

The SANDAG Housing Acceleration Program was established to help the 18 local cities and County of San Diego develop policies and processes that accelerate housing production. The new program will provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions and millions of dollars in grant funding to help meet regional housing goals. In addition, SANDAG is convening a Housing Policy Leadership Academythrough the end of the year.

Learn more about the new SANDAG housing program at SANDAG.org/housing.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission’s Freeway Service Patrol has assisted thousands of motorists since launching in 2021.

VCTC’s Freeway Service Patrol Assists Thousands of Motorists in First Year

Since launching a year ago, the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) and a team of helpful drivers have assisted thousands of motorists along Ventura County highways.

FSP placed roaming tow trucks along three segments of the U.S. 101 and SR-118 freeways, with the goal of quickly getting disabled vehicles moving again to reduce congestion and prevent secondary incidents, at no cost to the motorists.

Managers of the FSP program provided an update about the new service and recognized the first Driver of the Year during the Commission’s regular meeting on Friday, March 4.

Since its launch in March 2021, the program has logged more than 3,000 motorist assists, including providing direct assistance to motorists more than 2,000 times.

During peak traffic hours Monday through Friday, trucks roam along three segments of highways: US-101 from the Ventura County/Los Angeles County line to Camarillo Springs Road; US-101 from Camarillo Springs Road to Rice Avenue; and CA-118 from Ventura/Los Angeles County line (Rocky Peak) to State Route 23.

Services include changing a flat tire, providing a gallon of fuel, and taping leaky hoses. If the FSP driver cannot get a vehicle running quickly, the vehicle can be towed to a safe location off the freeway at no charge, where the motorist can wait for additional assistance.

The most frequent assistance types provided to motorists included fixing flat tires (499), addressing mechanical issues (495) and providing fuel to motorists who had run out (257).

FSP drivers were able to quickly restart vehicles in 75% of cases and the remaining 25% of vehicles were towed to a safe location off the highway.

Platinum Tow & Transport Inc. of Camarillo is the tow truck contractor for the program. At the meeting, VCTC recognized Platinum employee and FSP driver Richard Henderson as the 2021 Driver of the Year for his outstanding service.

“We knew when we started this program that it provides an essential public service,” said Tony Trembley, VCTC chair and Camarillo City Council member. “In its first year alone, the Freeway Service Patrol program has kept thousands of motorists safe and traffic flowing smoothly.”

FSP service could be coming to more miles of Ventura County highways soon. In the next year, VCTC will consider expanding the service along U.S. 101 through Oxnard and Ventura.

“The FSP program provides an invaluable service to Ventura County’s motorists, providing critical assistance in situations that are often very stressful,” said VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson. “It has become an integral component of VCTC’s mission to keep Ventura County moving.”

About Freeway Service Patrol

Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is a joint program of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Ventura County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE). The local SAFE contracts with tow contractors to provide the FSP service. CHP provides daily oversight and direction to the contractor and their drivers. Caltrans provides 75% of program funding. Local matching funds come from a $1 annual fee on vehicles registered in Ventura County. In December 2019, VCTC approved a resolution to provide 25% of matching funds for the program.

Learn more about the program at goventura.org/fsp.

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission

The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org

Transportation Corridor Agencies Adopt Seven-Year
Strategic Plan to Serve Community, Region

At its meeting earlier this month, the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ (TCA) two Boards of Directors approved a seven-year Strategic Plan that highlights the Agencies’ mission, values, goals, objectives and activities.

This is the first time in TCA’s 35-year history that a long-term Strategic Plan has been developed and adopted.

The Strategic Plan (PDF) is a comprehensive mapping for all the Agencies’ work building on seven areas of focus: fiscal management, environmental stewardship, customer service, tolling technology, communications & public engagement, capital project delivery and regional mobility partnerships.

“These focus areas all work together to advance the Agencies’ mission and continued success,” said TCA CEO Samuel Johnson. “The goals, objectives and activities identified in each focus area provide a roadmap for progress and give clear direction to staff based on what the Boards of Directors want to accomplish over a seven-year rolling window.”

The planned activities across the seven focus areas are highlighted by:

  • Delivery of over $500 million in capital project and environmental investments by 2029 using cash on hand, without any reliance or assistance from state or federal or Measure M tax sources.
  • Early paydown of $600 million in debt; raising the combined savings for the Agencies to more than $1.4 billion.
  • Investing in the tools needed to collect revenues and service customers.
  • Evaluation of the application of emerging technologies and service models to enhance safety, improve operations and add value for customers, while also increasing cost effectiveness.
  • Enhancing communications and interactions with the public to accurately convey TCA’s financial status, activities and commitment to the community.

“As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it was paramount to the Boards that we continue to focus on the Agencies’ present and future direction to preserve and expand our strong financial position so we can advance important mobility initiatives,” said Foothill/Eastern Transportation Agency (F/ETCA) Chair and Yorba Linda City Council Member Peggy Huang. “The Strategic Plan reflects a focus on the critical importance of mobility to provide future generations with the same quality of life Orange County enjoys today — or better.”

TCA staff will update the Boards of Directors on the progress of the Strategic Plan on an annual basis, periodically providing recommendations on updates and modifications.

“The Agencies have a proven record of creating reliable infrastructure and ensuring our roads support the movement of people and goods through strong fiscal stewardship,” said San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency (SJHTCA) Chair and Newport Beach Council Member Will O’Neill. “The adoption of the Strategic Plan provides a roadmap to proving our worth through the strengthening of those core mission values and the continuation of being at the forefront of providing transportation solutions for our region.”

Metrolink Adds 26 Trains to its Schedule on April 4

Metrolink announced that on Monday, April 4 riders will see the most significant service restoration since the beginning of the pandemic with the restoration of 24 of the most in-demand trains and the addition of two new trains. The service update also makes four Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains available to all Metrolink ticketholders, which adds Saturday and Sunday service on the Ventura County Line.

“As Metrolink CEO, I’m elated that we’re able to restore our service close to pre-pandemic levels, so our riders can get to work, to friends and family and to fun – more affordably and without the headaches of traffic and parking,” said Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle. “As a Metrolink rider, I am happy that my two favorite Ventura County Line trains are coming back into service, so I can have more flexibility to get to and from work. And I know from my conversations with fellow Metrolink riders, they too are looking forward to the flexibility our new schedule will bring to their lives.”

On March 24, 2020 Metrolink reduced its schedule by approximately 30 percent following a 90% drop in ridership at the outset of the pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders. Metrolink surveys fielded in April 2020 and February 2021 found that approximately three-fourths of those continuing to ride Metrolink were essential workers. As more office workers return to their workplaces after telecommuting for two years, and with gas prices at record highs across southern California, Metrolink has recently recorded significant ridership growth in its weekday and weekend ridership. Metrolink is at approximately 30% of its weekday ridership compared to pre-pandemic levels. Following the additional service on April 4, the agency anticipates that percentage will grow to about 44% by midsummer. On the weekends, Metrolink has already recovered nearly 70% of its pre-pandemic ridership.

Key schedule highlights include:

  • 91/Perris Valley Line: Two added trains with midday service to Los Angeles and a reverse morning trip to Riverside County.
  • Antelope Valley Line: Six added trains and schedule updates offering increased flexibility for weekday travel.
  • Orange County Line: Two added trains offering more weekday morning service.
  • Riverside Line: Four added trains offering increased flexibility for weekday travel.
  • San Bernardino Line: Six added trains including later evening trains, plus new Sunday service.
  • Ventura County Line: Six added Metrolink trains including weekday morning and evening trains, plus four Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains that are now available to all Metrolink ticket holders – including on Saturday and Sundays.

An overview of the full schedule can be found here: schedule update.

“Metrolink is the backbone of public transportation in southern California as it literally links people from their homes to their workplaces and other destinations – from the Inland Empire to Oceanside or Ventura, throughout the Antelope, San Fernando and Perris valleys and into Los Angeles,” said Metrolink Board Chair Ara Najarian. “With soaring gas prices and excessive traffic congestion, it was important that we bring back more service now as people are returning to the office and traveling for leisure and more.”

Metrolink is an affordable option with ticket prices ranging from $0.50 to $26.50 – depending on distance traveled – while the average fare for a one-way trip is $6.60. Discounts are available for youth, students (including college students), seniors, persons with disabilities and active military. Kids ages five and under always ride free with a paying adult, while on the weekends, kids 17 and under ride free with a paying adult.

Metrolink provides a variety of ticket and pass options to offer riders more flexibility. One-way and round-trip tickets are good for infrequent riders. The 5-Day Flex Pass provides five round-trip tickets – at a 10% discount – that are good for 30 days, perfect for those telecommuting part time. And the Monthly Pass provides unlimited use between the rider’s selected station pairs, ideal for those who ride the train more frequently. The Monthly Pass offers a 38% discount off round-trip tickets and provides added perks including unlimited weekend access, as well as access to all Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains with some limitations. On the weekends and on holidays, people can ride everywhere Metrolink travels for a flat $10 each day.

Metrolink’s full list of fare options can be viewed at metrolinktrains.com/tickets.

Metrolink trains are cleaned multiple times daily and an electrostatic sprayer is used to mist hospital-grade disinfectants throughout all trains. Touch point cleaning on seats, arm and headrests, rails, grab bars, tables, trash cans and restrooms takes place throughout the day. Each train car is equipped with two hand sanitizer stations – one by each door.

Face coverings are required by Federal law on public transportation, which includes Metrolink stations, platforms, and trains.

MEDIA CONTACT: Scott Johnson at johnsons@scrra.net or (213) 842-2287.