spr ing 2004

Find Out How You Can HelpFind Out How You Can Help

Metro Fights For la County’s Fair Share Of Transit Funding

18

mq spring 2004

Published by Metro Communications Department

Editor: gary wosk

Writers:bill heard warren morseed scannellcean collier lisa huynhadrienne figueroaclaudia keith

Graphic Design:metro design studio

Account Executive:yvonne price

Photographers:john weiskopfgreg mancuso chris lovdahljuan ocampo laura woodward kyung kimroxanne tan

Circulation:karen kernbob sandersdan colonello

Metro Research:jim walker(Dorothy Peyton GrayTransportation Library)

Deputy Executive O;cer, Public Relations:marc littman

Chief Communications O;cer:matt raymond

mq is the winner of >rst placeAdwheels Award presented byAmerican Public TransportationAssociation.

All comments concerning mqor requests to be added tothe mailing list, free-of-charge, should be directed to:

mq, Metro Media Relations Mail Stop 99-2-30hOne Gateway PlazaLos Angeles, ca 90012–2952 or by e-mail to woskg@metro.net

Chief ExecutiveO;cer

Roger Snoble

Board of Directors

Zev Yaroslavsky Board Chairman, Third Supervisorial DistrictFrank Roberts 1st Vice Chair, Mayor of LancasterJames Hahn 2nd Vice Chair, Mayor of Los AngelesGloria Molina First Supervisorial DistrictYvonne Brathwaite Burke Second Supervisorial DistrictDon Knabe Fourth Supervisorial DistrictMike D. Antonovich Fifth Supervisorial DistrictTom LaBonge City Council Member, Los AngelesMartin Ludlow City Council Member, Los AngelesAntonio Villaraigosa City Council Member, Los AngelesJohn Fasana Mayor of DuarteBeatrice Proo Mayor of Pico RiveraPam O’Connor City Council Member, Santa MonicaRon Wong Non-voting member

Metro is navigating di;cult >nancial straits as the ?ow of transportation fundingfrom Sacramento and Washington, d.c. becomes more scarce. Still, it’s not all doom and gloom by any means. In fact, it’s an opportunity for Metro to craftnew and better ways of moving people and goods. At the same time, we’reexercising a leadership role in mobilizing Los Angeles County stakeholders to>ght for the region’s fair share of available transportation dollars.

Los Angeles County could lose as much as $1 billion in state transportationfunding in the next >ve years. Congress also is scrambling to >nd new monies forhighway and mass transit projects against a backdrop of mounting federalbudget de>cits. That’s the bad news.

The good news is key Metro projects are moving forward. Metro’s Eastside lightrail project has emerged as one of the Federal Transit Administration’s topfunding priorities, and the Metro Orange Line transitway in the San FernandoValley is under construction.

Metro is taking delivery of 300 high-capacity buses. Two more Metro Rapid lineswill debut on Soto and Vernon/La Cienega in June, and Metro is testing anexclusive bus lane on Wilshire Boulevard. Dozens of critical street and highwayimprovement projects also are pushing ahead, funded in large part by localtransit sales tax dollars, which has been our mainstay during this >scal crisis.

Investing in transit grows the economy and spurs more revenue for governmentat all levels. At the same time, getting more people to use public transit or tryMetro rideshare programs eases tra;c congestion and improves air quality.

We lay it on the line in this issue of Metro Quaterly, our progress and our >scalchallenges, and we’ll tell you how you can help Metro sail safely through thetough times ahead.

Sincerely,

Roger Snoble

6

7

contents

4

15

s 8

fast lanes Exclusive lanes make Wilshire Boulevard Metro Rapid trips even faster.

getting there Metro Orange Line transitway construction underway.

relief Finding solutions for congested Long Beach Freeway.

persuasionThe push is on to convince state and federal legislatorsto keep vital transportation projects moving forward.

mobility role Metro is responsible for a wide range of regionallysigni>cant transportation projects.

oasisMetro Gold Line is becoming a destination for formerdrivers and Chinatown a>cionados.

decision Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension in line for federal funding.

more metro…> Bicyclists ride free May 20 > Gateway Cities new general manager > Smart cards debut later this year > New vanpoolers irresistible proposal > Metro honors the great Chick Hearn > All out assault on graffiti declared

s 4

s 16

16

15

18

mq spring 2004

Published by Metro Communications Department

Editor: gary wosk

Writers:bill heard warren morseed scannellcean collier lisa huynhadrienne figueroaclaudia keith

Graphic Design:metro design studio

Account Executive:yvonne price

Photographers:john weiskopfgreg mancuso chris lovdahljuan ocampo laura woodward kyung kimroxanne tan

Circulation:karen kernbob sandersdan colonello

Metro Research:jim walker(Dorothy Peyton GrayTransportation Library)

Deputy Executive O;cer, Public Relations:marc littman

Chief Communications O;cer:matt raymond

mq is the winner of >rst placeAdwheels Award presented byAmerican Public TransportationAssociation.

All comments concerning mqor requests to be added tothe mailing list, free-of-charge, should be directed to:

mq, Metro Media Relations Mail Stop 99-2-30hOne Gateway PlazaLos Angeles, ca 90012–2952 or by e-mail to woskg@metro.net

Chief ExecutiveO;cer

Roger Snoble

Board of Directors

Zev Yaroslavsky Board Chairman, Third Supervisorial DistrictFrank Roberts 1st Vice Chair, Mayor of LancasterJames Hahn 2nd Vice Chair, Mayor of Los AngelesGloria Molina First Supervisorial DistrictYvonne Brathwaite Burke Second Supervisorial DistrictDon Knabe Fourth Supervisorial DistrictMike D. Antonovich Fifth Supervisorial DistrictTom LaBonge City Council Member, Los AngelesMartin Ludlow City Council Member, Los AngelesAntonio Villaraigosa City Council Member, Los AngelesJohn Fasana Mayor of DuarteBeatrice Proo Mayor of Pico RiveraPam O’Connor City Council Member, Santa MonicaRon Wong Non-voting member

Metro is navigating di;cult >nancial straits as the ?ow of transportation fundingfrom Sacramento and Washington, d.c. becomes more scarce. Still, it’s not all doom and gloom by any means. In fact, it’s an opportunity for Metro to craftnew and better ways of moving people and goods. At the same time, we’reexercising a leadership role in mobilizing Los Angeles County stakeholders to>ght for the region’s fair share of available transportation dollars.

Los Angeles County could lose as much as $1 billion in state transportationfunding in the next >ve years. Congress also is scrambling to >nd new monies forhighway and mass transit projects against a backdrop of mounting federalbudget de>cits. That’s the bad news.

The good news is key Metro projects are moving forward. Metro’s Eastside lightrail project has emerged as one of the Federal Transit Administration’s topfunding priorities, and the Metro Orange Line transitway in the San FernandoValley is under construction.

Metro is taking delivery of 300 high-capacity buses. Two more Metro Rapid lineswill debut on Soto and Vernon/La Cienega in June, and Metro is testing anexclusive bus lane on Wilshire Boulevard. Dozens of critical street and highwayimprovement projects also are pushing ahead, funded in large part by localtransit sales tax dollars, which has been our mainstay during this >scal crisis.

Investing in transit grows the economy and spurs more revenue for governmentat all levels. At the same time, getting more people to use public transit or tryMetro rideshare programs eases tra;c congestion and improves air quality.

We lay it on the line in this issue of Metro Quaterly, our progress and our >scalchallenges, and we’ll tell you how you can help Metro sail safely through thetough times ahead.

Sincerely,

Roger Snoble

6

7

contents

4

15

s 8

fast lanes Exclusive lanes make Wilshire Boulevard Metro Rapid trips even faster.

getting there Metro Orange Line transitway construction underway.

relief Finding solutions for congested Long Beach Freeway.

persuasionThe push is on to convince state and federal legislatorsto keep vital transportation projects moving forward.

mobility role Metro is responsible for a wide range of regionallysigni>cant transportation projects.

oasisMetro Gold Line is becoming a destination for formerdrivers and Chinatown a>cionados.

decision Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension in line for federal funding.

more metro…> Bicyclists ride free May 20 > Gateway Cities new general manager > Smart cards debut later this year > New vanpoolers irresistible proposal > Metro honors the great Chick Hearn > All out assault on graffiti declared

s 4

s 16

16

15

4

Bus-Only LanesDemonstration UnderwayOn Wilshire BoulevardThe curbside lane on each side of Wilshire Boulevardbetween Federal and Centinela avenues is nowdesignated as a bus-only lane.

Metro Rapid, Metro Local and municipal carriers areusing the bus-only lanes, which are in e=ect during peakperiods from 7 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm.

The exclusive lanes improve the ?ow of tra;c in adjacentlanes because vehicles are not slowed by bus boardings.

Cars may enter the lanes in o=-peak periods or to makeright turns at intersections or enter into parking lots.

The six month test may become a permanent feature. •

“The exclusive bus lanes allow MetroRapid buses to bypass tra;c and movemore people faster through the corridor.”timothy papandreou, Metro Transportation Planning Manager

Metro is now testingexclusive bus

lanes on WilshireBoulevard.

5

Metro TransitOperationsSupervisor CharlesH. McMillan alertsbus operator traineeVicki Osborne-Morton to simulatedroad hazard upahead.

New simulators and computer programs are sharpeningthe safety and customer service skills of Metro Bus operators.

During the six-week course for new operators, traineesmust log a minimum of 20 hours behind the wheel and 15hours of classroom instruction.

“Our obligation as an organization is to make sure weproduce the best qualified bus operators in the world,especially when it comes to customer safety,” saysDirector of Metro Operations Training Mark Anderson. •

High-Tech Equipment Helps Train Drivers

Imagine riding a Metro Rapid bus that safely drives itselfalong a special lane of tra;c.

All this will be possible with electronic guidance systemsnow being developed by the California Partners forAdvanced Transit and Highways (path), a researchprogram from the University of California, Berkeley. Metrois working with path and others on e=orts to introducethese technologies for Bus Rapid Transit applications inla County in the coming years.

A magnetic guidance system installed on the bus andembedded in the road precisely steers it. This allows thebus to keep a constant, safe distance from other buses in the same lane. The system automatically controls therate of speed and lane changes and helps the bus nimblymaneuver the road.

The technology will help bus operators safely sustainhigher speeds on arterial streets while traveling on tight,narrow lanes where most bus operators must reducespeeds to remain safe.

Bus operators would operate the bus under manualcontrol while going to and from automated road sections.

“This technology and others hold promise for speedingservice while not compromising safety,” says mtaDirector of Regional Planning Rex Gephart. “We’re alwayson the lookout for technologies like these that will help improve the transit experience for our customers.” •

Exploring Metro Rapid Automation Technologies

Automated BusRapid Transit hasbeen successfullydemonstrated in San Diego. Transitvehicles can operate close together in an electronically-coupled

“virtual train.”

4

Bus-Only LanesDemonstration UnderwayOn Wilshire BoulevardThe curbside lane on each side of Wilshire Boulevardbetween Federal and Centinela avenues is nowdesignated as a bus-only lane.

Metro Rapid, Metro Local and municipal carriers areusing the bus-only lanes, which are in e=ect during peakperiods from 7 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm.

The exclusive lanes improve the ?ow of tra;c in adjacentlanes because vehicles are not slowed by bus boardings.

Cars may enter the lanes in o=-peak periods or to makeright turns at intersections or enter into parking lots.

The six month test may become a permanent feature. •

“The exclusive bus lanes allow MetroRapid buses to bypass tra;c and movemore people faster through the corridor.”timothy papandreou, Metro Transportation Planning Manager

Metro is now testingexclusive bus

lanes on WilshireBoulevard.

5

Metro TransitOperationsSupervisor CharlesH. McMillan alertsbus operator traineeVicki Osborne-Morton to simulatedroad hazard upahead.

New simulators and computer programs are sharpeningthe safety and customer service skills of Metro Bus operators.

During the six-week course for new operators, traineesmust log a minimum of 20 hours behind the wheel and 15hours of classroom instruction.

“Our obligation as an organization is to make sure weproduce the best qualified bus operators in the world,especially when it comes to customer safety,” saysDirector of Metro Operations Training Mark Anderson. •

High-Tech Equipment Helps Train Drivers

Imagine riding a Metro Rapid bus that safely drives itselfalong a special lane of tra;c.

All this will be possible with electronic guidance systemsnow being developed by the California Partners forAdvanced Transit and Highways (path), a researchprogram from the University of California, Berkeley. Metrois working with path and others on e=orts to introducethese technologies for Bus Rapid Transit applications inla County in the coming years.

A magnetic guidance system installed on the bus andembedded in the road precisely steers it. This allows thebus to keep a constant, safe distance from other buses in the same lane. The system automatically controls therate of speed and lane changes and helps the bus nimblymaneuver the road.

The technology will help bus operators safely sustainhigher speeds on arterial streets while traveling on tight,narrow lanes where most bus operators must reducespeeds to remain safe.

Bus operators would operate the bus under manualcontrol while going to and from automated road sections.

“This technology and others hold promise for speedingservice while not compromising safety,” says mtaDirector of Regional Planning Rex Gephart. “We’re alwayson the lookout for technologies like these that will help improve the transit experience for our customers.” •

Exploring Metro Rapid Automation Technologies

Automated BusRapid Transit hasbeen successfullydemonstrated in San Diego. Transitvehicles can operate close together in an electronically-coupled

“virtual train.”

The 101 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley is notoriousfor tra;c bottlenecks, but relief is on the way. StartingAugust 2005 commuters will be able to bypass the 101when the Metro Orange Line transitway debuts next year.

The 14-mile transitway follows the course of a formerrailroad right-of-way between the North Hollywood MetroRail station and Warner Center. The tracks have beenremoved and grading is underway to pave the route, whichwill be used exclusively by high-capacity buses starting in August 2005.

Three new bridges are being built. The new transitway willfeature stations that include electronic “next bus” signs, a public address system, ticket vending machines andclosed circuit television monitoring for security. More than3,000 parking spaces will be provided along the route andthere will be a parallel bike and pedestrian path. Storm drains,irrigation pipes and >ber optic lines are being installed.

Colorful native California plants will accent the transitway.Drought-tolerant shrubs and up to 5,000 new shade treeswill dot the “California Heritage” landscape. •

Metro Faces I-710 Tra;cProblems Head On New alternatives for reducing tra;c on the I-710 LongBeach Freeway will be unveiled this spring by aconsortium of community, business leaders and electedo;cials. Goals of the 710 Freeway Corridor Study are toincrease safety, reduce diesel emissions for healthreasons, and sustain regional, state and national economicgrowth. The recommendations will be forwarded tovarious governments for action. The study covers an areafrom Long Beach to East Los Angeles.

The I-710 is heavily traveled by trucks that pick up freightfrom the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach andtransport goods throughout the Los Angeles region andacross the nation. An estimated 40,000 trucks ply thefreeway each day and that number is expected toincrease to more than 93,000 by 2020. The mix of somany trucks and heavy auto tra;c has resulted innumerous major accidents that have resulted in manyfatalities and tra;c tie-ups.

Diesel truck emissions have increased the cancer risk forresidents living in the freeway corridor where thecarcinogenic risk exceeds 1,500 cases per million people.About 70 percent of the cancer risk is due to particulateemissions from trucks.

Shippers and commuters alike have an economic stakein >xing the I-710. The price of consumer goods couldrise as truck tra;c slows due to the increasing volume of tra;c from the ports along with population growth.Likewise, commuters are wasting more time idling intraffic and that costs them money in terms of lostproductivity and wasted gas. •

Metro, the GatewayCities Council ofGovernments,Caltrans andSouthern CaliforniaAssociation ofGovernments arereviewing ways ofreducing tra;c onthe Long BeachFreeway.

Construction of theMetro Orange Line

transitway isproceeding including

the grading andpaving of ChandlerBoulevard between

Tujunga andWhitsett avenues in

North Hollywood.

Metro Orange Line Transitway ConstructionKeeps Pace With Summer ’05 Opening

6 7

“40,000 trucks ply the freeway each dayand that number is expected to increaseto more than 93,000 by 2020.”

The 101 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley is notoriousfor tra;c bottlenecks, but relief is on the way. StartingAugust 2005 commuters will be able to bypass the 101when the Metro Orange Line transitway debuts next year.

The 14-mile transitway follows the course of a formerrailroad right-of-way between the North Hollywood MetroRail station and Warner Center. The tracks have beenremoved and grading is underway to pave the route, whichwill be used exclusively by high-capacity buses starting in August 2005.

Three new bridges are being built. The new transitway willfeature stations that include electronic “next bus” signs, a public address system, ticket vending machines andclosed circuit television monitoring for security. More than3,000 parking spaces will be provided along the route andthere will be a parallel bike and pedestrian path. Storm drains,irrigation pipes and >ber optic lines are being installed.

Colorful native California plants will accent the transitway.Drought-tolerant shrubs and up to 5,000 new shade treeswill dot the “California Heritage” landscape. •

Metro Faces I-710 Tra;cProblems Head On New alternatives for reducing tra;c on the I-710 LongBeach Freeway will be unveiled this spring by aconsortium of community, business leaders and electedo;cials. Goals of the 710 Freeway Corridor Study are toincrease safety, reduce diesel emissions for healthreasons, and sustain regional, state and national economicgrowth. The recommendations will be forwarded tovarious governments for action. The study covers an areafrom Long Beach to East Los Angeles.

The I-710 is heavily traveled by trucks that pick up freightfrom the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach andtransport goods throughout the Los Angeles region andacross the nation. An estimated 40,000 trucks ply thefreeway each day and that number is expected toincrease to more than 93,000 by 2020. The mix of somany trucks and heavy auto tra;c has resulted innumerous major accidents that have resulted in manyfatalities and tra;c tie-ups.

Diesel truck emissions have increased the cancer risk forresidents living in the freeway corridor where thecarcinogenic risk exceeds 1,500 cases per million people.About 70 percent of the cancer risk is due to particulateemissions from trucks.

Shippers and commuters alike have an economic stakein >xing the I-710. The price of consumer goods couldrise as truck tra;c slows due to the increasing volume of tra;c from the ports along with population growth.Likewise, commuters are wasting more time idling intraffic and that costs them money in terms of lostproductivity and wasted gas. •

Metro, the GatewayCities Council ofGovernments,Caltrans andSouthern CaliforniaAssociation ofGovernments arereviewing ways ofreducing tra;c onthe Long BeachFreeway.

Construction of theMetro Orange Line

transitway isproceeding including

the grading andpaving of ChandlerBoulevard between

Tujunga andWhitsett avenues in

North Hollywood.

Metro Orange Line Transitway ConstructionKeeps Pace With Summer ’05 Opening

6 7

“40,000 trucks ply the freeway each dayand that number is expected to increaseto more than 93,000 by 2020.”

limitedtransportation

funding putsbig squeeze

on la county la County taxpayers are being shortchanged more than $200 million a year in stateand federal transportation funding and that has hurt e=orts to ease tra;c congestionin la County.

Metro has a solid plan for easing mobility today and in the future to keep up with thegrowing population. It is forging ahead with innovative projects that are bene>cial to the region as a whole. The plan calls for heavy investment in new transportationinfrastructure from street and freeway improvements to new bus and rail systems.

However, state and federal funding is not keeping pace. la County businesses andresidents pay $1.436 billion annually in state and federal gas taxes but the countyreceives back less than $1.2 billion. Compounding the funding gap are the budgetde>cits that the state Legislature and Congress are grappling with.

The state budget de>cit will result in an estimated loss to la County of $330million in >scal year 2005 and as much as $1 billion over the next >ve years.

The state and federal budget deficits and recent Consent Decree-mandatedbus purchases will compromise Metro’s ability over the next several years todeliver many much-needed transportation projects; projects that wouldhave provided substantial congestion relief and measurable bene>ts to theregion’s air quality.

Among the repercussions, hundreds of transportation projects for which laCounty and its 88 municipalities have applied for funding under Metro’s bi-annual Call for Projects will face delays. Projects under this program canrange from the widening of streets to the construction of freeway carpoollanes and other public transportation e=orts.

Moreover, this year Metro has found itself in the unenviable position ofhaving to suspend the Call for Projects for the first time in its history.

Metro’s federal funding picture also is problematic, given the growing federalbudget deficit. In addition, the region could lose substantial federal fundingif it is unable to attain mandated air quality goals.

rallying la county Metro continues to seek ways to proceed with as many regionally signi>canttransportation projects as possible. For example, last year the CaliforniaTransportation Commission approved Metro’s funding plan to continueconstruction of the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension and the purchase ofrail cars for the line, Metro Orange Line Construction (a 14-mile transitwaywhich will link the West San Fernando Valley to the Metro Rail NorthHollywood Station), and the purchase of 200 60-foot articulated vehiclesfor operation on the region’s busiest corridors.

At the same time, Metro is mobilizing the public to help >ght for thecounty’s fair share of state and federal transportation funding. (See sidebarstories, page 14.)

“Metro has long recognized the strong case Los Angeles County can makefor funding when the region speaks to lawmakers in Sacramento andWashington, d.c. with one voice,” says ceo Roger Snoble.

“The Mobility 21 coalition spearheaded by Metro, the Los Angeles AreaChamber of Commerce and the Automobile Club of Southern California isserving as just such a vehicle as we seek solutions to the region’s tra;ccongestion.”

Snoble noted that congestion is not just a hardship for county residents whospend more than 90 hours each year idling in tra;c at an annual cost of$1,005 per person. The nation’s economy depends on the free movement offreight from our ports. •

“Metro has longrecognized the strongcase Los AngelesCounty can make forfunding when theregion speaks to law-makers in Sacramentoand Washington, d.c.with one voice.”roger snoble, ceo

8 9

limitedtransportation

funding putsbig squeeze

on la county la County taxpayers are being shortchanged more than $200 million a year in stateand federal transportation funding and that has hurt e=orts to ease tra;c congestionin la County.

Metro has a solid plan for easing mobility today and in the future to keep up with thegrowing population. It is forging ahead with innovative projects that are bene>cial to the region as a whole. The plan calls for heavy investment in new transportationinfrastructure from street and freeway improvements to new bus and rail systems.

However, state and federal funding is not keeping pace. la County businesses andresidents pay $1.436 billion annually in state and federal gas taxes but the countyreceives back less than $1.2 billion. Compounding the funding gap are the budgetde>cits that the state Legislature and Congress are grappling with.

The state budget de>cit will result in an estimated loss to la County of $330million in >scal year 2005 and as much as $1 billion over the next >ve years.

The state and federal budget deficits and recent Consent Decree-mandatedbus purchases will compromise Metro’s ability over the next several years todeliver many much-needed transportation projects; projects that wouldhave provided substantial congestion relief and measurable bene>ts to theregion’s air quality.

Among the repercussions, hundreds of transportation projects for which laCounty and its 88 municipalities have applied for funding under Metro’s bi-annual Call for Projects will face delays. Projects under this program canrange from the widening of streets to the construction of freeway carpoollanes and other public transportation e=orts.

Moreover, this year Metro has found itself in the unenviable position ofhaving to suspend the Call for Projects for the first time in its history.

Metro’s federal funding picture also is problematic, given the growing federalbudget deficit. In addition, the region could lose substantial federal fundingif it is unable to attain mandated air quality goals.

rallying la county Metro continues to seek ways to proceed with as many regionally signi>canttransportation projects as possible. For example, last year the CaliforniaTransportation Commission approved Metro’s funding plan to continueconstruction of the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension and the purchase ofrail cars for the line, Metro Orange Line Construction (a 14-mile transitwaywhich will link the West San Fernando Valley to the Metro Rail NorthHollywood Station), and the purchase of 200 60-foot articulated vehiclesfor operation on the region’s busiest corridors.

At the same time, Metro is mobilizing the public to help >ght for thecounty’s fair share of state and federal transportation funding. (See sidebarstories, page 14.)

“Metro has long recognized the strong case Los Angeles County can makefor funding when the region speaks to lawmakers in Sacramento andWashington, d.c. with one voice,” says ceo Roger Snoble.

“The Mobility 21 coalition spearheaded by Metro, the Los Angeles AreaChamber of Commerce and the Automobile Club of Southern California isserving as just such a vehicle as we seek solutions to the region’s tra;ccongestion.”

Snoble noted that congestion is not just a hardship for county residents whospend more than 90 hours each year idling in tra;c at an annual cost of$1,005 per person. The nation’s economy depends on the free movement offreight from our ports. •

“Metro has longrecognized the strongcase Los AngelesCounty can make forfunding when theregion speaks to law-makers in Sacramentoand Washington, d.c.with one voice.”roger snoble, ceo

8 9

11

Already known as one of the moste;cient transportation providers inthe country, Metro continues tobecome even more industrious andhas introduced a host of newprograms that will bene>t customersthroughout the region despite thepresent budget squeeze.

localizing management In 2002, Metro decentralized busoperations into >ve smaller and more manageable business units, orservice sectors, to bring the decision-making process closer to the peopleMetro serves.

more efficient routingBy as early as 2005, Metro willimplement a new bus route systemcalled “Metro Connections.”Passengers will be delivered todestinations more quickly, by ridingon buses that are part of aninterconnected network of 15 to 18regional connectors or hubs.

better way to payMetro is about to enter a new era ofconvenient and seamless transitfares. Starting in early 2005, a plastic,wallet-sized tap (Transit AccessPass) card will be introduced. Beforeboarding the Metro System,passengers will simply ?ash the cardin front of fare-reading equipment,which will deduct the cost of the trip from the card.Use of the tap cardwill speed up boardings and allowbus operators to focus more ondriving safely.

This is Metro’s latest e=ort to createa countywide network of publictransit services – a partnership ofMetro and local municipal operatorsthat can all be accessed bycustomers with one form of fare.

In January, Metro introduced theDay Pass. For only $3, customerscan travel an unlimited number oftimes, all day and night, on localMetro Bus lines, Metro Rapid andMetro Rail.

Metro also has expanded the reachand ?exibility of those customerswho use the buses of more than onetransit agency. Created in 2002, the Regional ez Transit Pass enablesholders to board Metro Rail trains,Metro Buses and the buses of over adozen municipal operators for onelow monthly price.

To make it easier for customers totell the difference between local,express and Metro Rapid service,Metro is repainting its buses indistinct color schemes.

leveraging technologyMetro is probing the latesttechnological advances to maximizeexisting resources.

The Metro Bus ?eet is being trans-formed into a motor pool of highlyintelligent, quick-thinking coachescapable of generating a steadystream of real-time information toemergency personnel and planners.This information contributes to a

safer environment for drivers andpassengers alike.

Motorola is overseeing the installationof an integrated wirelesscommunications system called theAdvanced TransportationManagement System aboard eachMetro Bus.

The computer programs hastus andminibus are helping Metro makeimportant bus planning decisions.Determining where buses must go, which operating division busesoriginate from and tracking changes in ridership patterns is mademore e;cient.

expanding fleet To meet the needs of a rapidlygrowing population that wants toavoid crowded roadways anddepends increasingly on publictransit, Metro continues to re>neand expand the Metro Bus System.

More than 420 peak-hour MetroBuses have been added since 1996. This has reduced the numberof standees. During that time, Metro also has purchased more than 2,100 new clean-air, compressednatural gas (cng) buses. Many have low-floors for easier access.

More new buses are on the way.Joining the Metro Bus ?eet soon willbe 45-foot CompoBuses with sixmore seats than standard buses and60-foot vehicles that sport 20 moreseats than standard buses. The busesare constructed of durable lightweight

materials that will result in betterfuel economy. By the end of this year,Metro will provide its customerswith nearly 300,000 extra hours ofbus service.

Metro’s newer bus ?eet also willmean more reliable services becausedisruptions in service are fewer.

adding rapid servicePassengers who ride Metro Rapidreach destinations up to 25% fasterthan on local service buses thanksto a bus signal priority system. Itkeeps green signals green up to 10seconds longer or turns red signalsgreen up to 10 seconds sooner toget buses through moreintersections without stopping.

Metro Rapid has grown every sixmonths since it debuted in June2000. By 2008, the now seven-lineMetro Rapid system is projected toexpand into a 28-line networkcomprising nearly 415 route milesand 779 stations.

In 2005, the Metro Orange Linetransitway will stretch from theNorth Hollywood Metro Red LineStation to Warner Center in theWest San Fernando Valley.

expanding metro rail Metro Rail’s four interconnected raillines now span 73.1 miles and thesystem is poised for additional growth.

The 13.7-mile Metro Gold Line thatconnects downtown Los Angelesand East Pasadena opened last July.

The line’s Eastside Extension isexpected to open in 2009, increasingthe reach of Metro Rail to nearly 80 miles.

Moreover, Metro’s use of design-buildconstruction on the six-mileEastside Extension is expected tosave the agency between $10 millionand $15 million.

Another barometer of a moree;cient operation is that the per-milecost of Metro Rail passengersubsidies continues to drop as thesystem grows. The per milepassenger subsidy for heavy rail is30 cents and 41 cents for light rail.The per mile passenger subsidy forthe Metro Bus system is 36 cents.

maximizing tax dollarsSince 2001, the Metro Treasury sta=

has re>nanced nearly $1.4 billion inoutstanding bonds, issued to >nanceMetro Rail and Metrolink’s purchasesof rights-of-way, to take advantage ofrecord low interest rates.

Over the life of the bonds, la Countytaxpayers will now save more than$208 million in interest costs withsavings of $11.9 million in this >scalyear alone.

Also in this time period, Metro hascompleted several innovative leasingtransactions of Metro-owned realestate, rail cars and buses. These

“defeased” leases have yielded $69.8million in new revenues. The proceedsfrom the leases are used in Metro’stransit operating and capital programs.

positioning for thefutureMetro continues to reinvent itself.Even in these uncertain >nancialtimes, Metro is not content to take abusiness-as-usual approach toservice. Instead, Metro continues toup the ante and remains committedto meeting and exceeding the needsof its customers. •

10

Metro: Doing More With Less

“Metro continues to introduce a host of new programs thatwill bene>t customers through-out the region.”

11

Already known as one of the moste;cient transportation providers inthe country, Metro continues tobecome even more industrious andhas introduced a host of newprograms that will bene>t customersthroughout the region despite thepresent budget squeeze.

localizing management In 2002, Metro decentralized busoperations into >ve smaller and more manageable business units, orservice sectors, to bring the decision-making process closer to the peopleMetro serves.

more efficient routingBy as early as 2005, Metro willimplement a new bus route systemcalled “Metro Connections.”Passengers will be delivered todestinations more quickly, by ridingon buses that are part of aninterconnected network of 15 to 18regional connectors or hubs.

better way to payMetro is about to enter a new era ofconvenient and seamless transitfares. Starting in early 2005, a plastic,wallet-sized tap (Transit AccessPass) card will be introduced. Beforeboarding the Metro System,passengers will simply ?ash the cardin front of fare-reading equipment,which will deduct the cost of the trip from the card.Use of the tap cardwill speed up boardings and allowbus operators to focus more ondriving safely.

This is Metro’s latest e=ort to createa countywide network of publictransit services – a partnership ofMetro and local municipal operatorsthat can all be accessed bycustomers with one form of fare.

In January, Metro introduced theDay Pass. For only $3, customerscan travel an unlimited number oftimes, all day and night, on localMetro Bus lines, Metro Rapid andMetro Rail.

Metro also has expanded the reachand ?exibility of those customerswho use the buses of more than onetransit agency. Created in 2002, the Regional ez Transit Pass enablesholders to board Metro Rail trains,Metro Buses and the buses of over adozen municipal operators for onelow monthly price.

To make it easier for customers totell the difference between local,express and Metro Rapid service,Metro is repainting its buses indistinct color schemes.

leveraging technologyMetro is probing the latesttechnological advances to maximizeexisting resources.

The Metro Bus ?eet is being trans-formed into a motor pool of highlyintelligent, quick-thinking coachescapable of generating a steadystream of real-time information toemergency personnel and planners.This information contributes to a

safer environment for drivers andpassengers alike.

Motorola is overseeing the installationof an integrated wirelesscommunications system called theAdvanced TransportationManagement System aboard eachMetro Bus.

The computer programs hastus andminibus are helping Metro makeimportant bus planning decisions.Determining where buses must go, which operating division busesoriginate from and tracking changes in ridership patterns is mademore e;cient.

expanding fleet To meet the needs of a rapidlygrowing population that wants toavoid crowded roadways anddepends increasingly on publictransit, Metro continues to re>neand expand the Metro Bus System.

More than 420 peak-hour MetroBuses have been added since 1996. This has reduced the numberof standees. During that time, Metro also has purchased more than 2,100 new clean-air, compressednatural gas (cng) buses. Many have low-floors for easier access.

More new buses are on the way.Joining the Metro Bus ?eet soon willbe 45-foot CompoBuses with sixmore seats than standard buses and60-foot vehicles that sport 20 moreseats than standard buses. The busesare constructed of durable lightweight

materials that will result in betterfuel economy. By the end of this year,Metro will provide its customerswith nearly 300,000 extra hours ofbus service.

Metro’s newer bus ?eet also willmean more reliable services becausedisruptions in service are fewer.

adding rapid servicePassengers who ride Metro Rapidreach destinations up to 25% fasterthan on local service buses thanksto a bus signal priority system. Itkeeps green signals green up to 10seconds longer or turns red signalsgreen up to 10 seconds sooner toget buses through moreintersections without stopping.

Metro Rapid has grown every sixmonths since it debuted in June2000. By 2008, the now seven-lineMetro Rapid system is projected toexpand into a 28-line networkcomprising nearly 415 route milesand 779 stations.

In 2005, the Metro Orange Linetransitway will stretch from theNorth Hollywood Metro Red LineStation to Warner Center in theWest San Fernando Valley.

expanding metro rail Metro Rail’s four interconnected raillines now span 73.1 miles and thesystem is poised for additional growth.

The 13.7-mile Metro Gold Line thatconnects downtown Los Angelesand East Pasadena opened last July.

The line’s Eastside Extension isexpected to open in 2009, increasingthe reach of Metro Rail to nearly 80 miles.

Moreover, Metro’s use of design-buildconstruction on the six-mileEastside Extension is expected tosave the agency between $10 millionand $15 million.

Another barometer of a moree;cient operation is that the per-milecost of Metro Rail passengersubsidies continues to drop as thesystem grows. The per milepassenger subsidy for heavy rail is30 cents and 41 cents for light rail.The per mile passenger subsidy forthe Metro Bus system is 36 cents.

maximizing tax dollarsSince 2001, the Metro Treasury sta=

has re>nanced nearly $1.4 billion inoutstanding bonds, issued to >nanceMetro Rail and Metrolink’s purchasesof rights-of-way, to take advantage ofrecord low interest rates.

Over the life of the bonds, la Countytaxpayers will now save more than$208 million in interest costs withsavings of $11.9 million in this >scalyear alone.

Also in this time period, Metro hascompleted several innovative leasingtransactions of Metro-owned realestate, rail cars and buses. These

“defeased” leases have yielded $69.8million in new revenues. The proceedsfrom the leases are used in Metro’stransit operating and capital programs.

positioning for thefutureMetro continues to reinvent itself.Even in these uncertain >nancialtimes, Metro is not content to take abusiness-as-usual approach toservice. Instead, Metro continues toup the ante and remains committedto meeting and exceeding the needsof its customers. •

10

Metro: Doing More With Less

“Metro continues to introduce a host of new programs thatwill bene>t customers through-out the region.”

The budget deficit confronting the State of Californiaas well as the problems with the federal budget ratecreated lots of headlines. However, all the implicationsof these problems and their longer-term impacts onboth residents and business are not being explored.

Consider the fact that Southern California already has atransportation “de>cit” – our transportation infra-structure has not kept up with past growth in movinggoods and people, and we are going to fall further behind.

In addition, the region’s population continues to grow at the rate of over 300,000 people per year whilethe economy is back on a growth track.

Two of the industries with the best prospects areinternational trade and tourism. This means more carsand trucks on our roadways and more demand for railtransportation.

But the state and federal budget problems mean littleor no money for critical transportation projects. While the state’s money problems may disappear in acouple of years, the cuts in transportation funding will be impacting us for a long, long time. It will meanmore time spent on the freeways, more misseddeadlines for goods movement (with a resulting cost tobusiness), and more air pollution caused by vehiclesstuck in tra;c jams.

According to the Texas Transportation Institute, tra;ccongestion already costs the la area $9 billion per year,and the total will grow.

The prospects are not pleasant. However, in thecompetition for funds between social programs andhard things like transportation, the former alwayswins. We need to think more creatively about fundingour transportation needs. •

Long-Term Budget Impacts jack kyser, Chief Economist Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation

>For every $1 that California spendson transportation, it receives a$5.70 return in the form of job andbusiness creation, increasedbusiness productivity resulting fromreduced travel time, and reducedhealthcare costs because ofimproved road safety and air quality.

>For every $1 billion spent ontransportation construction, theequivalent of 42,100 full-time jobswill be created. Those additionaljobs will create additional salestax, income tax and other revenuefor California, bringing us closerto restoring >scal health. Everynew transportation constructionjob creates an additional 1.48 full-time jobs purchasing other goodsand services in SouthernCalifornia.

These benefits to the state economywill be seen immediately ifCalifornia decides to push forwardtransportation construction projectsthat are ready to begin instead offorcing them to be delayed and, as aresult, making them even moreexpensive to complete.

The short-term gains that seem tocome from transportation budgetcuts will have a long-term damaginge=ect not only on the quality ofCalifornians’ lives but also on theireconomic health. •

The proposed state budget takesmore than $2.1 billion from trans-portation – a cost that will not onlystall projects that are ready to bebuilt, but would impact the reboundof California’s fragile economy.

The state budget has already had animpact on Metro, as we’ve seen withthe just-announced cancellation ofthe Call for Projects, a previouslyfully funded transportation capitalimprovements program that has adeferred list of over 80 projectsamounting to $600 million. The$2.1 billion in proposed statewidecuts is on top of more than $2.5billion already taken from trans-portation over the past 18 months.

While the Automobile Club ofSouthern California and othertransportation interests arevigorously opposing these cuts,there’s no doubt that at least sometransportation funding will bediverted this year because of thestate’s economic crisis. So thequestion becomes: Now what?

This setback can also be viewed asan opportunity for transportationplanners and builders to renew their focus on what is truly vital toSouthern California’s well-being: the ability to e=ectively move the

greatest amount of people andgoods while using existing resourceswith the greatest e;ciency possible.

By creating greater e;ciency withinour transportation systems, we will help save money on projects oncefunding becomes available again.And by directing limited funds tothe most effective projects, ourtransportation investments will domore to return the state to >scalhealth and to improve the lives of allCalifornians. We must allocateresources to both highway and transitprojects offering the most mobilityand safety bene>ts. Both roads andpublic transit are critical to the livesand well-being of Los Angeles arearesidents and workers.

economy on the line The Mobility 21 effort launched byMetro and the Los Angeles AreaChamber of Commerce, in partner-ship with the Auto Club and other groups, is taking on renewedimportance during this crisis. Itsapproach toward building consensuscan be valuable in increasing public awareness of transportationissues and possible solutions. It will play a vital role in securingSouthern California’s fair share ofresources from the reauthorizationof the federal transportation act.

Meanwhile, those who advocate fortransportation in Sacramento aren’tgiving up the >ght. The Auto Club isnow working with Metro, the laArea Chamber of Commerce andothers to show state legislators howthe continuing transportation cutswill harm not only transportationprojects and agencies but also theeconomy as a whole.

Transportation projects are revenueproducers that create companies,jobs and salaries and produce taxesthat will be pumped back into thestate’s battered economy. These jobsare not only for those directlyemployed by transportationconstruction but also for companiesthat become more pro>table as aresult of the improved infrastructure.

The constant reduction of transport-ation funding actually costs taxpayersmore money. State LegislativeAnalyst Elizabeth Hill said in heranalysis of the proposed state budget:

“Such uncertainty (in transportationfunding) makes long-term planningdifficult, and money will be wastedin stopping and restarting projects.”

We hope lawmakers consider thesefacts in creating a final budget:

State Budget Crisis: An Opportunity for Transportation Plannersdan beal, Manager of Public Policy and ProgramsAutomobile Club of Southern California

1312

The budget deficit confronting the State of Californiaas well as the problems with the federal budget ratecreated lots of headlines. However, all the implicationsof these problems and their longer-term impacts onboth residents and business are not being explored.

Consider the fact that Southern California already has atransportation “de>cit” – our transportation infra-structure has not kept up with past growth in movinggoods and people, and we are going to fall further behind.

In addition, the region’s population continues to grow at the rate of over 300,000 people per year whilethe economy is back on a growth track.

Two of the industries with the best prospects areinternational trade and tourism. This means more carsand trucks on our roadways and more demand for railtransportation.

But the state and federal budget problems mean littleor no money for critical transportation projects. While the state’s money problems may disappear in acouple of years, the cuts in transportation funding will be impacting us for a long, long time. It will meanmore time spent on the freeways, more misseddeadlines for goods movement (with a resulting cost tobusiness), and more air pollution caused by vehiclesstuck in tra;c jams.

According to the Texas Transportation Institute, tra;ccongestion already costs the la area $9 billion per year,and the total will grow.

The prospects are not pleasant. However, in thecompetition for funds between social programs andhard things like transportation, the former alwayswins. We need to think more creatively about fundingour transportation needs. •

Long-Term Budget Impacts jack kyser, Chief Economist Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation

>For every $1 that California spendson transportation, it receives a$5.70 return in the form of job andbusiness creation, increasedbusiness productivity resulting fromreduced travel time, and reducedhealthcare costs because ofimproved road safety and air quality.

>For every $1 billion spent ontransportation construction, theequivalent of 42,100 full-time jobswill be created. Those additionaljobs will create additional salestax, income tax and other revenuefor California, bringing us closerto restoring >scal health. Everynew transportation constructionjob creates an additional 1.48 full-time jobs purchasing other goodsand services in SouthernCalifornia.

These benefits to the state economywill be seen immediately ifCalifornia decides to push forwardtransportation construction projectsthat are ready to begin instead offorcing them to be delayed and, as aresult, making them even moreexpensive to complete.

The short-term gains that seem tocome from transportation budgetcuts will have a long-term damaginge=ect not only on the quality ofCalifornians’ lives but also on theireconomic health. •

The proposed state budget takesmore than $2.1 billion from trans-portation – a cost that will not onlystall projects that are ready to bebuilt, but would impact the reboundof California’s fragile economy.

The state budget has already had animpact on Metro, as we’ve seen withthe just-announced cancellation ofthe Call for Projects, a previouslyfully funded transportation capitalimprovements program that has adeferred list of over 80 projectsamounting to $600 million. The$2.1 billion in proposed statewidecuts is on top of more than $2.5billion already taken from trans-portation over the past 18 months.

While the Automobile Club ofSouthern California and othertransportation interests arevigorously opposing these cuts,there’s no doubt that at least sometransportation funding will bediverted this year because of thestate’s economic crisis. So thequestion becomes: Now what?

This setback can also be viewed asan opportunity for transportationplanners and builders to renew their focus on what is truly vital toSouthern California’s well-being: the ability to e=ectively move the

greatest amount of people andgoods while using existing resourceswith the greatest e;ciency possible.

By creating greater e;ciency withinour transportation systems, we will help save money on projects oncefunding becomes available again.And by directing limited funds tothe most effective projects, ourtransportation investments will domore to return the state to >scalhealth and to improve the lives of allCalifornians. We must allocateresources to both highway and transitprojects offering the most mobilityand safety bene>ts. Both roads andpublic transit are critical to the livesand well-being of Los Angeles arearesidents and workers.

economy on the line The Mobility 21 effort launched byMetro and the Los Angeles AreaChamber of Commerce, in partner-ship with the Auto Club and other groups, is taking on renewedimportance during this crisis. Itsapproach toward building consensuscan be valuable in increasing public awareness of transportationissues and possible solutions. It will play a vital role in securingSouthern California’s fair share ofresources from the reauthorizationof the federal transportation act.

Meanwhile, those who advocate fortransportation in Sacramento aren’tgiving up the >ght. The Auto Club isnow working with Metro, the laArea Chamber of Commerce andothers to show state legislators howthe continuing transportation cutswill harm not only transportationprojects and agencies but also theeconomy as a whole.

Transportation projects are revenueproducers that create companies,jobs and salaries and produce taxesthat will be pumped back into thestate’s battered economy. These jobsare not only for those directlyemployed by transportationconstruction but also for companiesthat become more pro>table as aresult of the improved infrastructure.

The constant reduction of transport-ation funding actually costs taxpayersmore money. State LegislativeAnalyst Elizabeth Hill said in heranalysis of the proposed state budget:

“Such uncertainty (in transportationfunding) makes long-term planningdifficult, and money will be wastedin stopping and restarting projects.”

We hope lawmakers consider thesefacts in creating a final budget:

State Budget Crisis: An Opportunity for Transportation Plannersdan beal, Manager of Public Policy and ProgramsAutomobile Club of Southern California

1312

information, advocacy toolsFor the latest updates on what is being done to securemore funding to ease traffic in la County and how youcan become involved, log on at www.mobility21.com.

The website is updated by Metro, the la Area Chamberof Commerce and the Automobile Club of SouthernCalifornia in support of the Mobility 21 transportationadvocacy coalition.

Included on the website is information on the Mobility21 Coalition’s annual transportation summit, activitiesand events, legislative priorities and positions, memberrosters, as well as press releases on the Coalition’slobbying activities and Metro’s annual State of theTra;c report.

Plans are underway to augment the site with additionalinteractive features including outreach tools which canbe used for advocacy e=orts and grassroots organizing,links to other transportation and mobility-relatedorganizations and an electronic press kit complete witha comprehensive overview of Mobility 21.

For the latest federal transportation updates, go to theAmerican Public Transportation Association website atwww.apta.com. •

Members of the Mobility 21 Coalition plan to visit stateand federal lawmakers over the next several months toreinforce their unified message of restoring transportationfunding for the region.

The Mobility 21 Coalition was formed in 2002 and iscomprised of elected o;ceholders, transportationproviders, business, labor o;cials, non-pro>t groupsand private citizens who lobby the State of Californiaand federal government for funding.

The Coalition recently approved a state budget resolutioncalling for the restoration of transportation funds,including Proposition 42 gasoline sales tax revenues,which voters approved in 2002 as monies to be used fortransportation.

Combined, the state’s mid-year budget reductions andthe 2004-05 proposed budget include about $2.1 billionin transportation funding cuts. To date, $2.5 billion intransportation funds have already been lent to the stateGeneral Fund.

At the state level, the Coalition plans to oppose anyadditional transfers of transportation revenues to non-transportation purposes. These include funds in the state highway account, Proposition 42 revenues, federal transportation funds and funds in the publictransit account.

In addition, the Coalition is supporting theimplementation in la County of an additional half-centlocal sales tax for transportation purposes.

From May 15-19, Coalition members will travel toWashington, D.C. to meet with federal lawmakers toadvocate in support of the reauthorization of la County’stransportation agencies’ appropriations requests in the2005 federal budget.

The group also will stress to lawmakers the importanceof Metro’s Full Funding Grant Agreement request forthe Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension.

Mobility 21: Fighting ForTransportation Funding

14

metro to the rescueThe Metro Freeway Service Patrol helps strandedmotorists by quickly removing stalled cars out of tra;c.Tow truck drivers provide motorists with a wide range of quick fixes such as towing, changing tires and refillingradiators – all free of charge. The fsp assists 30,000motorists each month.

the nation’s largest clean air fleetThe Metro Bus fleet serves a 1,433-square-mile area.More than 1,800 new compressed natural gas buseshave been acquired over the past >ve years, the largestclean air ?eet in the nation. •

Metro operates bus and rail service and provides fundingfor carpool lane construction and other street and high-way improvements, bike path enhancements and freightdelivery upgrades. Metro projects represent some of thelargest construction efforts ever undertaken in the area.

faster by the mileCarpooling offers real benefits. In addition to savingmoney on gas and reducing pollution, carpoolers enjoyimproved travel times, saving an average of one minute per mile. That’s why Metro, working together withCaltrans, has planned, funded and built 435 miles ofcarpool lanes on la freeways. Designed for vehiclescarrying two or more people including vanpools andbuses, carpool lanes reduce congestion by movingpeople more e;ciently.

the golden age returnsLos Angeles and Pasadena reestablished their railconnection in the summer of 2003 as the Metro GoldLine opened. Serving Chinatown, Lincoln Heights, Mount Washington, Highland Park and South Pasadena,riders can reach their destinations much faster, including jobs, shops and entertainment, instead ofidling away on congested freeways.

Metro Is Much More Than Transit OperatorMetro projects help shape the landscape and the economy of Southern California.

project postersIn the last edition of Metro Quarterly, readers enjoyed apreview of a new original poster series designed to capture theessence of Metro’s larger projects and raise awareness of itswide range of services.

These illustrations are currently on display in Metro Railtrains and stations. The full series is available for purchase inthe form of posters and postcards from the Metro Store. Forinformation, call 213.922.4740.

15

information, advocacy toolsFor the latest updates on what is being done to securemore funding to ease traffic in la County and how youcan become involved, log on at www.mobility21.com.

The website is updated by Metro, the la Area Chamberof Commerce and the Automobile Club of SouthernCalifornia in support of the Mobility 21 transportationadvocacy coalition.

Included on the website is information on the Mobility21 Coalition’s annual transportation summit, activitiesand events, legislative priorities and positions, memberrosters, as well as press releases on the Coalition’slobbying activities and Metro’s annual State of theTra;c report.

Plans are underway to augment the site with additionalinteractive features including outreach tools which canbe used for advocacy e=orts and grassroots organizing,links to other transportation and mobility-relatedorganizations and an electronic press kit complete witha comprehensive overview of Mobility 21.

For the latest federal transportation updates, go to theAmerican Public Transportation Association website atwww.apta.com. •

Members of the Mobility 21 Coalition plan to visit stateand federal lawmakers over the next several months toreinforce their unified message of restoring transportationfunding for the region.

The Mobility 21 Coalition was formed in 2002 and iscomprised of elected o;ceholders, transportationproviders, business, labor o;cials, non-pro>t groupsand private citizens who lobby the State of Californiaand federal government for funding.

The Coalition recently approved a state budget resolutioncalling for the restoration of transportation funds,including Proposition 42 gasoline sales tax revenues,which voters approved in 2002 as monies to be used fortransportation.

Combined, the state’s mid-year budget reductions andthe 2004-05 proposed budget include about $2.1 billionin transportation funding cuts. To date, $2.5 billion intransportation funds have already been lent to the stateGeneral Fund.

At the state level, the Coalition plans to oppose anyadditional transfers of transportation revenues to non-transportation purposes. These include funds in the state highway account, Proposition 42 revenues, federal transportation funds and funds in the publictransit account.

In addition, the Coalition is supporting theimplementation in la County of an additional half-centlocal sales tax for transportation purposes.

From May 15-19, Coalition members will travel toWashington, D.C. to meet with federal lawmakers toadvocate in support of the reauthorization of la County’stransportation agencies’ appropriations requests in the2005 federal budget.

The group also will stress to lawmakers the importanceof Metro’s Full Funding Grant Agreement request forthe Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension.

Mobility 21: Fighting ForTransportation Funding

14

metro to the rescueThe Metro Freeway Service Patrol helps strandedmotorists by quickly removing stalled cars out of tra;c.Tow truck drivers provide motorists with a wide range of quick fixes such as towing, changing tires and refillingradiators – all free of charge. The fsp assists 30,000motorists each month.

the nation’s largest clean air fleetThe Metro Bus fleet serves a 1,433-square-mile area.More than 1,800 new compressed natural gas buseshave been acquired over the past >ve years, the largestclean air ?eet in the nation. •

Metro operates bus and rail service and provides fundingfor carpool lane construction and other street and high-way improvements, bike path enhancements and freightdelivery upgrades. Metro projects represent some of thelargest construction efforts ever undertaken in the area.

faster by the mileCarpooling offers real benefits. In addition to savingmoney on gas and reducing pollution, carpoolers enjoyimproved travel times, saving an average of one minute per mile. That’s why Metro, working together withCaltrans, has planned, funded and built 435 miles ofcarpool lanes on la freeways. Designed for vehiclescarrying two or more people including vanpools andbuses, carpool lanes reduce congestion by movingpeople more e;ciently.

the golden age returnsLos Angeles and Pasadena reestablished their railconnection in the summer of 2003 as the Metro GoldLine opened. Serving Chinatown, Lincoln Heights, Mount Washington, Highland Park and South Pasadena,riders can reach their destinations much faster, including jobs, shops and entertainment, instead ofidling away on congested freeways.

Metro Is Much More Than Transit OperatorMetro projects help shape the landscape and the economy of Southern California.

project postersIn the last edition of Metro Quarterly, readers enjoyed apreview of a new original poster series designed to capture theessence of Metro’s larger projects and raise awareness of itswide range of services.

These illustrations are currently on display in Metro Railtrains and stations. The full series is available for purchase inthe form of posters and postcards from the Metro Store. Forinformation, call 213.922.4740.

15

Metro Rail is disproving a belief held by many that themajority of transit users do not own cars.

Metro studies have shown that in recent years a largenumber of discretionary riders – car owners who use thetransit system as an alternative to driving – have beenriding Metro Rail.

Last year, a survey showed that nearly 50% of therespondents had automobiles available to them. The1,000 survey respondents chose to use the train instead.

The Metro Gold Line, Metro’s newest rail installment,may be following this trend. The Metro Gold Linestretches 13.7 miles from Los Angeles to East Pasadena,making stops at 13 stations.

“As tra;c in Southern California increases each year, it’s nosurprise that some Los Angeles-area residents seek alter-native modes of transportation,” says ceo Roger Snoble.

looking for a lifestyle Peter Capone-Newton, vice chairman for the MetroWestside/Central Governance Council, bought a housein Mt. Washington a year ago because of its closeproximity to the Southwest Museum Station.

“I basically centered my search around the Metro GoldLine,” he says. “I wanted to have a lifestyle in which Ididn’t have to be tied to a car.”

Residing in a home just steps away from the station,Capone-Newton catches a train to Los Angeles, transfersto the Metro Red Line at Union Station in downtown LosAngeles and hops on a Metro Rapid that whisks him tohis Beverly Hills office.

“It blows my mind that I make two transfers and get on abus and it takes the same amount of time if I used mycar,” he says. “It tells you how slow driving is.”

Capone-Newton uses his weekdays on the Metro GoldLine to relax and catch up on the day’s events by readingthe newspaper. On weekends he uses the system to getto such local hot spots as Chinatown and ColoradoBoulevard in Pasadena.

“I like to think of the line as something you can use foranything you want to do,” he says. “You can stay out lateand still take a train home.”

Transit advocate Robert Velazques-Woo shares the samesentiments. The Arcadia resident has replaced the stress ofdriving the Santa Monica Freeway each morning with arelaxing train ride to work in downtown Los Angeles. “It’snot as stressful as driving in tra;c,” he says.

The American Express vacation-planning representativewas introduced to the services of public transportation ata young age when he lived overseas.

“I think it’s much nicer to take the train and walk around,”he says. •

Backpackers prepareto board Metro Gold

Line train bound for Union Station

in downtown Los Angeles.

In one ofChinatown’s maincourtyards near HopLouie restaurant,friends chat outsidepopular jazz club. “As tra;c in Southern California increases

each year, it’s no surprise that some Los Angeles-area residents seek alternativemodes of transportation.” roger snoble, ceo

Passengers are increasingly taking the train to enjoy thesights and sounds of the 300-acre Chinatown with itsmaze of shopping, dining, cultural sites and art galleries.

According to George Yu, executive director of the China-town Business Improvement District (bid), Chinatownrestaurants, on average, are doing more business sincethe Metro Gold Line opened last July. There are 345merchants, shops and restaurants in Chinatown.

The station is the >rst stop after leaving Union Station in downtown Los Angeles for the 36-minute trip to East Pasadena.

large new year’s turnoutYu and his associates estimated that 5,000 passengersarrived in Chinatown each day during the height of the

“Year of the Monkey” revelry.

He credits the 13.7-mile light rail line with making themost recent Chinese New Year celebration the largest in memory.

About 60,000 people attended the famous Chinese NewYear’s Parade,10,000 more than before the Metro Gold Line.

“It was overwhelming,” says Yu. “I walked throughChinatown during the evening hours and the amount ofpeople tra;c was tremendous. Merchants were happyand understand the value of the Metro Gold Line. It wasreally noticeable.”

Ken Poon, general manager of the bustling EmpressPavilion restaurant, can easily keep track of Metro GoldLine passengers when they come into his restaurant forthe >rst time.

“When I strike up a conversation with them they show metheir train tickets and tell me they’re from Pasadena,” he says. “Many new people are coming in, especially fordinner. The whole area is better off than before.” •

To request a copy of the Angels Walk Chinatown self-guided tour booklet, call 213.922.7023.

For a copy of the “Gold Line Guide to ChinatownRestaurants,” written by former la City CouncilmemberMichael Woo, contact the Chinatown bid at 213.680.0243.•

Discover Chinatown on Metro Gold LineDiscretionary Riders Choose Metro Gold Line Instead of Driving

1716

The BushAdministration is

expected to decidesoon whether to

commit to EastsideExtension funding

agreement.

Listing the project among its topfunding priorities, the u.s. Departmentof Transportation recommended inFebruary that Congress provide $80million for construction of the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extensionin Fiscal Year 2005.

The $898 million Eastside Extensionproject, expected to open in 2009, is the mta Board’s highest priorityrail construction project. Half thefunding for the project will come

from local funding already securedby Metro.

The six-mile, eight-station light railline will serve the eastern corridorfrom Union Station eastward toAtlantic Boulevard and include a twin1.8-mile tunnel under Boyle Heights.

“We are pleased that U.S. Departmentof Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta recognized theimportance of this project,” says ceo Roger Snoble. •

Eastside Rail Extension Grant Awaiting Federal Action

Metro Rail is disproving a belief held by many that themajority of transit users do not own cars.

Metro studies have shown that in recent years a largenumber of discretionary riders – car owners who use thetransit system as an alternative to driving – have beenriding Metro Rail.

Last year, a survey showed that nearly 50% of therespondents had automobiles available to them. The1,000 survey respondents chose to use the train instead.

The Metro Gold Line, Metro’s newest rail installment,may be following this trend. The Metro Gold Linestretches 13.7 miles from Los Angeles to East Pasadena,making stops at 13 stations.

“As tra;c in Southern California increases each year, it’s nosurprise that some Los Angeles-area residents seek alter-native modes of transportation,” says ceo Roger Snoble.

looking for a lifestyle Peter Capone-Newton, vice chairman for the MetroWestside/Central Governance Council, bought a housein Mt. Washington a year ago because of its closeproximity to the Southwest Museum Station.

“I basically centered my search around the Metro GoldLine,” he says. “I wanted to have a lifestyle in which Ididn’t have to be tied to a car.”

Residing in a home just steps away from the station,Capone-Newton catches a train to Los Angeles, transfersto the Metro Red Line at Union Station in downtown LosAngeles and hops on a Metro Rapid that whisks him tohis Beverly Hills office.

“It blows my mind that I make two transfers and get on abus and it takes the same amount of time if I used mycar,” he says. “It tells you how slow driving is.”

Capone-Newton uses his weekdays on the Metro GoldLine to relax and catch up on the day’s events by readingthe newspaper. On weekends he uses the system to getto such local hot spots as Chinatown and ColoradoBoulevard in Pasadena.

“I like to think of the line as something you can use foranything you want to do,” he says. “You can stay out lateand still take a train home.”

Transit advocate Robert Velazques-Woo shares the samesentiments. The Arcadia resident has replaced the stress ofdriving the Santa Monica Freeway each morning with arelaxing train ride to work in downtown Los Angeles. “It’snot as stressful as driving in tra;c,” he says.

The American Express vacation-planning representativewas introduced to the services of public transportation ata young age when he lived overseas.

“I think it’s much nicer to take the train and walk around,”he says. •

Backpackers prepareto board Metro Gold

Line train bound for Union Station

in downtown Los Angeles.

In one ofChinatown’s maincourtyards near HopLouie restaurant,friends chat outsidepopular jazz club. “As tra;c in Southern California increases

each year, it’s no surprise that some Los Angeles-area residents seek alternativemodes of transportation.” roger snoble, ceo

Passengers are increasingly taking the train to enjoy thesights and sounds of the 300-acre Chinatown with itsmaze of shopping, dining, cultural sites and art galleries.

According to George Yu, executive director of the China-town Business Improvement District (bid), Chinatownrestaurants, on average, are doing more business sincethe Metro Gold Line opened last July. There are 345merchants, shops and restaurants in Chinatown.

The station is the >rst stop after leaving Union Station in downtown Los Angeles for the 36-minute trip to East Pasadena.

large new year’s turnoutYu and his associates estimated that 5,000 passengersarrived in Chinatown each day during the height of the

“Year of the Monkey” revelry.

He credits the 13.7-mile light rail line with making themost recent Chinese New Year celebration the largest in memory.

About 60,000 people attended the famous Chinese NewYear’s Parade,10,000 more than before the Metro Gold Line.

“It was overwhelming,” says Yu. “I walked throughChinatown during the evening hours and the amount ofpeople tra;c was tremendous. Merchants were happyand understand the value of the Metro Gold Line. It wasreally noticeable.”

Ken Poon, general manager of the bustling EmpressPavilion restaurant, can easily keep track of Metro GoldLine passengers when they come into his restaurant forthe >rst time.

“When I strike up a conversation with them they show metheir train tickets and tell me they’re from Pasadena,” he says. “Many new people are coming in, especially fordinner. The whole area is better off than before.” •

To request a copy of the Angels Walk Chinatown self-guided tour booklet, call 213.922.7023.

For a copy of the “Gold Line Guide to ChinatownRestaurants,” written by former la City CouncilmemberMichael Woo, contact the Chinatown bid at 213.680.0243.•

Discover Chinatown on Metro Gold LineDiscretionary Riders Choose Metro Gold Line Instead of Driving

1716

The BushAdministration is

expected to decidesoon whether to

commit to EastsideExtension funding

agreement.

Listing the project among its topfunding priorities, the u.s. Departmentof Transportation recommended inFebruary that Congress provide $80million for construction of the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extensionin Fiscal Year 2005.

The $898 million Eastside Extensionproject, expected to open in 2009, is the mta Board’s highest priorityrail construction project. Half thefunding for the project will come

from local funding already securedby Metro.

The six-mile, eight-station light railline will serve the eastern corridorfrom Union Station eastward toAtlantic Boulevard and include a twin1.8-mile tunnel under Boyle Heights.

“We are pleased that U.S. Departmentof Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta recognized theimportance of this project,” says ceo Roger Snoble. •

Eastside Rail Extension Grant Awaiting Federal Action

Metro and la LakersHonor Play-By-PlayMan Chick HearnThe Pico Metro Blue Line Station isdedicated to the memory of the late legendary Lakers basketballannouncer Chick Hearn.

A plaque honoring Hearn has beeninstalled at the station, chosen for its close proximity to the Lakers’home at Staples Center.

“For more than four decades, ChickHearn brought millions of peopletogether throughout SouthernCalifornia through their love of theLakers,” says Lakers GeneralManager Mitch Kupchak. “He hadsuch a huge impact on this city thatit is a very fitting tribute for Metro tohonor him in this way. As the manypassengers who travel through thisstation see his plaque on a dailybasis, it will keep his memory alivein a very positive way.”

Hearn broadcast 3,339 consecutivegames during one span. •

18 19

s Marge Hearn isjoined by the tvbroadcast team of(l-r) PaulSunderland andStu Lantz at Metro Rail stationplaque that honors her husband.

Bike to Work Day Set for May 20Metro is promoting the Los Angelesregion’s 10th annual Bike to WorkDay Thursday, May 20, by o=eringprizes to those who register onlinebefore that day and pledge to ridetheir bike to work or school. A newcommuter bike, bike accessories andother prizes will be awarded tobicyclists who register atmetro.net/biketowork.

With gas prices surging, Metro isencouraging commuters to trybicycling. As a further incentive,Metro will offer free rides on itsbuses and trains to bicyclists all dayMay 20 if they board with theirbicycle and/or bicycle safety helmet.

For more information on Bike toWork Day and Metro supported bikeprograms, go to metro.net or call(213) 922-2811. •

New General Manager Alex Cli=ord, 44, joined Metro three years ago.

Gateway Cities Has New General Manager Alex Clifford is the new general manager of the Gateway Cities Service Sector.

Clifford has worked 3 years in the operations division.

He served eight years as a member of the Riverside County TransportationCommission, twice as chairman. He represented the commission as amember of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority and served as itschairman for two years.

For eight years, he also served as a board member of the Riverside TransitAgency. In addition, he was a member of the Intercity Rail Joint PowersAuthority and the California/Nevada Super Speed Train Commission, among others. •

Even before the new cleanliness policy was approved, all Metro vehicles frequently received athorough wash.

New Cleanliness Policy Will Keep Metro SpotlessThe lyrics of a 1950s song –“Take out the papers and the trash” –resonates with Metro.

The mta Board has approved an aggressive new Metro Cleanliness Policy thatsets high standards for making sure Metro Buses, Metro Rail trains, bus stops,stations and all other Metro facilities are free of gra;ti and vandalism.

“Metro is committed to creating and maintaining the cleanest public transitenvironment possible for our customers,” says Deputy ceo John Catoe.

“There is nothing more important than the safety and comfort of our customers.”

The new standards include a measurable increase in the level of cleanlinessfor all Metro property and stringent vehicle inspection ratings.

Metro will continue to work with its law enforcement partners, communities,schools, business owners and other public entities to help prevent andremove gra;ti as quickly as possible. •

mta Planning Manager John Stesney,a self-described “bike nut” since he was a teenager, rides his bike from his home inEncino to Metro headquarters in down-town Los Angeles. The 22-mile trip takesone hour and 15 minutes.

tap Card Promises Faster Way To Travel Metro System users will feel like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers as they taptheir way from one bus and rail system to another with their tap cards in hand.

The scheduled introduction of the Transit Access Pass in early 2005 is Metro’se=ort to create a super network of la County public transit services that canall be accessed by customers with one form of fare.

Embedded with computer chips, the plastic, wallet-sized taps will beprogrammed by Metro Customer Centers to hold the equivalent of currentweekly, bi-weekly or monthly Metro passes and cash amounts.

Before boarding a bus or train, passengers will wave the card in front ofelectronic fare-reading equipment to validate the pre-paid fare. There is noneed to remove a card from a purse or jacket to pay a fare, which will speedup boardings.

In addition to Metro, tap participants will include municipal carriers,paratransit and Metrolink.

“The cards represent one of the most ambitious and important customerservice projects ever undertaken by Metro and will gradually be phased in,”says ceo Roger Snoble. “All other forms of fare media will be acceptedthrough the transition to tap.”

Metro employees will test the cards this summer on the Metro Gold Line and200 Metro Buses that operate in the San Gabriel Valley. •

Monetary Incentive Helps Metro Recruit Vanpoolers New Metro vanpool riders are reimbursed $100 if they remain in the programfor at least 30 days.

Of the 4,000 commuters who have tried vanpools, 98% continued after the30 days elapsed.

The benefits of ridesharing include less congested streets and highways,improved air quality, lower gasoline expenses and rested commuters.

“Since I started vanpooling I arrive at work relaxed,” says City of Santa ClaritaValley resident Anabelle Kennedy.

“Vanpooling has made my life less stressful and helps me save money ongas,” says Christorpher Weaver of Santa Clarita.

For information on all Metro vanpool plans, call 1.800.commute and select option 3. •

Metro and la LakersHonor Play-By-PlayMan Chick HearnThe Pico Metro Blue Line Station isdedicated to the memory of the late legendary Lakers basketballannouncer Chick Hearn.

A plaque honoring Hearn has beeninstalled at the station, chosen for its close proximity to the Lakers’home at Staples Center.

“For more than four decades, ChickHearn brought millions of peopletogether throughout SouthernCalifornia through their love of theLakers,” says Lakers GeneralManager Mitch Kupchak. “He hadsuch a huge impact on this city thatit is a very fitting tribute for Metro tohonor him in this way. As the manypassengers who travel through thisstation see his plaque on a dailybasis, it will keep his memory alivein a very positive way.”

Hearn broadcast 3,339 consecutivegames during one span. •

18 19

s Marge Hearn isjoined by the tvbroadcast team of(l-r) PaulSunderland andStu Lantz at Metro Rail stationplaque that honors her husband.

Bike to Work Day Set for May 20Metro is promoting the Los Angelesregion’s 10th annual Bike to WorkDay Thursday, May 20, by o=eringprizes to those who register onlinebefore that day and pledge to ridetheir bike to work or school. A newcommuter bike, bike accessories andother prizes will be awarded tobicyclists who register atmetro.net/biketowork.

With gas prices surging, Metro isencouraging commuters to trybicycling. As a further incentive,Metro will offer free rides on itsbuses and trains to bicyclists all dayMay 20 if they board with theirbicycle and/or bicycle safety helmet.

For more information on Bike toWork Day and Metro supported bikeprograms, go to metro.net or call(213) 922-2811. •

New General Manager Alex Cli=ord, 44, joined Metro three years ago.

Gateway Cities Has New General Manager Alex Clifford is the new general manager of the Gateway Cities Service Sector.

Clifford has worked 3 years in the operations division.

He served eight years as a member of the Riverside County TransportationCommission, twice as chairman. He represented the commission as amember of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority and served as itschairman for two years.

For eight years, he also served as a board member of the Riverside TransitAgency. In addition, he was a member of the Intercity Rail Joint PowersAuthority and the California/Nevada Super Speed Train Commission, among others. •

Even before the new cleanliness policy was approved, all Metro vehicles frequently received athorough wash.

New Cleanliness Policy Will Keep Metro SpotlessThe lyrics of a 1950s song –“Take out the papers and the trash” –resonates with Metro.

The mta Board has approved an aggressive new Metro Cleanliness Policy thatsets high standards for making sure Metro Buses, Metro Rail trains, bus stops,stations and all other Metro facilities are free of gra;ti and vandalism.

“Metro is committed to creating and maintaining the cleanest public transitenvironment possible for our customers,” says Deputy ceo John Catoe.

“There is nothing more important than the safety and comfort of our customers.”

The new standards include a measurable increase in the level of cleanlinessfor all Metro property and stringent vehicle inspection ratings.

Metro will continue to work with its law enforcement partners, communities,schools, business owners and other public entities to help prevent andremove gra;ti as quickly as possible. •

mta Planning Manager John Stesney,a self-described “bike nut” since he was a teenager, rides his bike from his home inEncino to Metro headquarters in down-town Los Angeles. The 22-mile trip takesone hour and 15 minutes.

tap Card Promises Faster Way To Travel Metro System users will feel like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers as they taptheir way from one bus and rail system to another with their tap cards in hand.

The scheduled introduction of the Transit Access Pass in early 2005 is Metro’se=ort to create a super network of la County public transit services that canall be accessed by customers with one form of fare.

Embedded with computer chips, the plastic, wallet-sized taps will beprogrammed by Metro Customer Centers to hold the equivalent of currentweekly, bi-weekly or monthly Metro passes and cash amounts.

Before boarding a bus or train, passengers will wave the card in front ofelectronic fare-reading equipment to validate the pre-paid fare. There is noneed to remove a card from a purse or jacket to pay a fare, which will speedup boardings.

In addition to Metro, tap participants will include municipal carriers,paratransit and Metrolink.

“The cards represent one of the most ambitious and important customerservice projects ever undertaken by Metro and will gradually be phased in,”says ceo Roger Snoble. “All other forms of fare media will be acceptedthrough the transition to tap.”

Metro employees will test the cards this summer on the Metro Gold Line and200 Metro Buses that operate in the San Gabriel Valley. •

Monetary Incentive Helps Metro Recruit Vanpoolers New Metro vanpool riders are reimbursed $100 if they remain in the programfor at least 30 days.

Of the 4,000 commuters who have tried vanpools, 98% continued after the30 days elapsed.

The benefits of ridesharing include less congested streets and highways,improved air quality, lower gasoline expenses and rested commuters.

“Since I started vanpooling I arrive at work relaxed,” says City of Santa ClaritaValley resident Anabelle Kennedy.

“Vanpooling has made my life less stressful and helps me save money ongas,” says Christorpher Weaver of Santa Clarita.

For information on all Metro vanpool plans, call 1.800.commute and select option 3. •

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past

One Gateway PlazaLos Angeles, CA 90012-2952

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04-0

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factoids

Third Street & Broadway

(l) An la Railway streetcar sharesBroadway and 3rd Street with cars during Christmas 1930. Theheadquarters of the la Times and Victor Clothing Co. once werelocated on 3rd Street. (r) MetroLocal and South Broadway MetroRapid Line 745 service the area today.20041930

Willow Crossing

(l) In 1956, Pacific Electric’s Big RedCar #411 heads toward downtownLong Beach as it crosses WillowStreet to operate in the middle ofLong Beach Boulevard. (r) MetroBlue Line trains pass by the samespot today just south of the MetroRail Willow Station. 20041956

Rimpau Circle

(l) Pico and Rimpau boulevards in1958 were the termination point for the p Line streetcar, the old mta’sheaviest used line. (r) The SantaMonica Big Blue Bus runs near theintersection today.

20041958