Fall 2003

Q U A R T E R L Y

METRO GOLD LINEBURSTS THROUGHTO SUCCESS

Chief Executive OfficerRoger Snoble

BoardofDirectors

Zev Yaroslavsky Board Chairman,

Third Supervisorial District

Frank Roberts 1st Vice Chair,

Mayor of Lancaster

James K. Hahn 2nd Vice Chair,

Mayor of Los Angeles

Gloria Molina First Supervisorial District

Yvonne Brathwaite Burke Second Supervisorial

District

Don Knabe Fourth Supervisorial District

Michael D. Antonovich Fifth Supervisorial District

Tom LaBonge City Council Member,

Los Angeles

Martin Ludlow City Council Member,

Los Angeles

Antonio Villaraigosa City Council Member,

Los Angeles

John Fasana City Council Member,

Duarte

Beatrice Proo City Council Member,

Pico Rivera

Pam O’Connor City Council Member,

Santa Monica

Doug Failing Ex-officio,

Caltrans

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The public’s pent-up demand for new public transit options overflowedthe weekend of July 26-27 when MTA opened the new Los Angeles toPasadena Metro Gold Line. Nearly 160,000 passengers boarded theinaugural trains the festive opening weekend, but ridership hasremained strong since then.

“What a relief,” passengers would tell me as we sped along the median of the 210 Freeway with traffic snarled in the adjacent lanes or bypassedthe equally congested 110 Freeway.

Commuters and others on the move aren’t the only ones benefiting fromthe new Metro Gold Line. It is estimated that nearly 3 million annualauto trips will be reduced along with 173,000 pounds of pollutants thatcause smog. And joint development at several Metro Gold Line stationsis spawning new urban villages that are revitalizing neighborhoodswhile boosting transit ridership.

“When is the next line opening?” I’m often asked. Great question. Just on the horizon are some very important projects that will be builtthrough 2009, including the Metro Gold Line extension to East LosAngeles, the new San Fernando Valley Metro Rapidway, 22 moreMetro Rapid bus lines, 70 more miles of freeway carpool lanes andsome smaller transportation improvements. Hopefully, more projectswill come on-line when the state budget crisis is resolved and vitalfunding is restored, however, in the meantime, we’re continuing tomove forward.

Tapping new funding sources and developing strategies for making surethat Sacramento and Washington give Los Angeles its fair share oftransportation dollars is the focus of the second annual Mobility 21conference November 17 and one of the topics that will be highlighted in this issue of Metro Quarterly along with the Metro Gold Line, MetroRapid and other tools for working our way out of traffic congestion.

I know some are saying congestion is a good thing. I don’t agree and,judging from the comments I received while riding the new Metro GoldLine, I think the public is eager to find alternatives to idling in traffic.MTA’s challenge is to find a way to deliver those alternatives andsooner rather than later.

Sincerely,

Roger Snoble

A Note To Our Readers:

At press time, thousands of LA County transit ridersremained stranded because MTA mechanics and maintenance workers were on strike.

MTA regrets the disruption this work stoppage is causingour customers. We are making every effort possible tospeed the collective bargaining process, reach new contract agreements with union leaders and resume transit service for all of LA County.

While MTA is well known for operating bus and rail service, it also serves as the county’s transportation planner and coordinator, designer and builder. Despite the transit strike, MTA’s other work continues – as does the publication of MQ.

Roger SnobleChief Executive Officer

P.S. – Should you have any questions or concerns regardingtransit service in your area, please contact one of our localCommunity Relations Managers listed on the reverse side.

MTA Community Relations Managers

Gateway CitiesDavid Hershenson562.658.0240

San Fernando ValleyMarta Maestas818.701.2840

San Gabriel ValleyHelen Ortiz626.454.2840

South BayRichard Morallo310.225.6040

Westside/CentralJody Feerst-Litvak213.922.1240

4 Mix And FixHandy-dandy computer software and hands-on outreach efforts are among the ingredients helping the service sectors plan bus service improvements.

7 SmarterCreativity is the key to maximizing this year’s MTA budget.

8 HonoredA Congressman pays MTA a special visit and embarks on a whirlwind tour.

9 VictoriousMTA successfully pitches state transportation commission.

10 Grand BeginningNearly 160,000 people sample new LA-Pasadena Metro Gold Line.

14 LightThe prospect for beginning of Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension construction looks bright.

15 Sky’s The LimitShort-Range Transportation Plan is like a compass that keeps MTA and transportation infrastructure on the right path.

18 Mr. PrognosticatorMTA’s planning chief is asked what the future holds for transportation in LA County during a time of diminishing project funds.

20 ElevatingThe second Mobility 21 Summit will take it to next level.

21 NoteworthyA catchy pop song played on radio stations implores listeners to keepLA County clean and free of graffiti.

22 GoA new car sharing service available at select Metro Gold Line stationsand Union Station gives everyone a new option for moving about.

23 HappeningsMajor bicycle master plan to beginRidesharing programs growing in popularityTrading cards teach proper transit etiquette to kids

ContentsFall 2003

PhotographersJohn Weiskopf (cover photo), Greg Mancuso, Chris Lovdahl, Juan Ocampo, Dennis Finn, Laura Woodward, Richard Cornubert

CirculationKaren Kern, Bob Sanders,Dan Colonello

MTA ResearchJim Walker, Dorothy Peyton Gray Transportation Library

Deputy Executive Officer, Public RelationsMarc Littman

Chief Communications OfficerMatt Raymond

Special thanks to Dorothy Dunson and Sandra Gonzales, County Counsel

Published by MTA Communications Unit

All comments about MQ or requests to be added to the mailing list, free-of-charge, should be directed to:MQ, MTA Media Relations, Mailstop 99-2-30H,One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952, or by e-mail to woskg@mta.net

EditorGary Wosk

WritersCean CollierDave Sotero

Graphic DesignerTheresa Renn

Account ExecutiveYvonne Price

8

14

2123

44

1010

2222

1818

4

SERVICE SECTORS ARE SCHEDULING MORE TRIPS WITH FEWER RESOURCES

Stretched thin by shrinkingstate and federal funds, MTAservice sectors and partneringgovernance councils have

nevertheless managed to improveMetro Bus service by listeningcarefully to customers and computers.

NEW SERVICE

Upcoming service improvementsplanned for Fiscal Year 2004 aregeared to increase transportationoptions for longtime patrons andattract new riders.

The call for better service is beinganswered by MTA’s five community-based service sectors with new hourlyservice on weekends and duringmidday weekdays on some of MTA’shighest ridership lines; the additionof new Metro Rapid lines on

Efficiencies

Crenshaw Boulevard,Vernon Avenue/LaCienega Boulevard and Soto Street; andthe introduction ofearly morning serviceto the Boyle Heightsshuttle on weekdaysbeginning at 6 am.

PUBLICPARTICIPATIONESSENTIAL

The combinedeffort of service sectorsand their governancecouncils, consisting of members from allwalks of life includingpublic transit userswho conduct regularly

scheduled monthly meetings where thepublic takes center stage, has led tomore than 100 service improvements.

“These service improvementsrepresent the single biggest changeMTA or its predecessors have made in the last 20 years,” says MTA DeputyCEO John Catoe. “Increased servicesand new routes are resulting inthousands more people looking to us to solve their transportation troubles.The service sectors and governancecouncil meetings provide us a directapproach in developing solutions which work to solve their needs.”

Governance councils have nowbeen formed in the San FernandoValley, San Gabriel Valley, South Bayand Gateway Cities. A council forWestside/Central is in the process of appointment.

LATEST TECHNOLOGYPLAYS MAJOR ROLE

The computer programs HASTUSand the newly purchased MINBUS are helping MTA make important busplanning decisions. By automatingsome of the decision-making process,determining where buses must go,which divisions buses originate from,assigning the 4,500 operators, andtracking the number of passengersboarding each line, is made moreefficient.

The result will be decreasedlayover time between bus trips andtime spent operating between busdivisions, which will allow the servicesectors to reallocate the saved time toincrease bus service on some of MTA’s highest ridership lines.

MTA Deputy Executive Officer Roderick Goldmanand MTA Planner Collette Thomas search forinformation using HASTUS computer program.

(L-R) Philip Cadd, transit user, and Mark Strickert, SouthernCalifornia Transit Advocates, discuss latest service changes withMetro San Gabriel Valley Planning Manager Callier Beard atservice sector community meeting.

HIGH-CAPACITY BUSES WILL CROSS NEARLY COMPLETED RAPIDWAY BRIDGE

BRIGHTER METRO BUSES CONVEY UNIQUE BRAND OF SERVICE

Construction is well underway in the San Fernando Valley on MTA’s newest and mostambitious Metro Rapid

project to date.

MTA’s Metro Rapidway, a 14-milebusway being built on a former SouthernPacific Railroad right-of-way, will extendbetween the North Hollywood Metro RailStation and Warner Center in WoodlandHills. Commuters will be spirited along a dedicated bus lane aboard MTA’s most spacious buses, 60-foot models that afford 15 more seats than standard coaches.

The line also will stop in thecommunities of Valley Glen, Van Nuys,Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana andWoodland Hills and stop at 13 stationswhen it opens in 2005.

The first phase of the project,construction of the Los Angeles RiverBridge in the Sepulveda Basin, isscheduled to be completed in December.The new, five-span bridge will be capableof spiriting high-capacity, clean-fuelMetro Rapid buses across the LosAngeles River, and is the biggest ofseveral bridges planned in the project.

So far, workers have surveyed theentire alignment and have demolishedstructures on the MTA right-of-way. Theyhave also cleared miles of existingrailroad track, ties and beams to makeroom for the new Rapidway. Areassurrounding the bus route have beencleared to make way for future bike andpedestrian path landscaping which willinclude 5,000 new trees and 800,000new shrubs.

There are now three betterways of viewing Metro Buses,each involving a newattention getting color.

The repainting of MTA’s existingbus fleet in an array of bright vibrantcolors over the next three years, willimprove the appearance of vehicles andhelp riders tell the difference betweenthe various types of service offered.

Bright California poppy orange willdenote local bus service, a crisp bold bluewill distinguish freeway express busesand bright red will continue to heraldMetro Rapid. A base color, silver, to beused on all buses and trains, is pairedwith reflective decals to improve safetyand visibility.

“It’s branding. We are creatingsomething that is identifiable in the

public eye. It’s friendlier. It’s moremodern,” says MTA Deputy CEO John Catoe.

New coaches delivered to MTA willalready sport the new vibrant rainbowcolors, a visually pleasing pattern that alsocomplements the Metro experience offaster and more reliable service.

5

The talk of the town, and surely customers, is new-lookMetro Buses now circulating throughout LA County.

A five-span Metro Rapidway bridge, 398 feet longand 33 feet wide, is being constructed over the Los Angeles River.

ExpandingCRENSHAW BOULEVARD NEXT IN LINETO EXPERIENCE METRO RAPID SERVICE

The quick, frequent andreliable Metro Rapid willbegin operating onCrenshaw Boulevard in

December, upholding an MTAtradition of opening new lines everysix months and building a followingthat includes many former non-public transit users.

The 18.8-mile Line 710 willtravel through such communities asLos Angeles, Inglewood, Hawthorne,Gardena, unincorporated LA County,Torrance and Redondo Beach. Stops include the Crenshaw andHollywood/Vine Metro Rail stations.

On-board state-of-the-artwireless equipment that extends thelife of green traffic signals, low floors forfaster boardings and infrequent stops are

Metro Rapid could be comingto Reseda Boulevard in 2005and Sepulveda Boulevard in2006 thanks to the recently

completed San Fernando Valley North-South Transit Corridor Study.

The study’s goal was to identify oneor more north-south rapidway(s) toconnect with the existing east-westVentura Boulevard Metro Rapid and theSan Fernando Valley Metro Rapidway,under construction and scheduled toopen in 2005.

Both new lines will provide apleasing alternative to driving for the

thousands who live, work, and shopalong these corridors.

“The addition of Metro Rapid serviceon Reseda and Sepulveda will create agrid of faster transit service in the Valleythat will improve travel for our existingriders and attract new customers,” saysMTA Executive Officer, Jim de la Loza,Countywide Planning and Development.

Additional improvements andservices are planned for the futurepending the availability of funding.Phase Two could include peak hour bus-only lanes along portions of MetroRapid Lankershim Boulevard-SanFernando Road, opening in 2007, and

Van Nuys Boulevard, where Metro Rapiddebuted in June.

Phase Three plans include streetimprovements along Reseda, Lankershimand Sepulveda boulevards; a new stationportal at the North Hollywood Metro Rail station; and additional roadimprovements to Van Nuys Boulevard.

Lastly, Phase Four plans include adedicated northbound bus lane onSepulveda Boulevard and the extensionof the San Fernando Valley MetroRapidway northerly along the CanogaAvenue rights-of-way to the ChatsworthMetrolink Station.

expected to save passengers up to 25% intime versus pre-Metro Rapid bus service.

Real-time passenger informationdisplays are featured at stations.

In June, Metro Rapiddebuted on Florence Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard, givingLA County a total of six MetroRapid lines spanning 96.1 miles,a system used by more than100,000 daily boardingpassengers.

MTA’s Metro Rapid Five-YearImplementation Plan lays out aschedule for implementing 22additional lines — beyond the sixalready open — some that will beserviced by 60-foot buses with50% more seating capacity, by2009. At least four of the

corridors are planned to be operated bymunicipal operators.

ADDITIONAL NORTH–SOUTH METRO RAPID LINES PLANNED IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Los Angeles Department of Transportation subcontractorsinstall Metro Rapid signal priority sensors at Florence Avenueand Gramercy Place.

6

7

RealityCheckNEW MTA BUDGET MAXIMIZES RESOURCES

MTA’s current Fiscal Year 04budget was built on afundamental premise: livewithin our means while

expanding and improving the quality of Metro System service and makingneeded street and highwayimprovements.

Fulfilling this mandate amidforecasted flat growth in revenues and a state budget deficit will bechallenging.

“Like many public and privatecompanies, MTA is struggling tomaintain service in the face of limitedresources,” says CEO Roger Snoble.

“To accomplish that we have to operatemore efficiently in every possible way.”

The $2.8 billion budget includes the elimination of 104 positions, no wage increase for MTA employees,unless specified in labor contracts, a 10% reduction in administrativeoverhead costs, and a $7 million savings in Workers’ Compensationcosts over last year.

Primarily as a result of the start ofservice on the LA-Pasadena Metro GoldLine there will be an 18% increase inMetro Rail service. Bus service onMTA’s highest ridership lines will beincreased while service on very lowridership lines will be reallocated.

The budget also calls for the firstchange in the Metro fare structure innearly nine years. It is estimated that this fare restructuring, scheduled forimplementation in January 2004, will generate an additional $16 million in FY04.

MORETHAN $1 BILLIONFOR BUSES

Buses remainthe highestpriority for MTA.The bus programincludes MetroBus operations,bus purchases andconstruction ofnew bus facilitiesas well asmunicipal busoperator subsidiesand paratransitservice fordisabled riders.The budgetearmarks $1.4billion, or 49.1%, for buses. That’s upfrom last year’s figure of $1.3 billion, or 47.3%.

METRO RAIL SERVICEEXPANDS

The second largest slice of thebudget pie — $497.3 million or 17.9%— is for Metro Rail operating costs andconstruction. In addition, MTA willcontribute $41.3 million, 1.5% of the totalbudget, to help subsidize Metrolinkcommuter rail operations.

FUNDING FOR STREETSAND HIGHWAYPROGRAMS

The next biggest portion of thebudget — $482.5 million or 17.3% – isfor highway and other regionaltransportation programs such as

construction of freeway carpool lanes,freeway sound walls, street widening,better traffic signal coordination, gradeseparations at railroad crossings,bikeways, ride-sharing incentives,shuttles. The budget also includesfunding for the Metro Freeway Service Patrol to assist stranded freeway motorists and the local sales tax return.

DEBT SERVICE REDUCED

MTA’s debt service will be $311.8million, 11.2% of the proposed budget,down from $315 million last year.

Rounding out the MTA budget areexpenditures for other Agency programs,including transportation planning,capital projects such as warehousing,legal and other expenses. Theseexpenditures total $82.5 million, or 3.0%of the budget.

FUNDING SOURCES

Metro Bus39.5%

Metro Rail17.9%

Debt Service11.2%

Sales Tax8.8%

Streets & Highways8.5%

Other3.0%

Municipal OperatorPrograms9.6%

Metrolink1.5%

8

GrandTourISTOOKDISCOVERS METRO SYSTEM

MTA SEEKS FY2004CONGRESSIONAL APPROPRIATIONS

During his visit to Los Angeles, CongressmanErnest Istook looks over the roomierCompoBUS.

Apractically nonstop tour ofMetro Bus and Metro Rail hasgiven the chairman of a keyCongressional transportation

subcommittee a broader understandingof the challenges facing MTA.

Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Oklahoma City ), who oversees the HouseAppropriations Committee Sub-Committee on Transportation, Treasuryand Independent Agencies, rode theMetro Bus and Metro Rail systems and visited, along with Rep. LucilleRoybal-Allard (D-Los Angeles), theEastside, future home of the Metro GoldLine Eastside Extension, and the RailOperations Center (ROC).

Istook also viewed LA Countytransportation corridors from a

helicopter with a member of the MTA Board.

Istook’s Congressional committeedispenses all federal funding for highwaysand transit projects in conjunction with itscounterpart in the U.S. Senate. His visitcame while Congress discussed thereauthorization of the TransportationEquity Act of the 21st Century (TEA-21),originally passed in 1997. When approvedby Congress next year, the bill is expectedto commit up to $375 billion in fundingfor national transportation improvementprojects through 2009.

The chairman’s visit was part of anongoing MTA program of inviting keyCongressional leaders to view andexperience MTA’s realm of services.

MTA has turned to Congressto earmark funds forprojects and programs thatwill help improve mobility

in LA County.

The majority of federaltransportation assistance for MTA isbased on formula funding and notearmarks, which are amounts designated

by Congress for specific projects and programs.

MTA has aggressively soughtearmarks for construction of the MetroGold Line Eastside Extension, purchase ofnew Metro Buses, bus facilities and theplanned Universal Fare System.

President Bush is expected to sign thebill into law sometime this fall.

VITAL FEDERAL BILL DELAYED

MTA is fully engaged in a dialogue with membersof Congress and the U.S. Department of

Transportation on efforts toreauthorize America’s six-yearfunding program for highway, transit, motor carrier, safety andresearch programs.

The current authorizinglegislation, TEA-21, expired onSeptember 30.

On September 30, PresidentBush signed into law legislation thatprovides for a five-month extension ofTEA-21, through February 29, 2004.Funding over the five-month periodwill be authorized on a pro rata basis.

The Bush Administrationunveiled its reauthorization proposalearlier this year. That proposal ispopularly referred to as SAFETEA,the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, andEfficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003.

MTA has analyzed SAFETEA to learn how the proposal can bestrengthened to better enhance LACounty’s transportation needs.

MTA, many members ofCongress, and national transportationadvocates believe the $375 billion setaside for SAFETEA is inadequate.MTA is also focused on provisions inthe reauthorization proposal that dealwith Bus Rapid Transit, the NewStarts rail program, highway andtransit system safety and air qualityenhancement initiatives.

In July, at the invitation of CEORoger Snoble, Assistant Secretary forTransportation Policy for the U.S.Department of Transportation, EmilFrankel, attended Mobility 21 briefingto review SAFETEA for LA Countytransportation stakeholders.

9

It’sAGoMTA & COMPANYSAVE VITAL PROJECTS

MTA burned the midnight oil last spring to salvagefour regionally significanttransportation projects

placed in peril by the state’s general fund deficit.

The successful appeal to theCalifornia Transportation Commission(CTC) spared the Metro Gold LineEastside Extension project, San FernandoValley Metro Rapidway, purchase of 200high-capacity, 60-foot articulated busesand 50 light rail cars from the statebudget ax.

“These projects were the most readyto go and each had a direct connection toMTA’s mission of improving the regionaltransportation system,” says CEO RogerSnoble. “The state’s shortfall could nothave hit at a worse time for theseprojects. We had cleared environmentalstudies and we had ready-to-go designsand even some qualified bids.”

In a first of its kind financialarrangement struck with the CTC, MTAis paying upfront costs for these projectswith local sales tax monies and will bereimbursed later by CTC. The total costof the four projects is nearly $1.5 billion.

MTA began drafting its CTC strategylast Thanksgiving when it becameapparent that the state general funddeficit would impact the state’s ability todeliver on the significant commitmentmade in the governor’s $2.3 billion LACounty Traffic Congestion ReliefProgram adopted in 2000. Statewide, theprogram had been expected to generate$9.4 billion in transit project fundsthrough 2009.

“We were way out in front ofeverybody else on this issue byresponding quickly,” says MTA RegionalProgramming Director David Yale.

We acted faster than any other agency in the state.”

The nine members of the CTC are appointed by the governor andauthorized by the state Legislature tomanage state transportation funds andset the general approach to regionaltransportation improvements.

During healthier financialconditions, MTA normally would haveexpected to receive $500 million infunding from the state over an 18-monthperiod but now will receive $150 millionthrough July 2004, impacting more than100 significant projects, includingfreeway carpool lanes and traffic signalsynchronization, now placed on hold.

“We are grateful for the action takenby the CTC,” says Snoble. “These arevital transportation projects for theregion in reducing traffic congestion and relieving overcrowding on our buses,however, the battle to rescue as manyprojects as possible has just begun. We will go the extra mile.”

STIP AMENDMENT/ASSEMBLY BILL 3090

Project Requested Funds Total Project Cost

Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension* $191 million $913 millionSFV Valley Metro Rapidway** $98 million $330 millionLow-emission buses $28 million $126 millionLight rail cars*** $15 million $114 millionTotal: $332 million $1.483 billion

* The 6-mile extension to the Eastside of the Metro Gold Line is expected to open in 2009.

** The 14-mile Rapidway, expected to open in 2005, is being built on a former rail right-of-way in the San Fernando Valley between the North Hollywood Metro Rail Station and Warner Center, and will feature 60-foot articulated buses with 50% more seats than regular Metro Buses.

*** Purchased to accommodate increasing ridership on the Metro Gold Line.

State Capitol in Sacramento served asbackdrop for innovative funding agreementreached between MTA and CTC.

Lift-offBIG METRO GOLD LINE TURNOUTMAKES LAUNCH BIG SUCCESS

It’s as good as gold, and nearly160,000 people discovered whyduring the opening weekend of LA County’s newest light rail

system, the 13.7-mile Metro Gold Line.

The line runs along the formerAtchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroadrights-of-way between downtown LosAngeles Union Station and Sierra MadreVilla in East Pasadena, making stops insuch communities equally rich in historyand popular attractions as Chinatown,Cypress Park, Mount Washington,Highland Park, Lincoln Heights and Old Pasadena.

Many thought it was well worth thewait to experience the alternative toidling on gridlocked freeways. In the firstyear alone, the Metro Gold Line willeliminate three million car trips.

“Hopefully, the success of this newlight rail line will send a message to theright people that public wants rail andwill use it. I think it’s a good thing,” saysPasadena resident Elizabeth Miles.

First day guests came fromthroughout LA County.

“It’s great! We have been waiting forthe Gold Line for years,” says San Juan

Capistrano resident Linus Tauro. “Weplan on riding it on the weekends to godining in Pasadena and the museums.”

“Excellent!” exclaimed Irvine’s JamesBorkman. “It’s a great opportunity forpeople to see downtown in Pasadena andLos Angeles instead of sitting on the 110Freeway. “It’s an excellent alternative.”

Passengers were greeted at stationsby an army of nearly 400 MTAvolunteers who pointed them in the

direction of eclectic entertainment,community festivals, exhibits, food andrefreshments.

There was something for everyoneincluding a cross section of music fromjazz and rock ’n’ roll to mariachis andgospel, cultural dancers, puppet shows,pony rides, a petting zoo, mini-trainrides, LA Dodgers batting cages, clowns, face painting, art displays, andmuch more.

“Rain or shine, commuters usingthe Metro Gold Line can expect to getfrom East Pasadena to downtown LosAngeles, and vice versa, in approximately36 minutes without the traffic hassles ofthe Pasadena and 210 freeways,” saysCEO Roger Snoble.

Metro Rail and the growing MetroBus system are both vital elements of astill evolving multimodal transportationsystem.

10

By Cean Collier

Scores of passengers awaiting next train was a typicalsight during grand opening weekend of Metro Gold Line.

This is the next step in expanding the system so that it

can handle greater numbers of people and offer

faster and safer service.

“” -Roger Snoble, CEO

“The Metro Gold Line is a piece of a puzzle – a piece of a system that’sbeing developed to move peoplethroughout the county,” says MTADeputy CEO John Catoe. “It’s taken a lot of work by many people.”

In 2009, the six-mile Metro GoldLine Eastside Extension is planned toprovide service between Union Stationand East Los Angeles.

11

GoingForTheGoldNEW HISTORY IS MADEAT HISTORIC DEPOT

Gathered in a room the size of a football field where ageneration once purchasedtickets for transcontinental

train rides, symbolic of the heyday of railtravel, nearly 500 invited guests came todedicate the first new light rail system ofthe 21st century, the Metro Gold Line.

In a former Union Station ticketroom which still contains original circa1939 wooden ricket counters, below athree-story Metro Gold Line banner satlocal, state and federal officials who gavea series of speeches, before filing towitness public transit history.

Minutes later, a new chapter in LACounty rail history was written when awhite-and-orange Metro Gold Line traindescended an aerial guideway andemerged through gold smoke to breakthrough a paper banner stretched acrossthe track.

The entourage, which included MTABoard members and the media, thenboarded the train for a victory lap to theMemorial Park Metro Rail Station but not

before being greeted by six Olympic Gold Medal winners, symbols of Americanachievement.

The state of California providedmore than 50% of the funding for theproject with the balance originating fromthe local transit sales tax.

“I am so proud to see the level ofinnovation that’s taking place in thisregion,” said Maria Contreras-Sweet,California secretary of Business,Transportation and Housing.

“The state has partnered with thelocal region to make sure we haveconnectivity, so that children can get outof their homes, walk to a local bus stationthat connects to rail that connects to anairport that connects to the world, andthat should be the goal of anytransportation system.”

A beaming Leslie Rogers, regional administrator, Federal TransitAdministration, surmised that the Metro Gold Line is a “continuation of a countywide, systemwide inter-

modal network.”

“As stewards oftaxpayers’ dollars thisis a project we can allbe rightfully proud of,”said Rogers, pausingon his way to theUnion Stationplatform. “We fullyunderstand the densityin that corridor andclearly this will serve to alleviate trafficcongestion.”

CEO Roger Snoble (third from left) and Deputy CEO John Catoe (secondfrom right) hosted Olympic Gold Medalists (L-R) Bruce Furniss, DannyEverett, John Naber, Inger Miller and Bob Seagren.Not pictured is Jeanette Bolden.

The Metro Gold Line was dedicated in UnionStation one day before the official opening.

Vivace Conservatory for Performing Arts studentsfilled former ticket room with song.

12

GoldLineOpeningM

Vivace Conservatory for Performing Arts students attended dedication ceremony.

Keynote speaker Secretary of Business,Transportation and Housing ServicesMaria Contreras-Sweet.

CEO Roger Snoble with Gold Girl Scout Troop duringthe Gold Line grand opening reception.

"The train gives us the opportunity to enjoythe many attractions in downtown,” saysPatrica Dietrich, with husband Earl.

13

oments

Conjunto Tencelomeh performed at Heritage Square/Arroyo Metro Rail Station.

Metro Rapid buses delivered many of the people who rode Gold Line trains.

The crowds enjoyed the food, fun and festivities offered at Chinatown Metro Rail Station.

Hundreds of beaming MTA volunteers helpedcelebrating riders find their way.

GoEastMETRO GOLD LINE EASTSIDE EXTENSIONGROUNDBREAKING ON THE HORIZON

Pending approval of federalfunding, construction will beginby next summer on the MetroGold Line Eastside Extension,

which will feature eight new light railstations between Union Station indowntown Los Angeles and East LosAngeles, and a 1.8-mile undergroundtunnel portion.

At Union Station, the line will cross over a 101 Freeway bridge to beconstructed, and continue to AtlanticBoulevard along 1st, Indiana and 3rd streets.

Other communities served by thelight rail line will include the Little TokyoArts District, Boyle Heights (site of thetunnel) and East Los Angeles.

Ridership on the entire Metro GoldLine, including the 13.7 mile LA-Pasadena segment which opened in July,is projected to approach 62,000 dailyboarding passengers by 2020, practicallyrivaling current ridership on the 22-mileMetro Blue Line, one of the mostsuccessful light rail lines in the nation,traveling between downtown Los Angelesand Long Beach.

Many Eastside residents are frequentusers of public transit. The Eastside isone of the most densely-populated areas of LA County.

“The Metro Gold Line EastsideExtension will basically open doors forpeople from the rest of LA County tocome to the Eastside, and residents from the Eastside will have access by rail and bus to other parts of the county,”says MTA Planning Director DiegoCardoso. “The Eastside extension hasbeen planned and designed as atransportation system that will supportcommunity revitalization.

“During the construction phase, the local economy can expect to bestimulated by the creation of at leasthundreds of construction-related jobs.”

Santa Cecilia restaurant owner Armando Salazar (middle) received progress report on Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension from MTA planning managers Henry Gonzales (left) andRay Sosa at the future home of the Boyle Heights/Mariachi Plaza Metro Rail Station at 1stStreet and Boyle Avenue.

Pictured in background is the Mexican kiosk/plaza where Mariachi musicians regularly perform. Mariachis can be contacted about playing at parties, weddings, and at Salazar’srestaurant (shown at right).

14

A full-funding agreement betweenthe Federal Transit Administration andMTA for the extension, projected to openin 2009, is expected to be announced inthe near future.

MTA has unveiled a new plan for reducingcongestion, tackling traffichot spots and improving

the quality of life during the next sixyears in LA County.

Despite a serious state fundingshortfall, the 2003 Short-RangeTransportation Plan succeeds in layingout a strategy for keeping most of LACounty’s transportation priorities moving forward.

In order to meet the mobility needsof a rapidly growing county, the planidentifies priority projects to improve theMetro Bus and Metro Rail systems aswell as to reduce congestion on streetsand freeways.

The plan includes completing suchprojects as the Metro Gold Line EastsideExtension and the construction of theSan Fernando Valley Metro Rapidway.

MTA also plans to establish 22 newMetro Rapid lines throughout the region— beyond the six already open — add200 high-capacity 60-foot articulatedbuses that seat 50% more passengersthan standard coaches, develop 70 miles of additional carpool lanes andimplement numerous rideshare, jointdevelopment and other local initiatives.

The plan also calls for improvingMetrolink service, which MTA subsidizesbut does not operate, and encouragingalternatives to driving alone.

The plan also begins the dialogue inexploring new funding sources that couldfill the gap in state funding and pay forother urgently needed priorities.

One of the most important aspects of the plan is the underlying theme ofcommunicating the area’s needs toSacramento and Washington, D.C., withone voice through consensus-buildingforums like the Mobility 21 Coalition.

“Keeping LA County moving is acomplex puzzle,” says CEO Roger Snoble.“There are thousands of individual pieceslike carpool lanes, local streets, transitbuses and rail lines that must be unitedto form a system that enables us to moveseamlessly throughout the county. Thechallenge is to put the pieces together —to apply the right transportation solutionto the right problem.”

“When it comes to congestion in our county, we’re all in the same boat,”continued Snoble. “As a result, it’simportant for cities, the businesscommunity and the public to worktogether and support a common mobilityvision.” The plan will be updated

What The Plan Accomplishes:

■ Accommodates one million more residents by 2009 and keeps LA County moving

■ 31% increase in transit ridership

■ 50% decrease in air pollution from the transportation system

■ Nearly 100,000 full time jobs will be created

■ $10 billion added to local economy

RoadMapTheRightPathSHORT-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANPOINTS IN MANY DIRECTIONS

annually as MTA continues to refine thevision for addressing LA County’smobility needs.

Over the next six years, the plan willcreate almost 100,000 jobs and generateover $10 billion for the local economy aswell as ensure the region meets cleanair standards.

15

16

EVOLVING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMIS MORE RECOGNIZABLE AND USEFUL

MTA has built and iscontinuing to expand anetwork of sophisticatedinterdependent and

beneficial transportation systems thatincreasingly make it possible for peopleto leave their cars at home, use publictransit and rideshare.

The improving inter-connectednetwork consists of many components,including state-of-the-art busways, the73.1-mile Metro Rail and 512-mile inter-regional Metrolink train system as well as hundreds of freeway carpoollane miles.

The network has matured greatlyover the past 10 years. In 1990, theMetro Blue Line had just opened and was the only available rail service in LACounty. Today, the Metro Blue Line iscomplemented by the Metro Red, Greenand Gold lines in addition to the entireMetrolink system.

Over the next six years, as out-lined in the Agency’s Short-RangeTransportation Plan, other importantprojects will be completed and furtherimprove the system’s connectivity, service and travel options.

“When you look back over the last 10 years, you realize how much ourtransportation system has changed,” says MTA Executive Officer Jim de laLoza, Countywide Planning andDevelopment. “Over the next severalyears, we will continue to develop ourrail, Metro Rapid and carpool systems,providing the public with even morechoices and making traveling easier.”

A multi-layered Metro Network Map(see next page), soon to appear on MTA’swebsite as an interactive feature, clearly

illustrates the linking of various networkelements. The map will be updated whenfunding is approved for new projects.

“This is a comprehensive picture of what MTA is providing,” says MTA Chief Communications Officer Matt Raymond. “It is designed to showthe infrastructure that we have in place to serve the public and what we will bedoing in the near future.”

METRO GOLD LINE

Plans are underway to beginconstruction in 2004 on expanding thehighly successful Metro Gold Line sixmiles to East Los Angeles from UnionStation. Scheduled to open in 2009, theextension will include eight new stations(two underground) and be able to carrymore than 20,000 people daily. MTA willalso contribute funding for preliminaryengineering to extend the Metro GoldLine from Pasadena to Claremont.

EXPO LINE

Planning for a new light rail linetraveling between Culver City and Los Angeles has begun. The MTA Board’s vision and intent is to eventually complete the light rail line to Santa Monica.

METRO RAPIDWAY

The San Fernando Valley MetroRapidway is a 14-mile landscaped buswayconnecting the North Hollywood MetroRail Station and Warner Center. Whatmakes it so unique is that it’s actually an old railroad line being converted to a bus-only road for safe, rapid service. TheRapidway is currently under constructionand is expected to open in 2005.

METRO RAPID

By 2008, an additional 22 newMetro Rapid lines will open, resulting in over 450 miles of service in 34 citiesand 11 unincorporated areas.

METRO TRANSITWAY

To help alleviate congestion along portions of Wilshire and Crenshaw boulevards, and along thenorth/south San Fernando Valleycorridor, additional bus-only laneprojects are being studied. Initialimprovements will be implemented by 2006 with transitway completionscheduled for after 2009.

METROLINK

Commuters will benefit from trainsand platform extensions that will alloweach Metrolink train to expand from sixto eight cars.

CARPOOL LANE SYSTEM

MTA plans to add 70 lane miles ofcarpool lanes by 2009 resulting in thecompletion of 517 miles of an eventual586-mile carpool lane system.

FREIGHT MOVEMENTPROGRAM

Over the next several years, MTAwill develop a strategic plan foraddressing future goods movementgrowth. By working with its stakeholderpartners, the freight strategic plan willidentify anticipated growth in freightthroughout the county, as well asstrategies and programs for addressingthese needs.

ClearChoices

LAX

LONG BEACH

BURBANK AIRPORT

SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS

SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS

605

605

605

210

210

210

210

710

91

90

1

1

1

1

60

110

134

170

105

405

405

405

405

14

14

118

101

10

10

110

5

5

5

5

101

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

LANCASTER

SANTA CLARITA

PASADENA

ORANGE COUNTY

LONG BEACH

REDONDO BEACH

EAST LOS ANGELES

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

NORWALK

SANTA MONICA

Metro Network

Metro Rapid(Planned expansion)

Freight Movement

Transitway(Planned expansion)

Metro Rapidway(Under Construction)

Carpool LaneCarpool Lane(Planned expansion)

MetrolinkTransitway

Study Corridor(Areas under consideration)

Metro Rapid

Metro Rail(Planned expansion)

Metro Rail

17

Existing, under-construction and planned Metro Rapid, Metro Rapidway and rail lines highlight this six-year map which depicts a growing inter-connectedLA County public transportation infrastructure that increasingly encourages peopleto use public transit or rideshare.

18

GamePlanMTA’S TOP PLANNER CHALLENGED BY QUESTTO FIND BALANCED TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS

Appointed as executive officer for Countywide Planning and Development in May 1996, James de la Loza is responsible for all multimodal transportationplanning and funding programming. This includes planning publictransportation, the highway/carpool program, urban rail expansion, arterial

street and signal synchronization, joint development and the programming of $3 billion infederal, state and local funds. De la Loza has served on many advisory boards includingUCLA’s Lewis Center For Regional Policy, the University of Southern California’sArchitectural Guild and the 1010 Development/Housing Corp. He is currently participatingin an international program that assists developing countries in implementing Bus RapidTransit programs in coordination with the World Resource Council. In May of 2000, he wasalso one of the delegates from Los Angeles to accompany former Federal TransitAdministration Administrator Gordon Linton to Curitiba, Brazil to study an innovativeand efficient bus system that became the basis for MTA’s successful Metro Rapid program.He has 20 years of experience in both private and public sectors and holds a master’s degreein architecture and urban planning from UCLA.

Why did you decide to enter this field?

A My first job after graduate schoolwas working for Sedway/Cooke, a planningand urban design firm in San Francisco.They were part of the consultant teamworking on the Metro Red Line project herein Los Angeles. This experience was a verygood one for me professionally. For thefirst time I was able to see the relationshipbetween transportation infrastructure andcity building. Ever since then it has beenvery difficult for me to separatetransportation choices from our land-useand urban environment objectives.

With state and federal monies fortransit more limited than ever, will MTA havethe resources to carry out its short and long-range plans? If not, what are the options?

A I think one of the most importantthings that we have to do in these financialtimes is not panic. We do have a significantchallenge with impacts from the state'sfinancial situation. At the same time, MTA

On the most basic level, what does aperson in your position do?

A I manage a team of very talentedprofessionals who recommend a series ofprojects and programs that help improveour mobility.

What would you say is the mostinteresting and challenging aspect of your job?

A The most challenging certainly iscoming up with solutions to fairly complex problems that involve residents,commuters, elected officials andcommunity groups. Usually what we endup doing is listening very closely and trying to balance the need to providemobility solutions for the region’s benefitwith very legitimate impacts that someprojects may have on people that happen to live near them.

still generates 70% of its funds locally. So we still have a significant program. Weneed to keep our top priority programs andservices moving forward. Second, we need to minimize the delays to the rest of ourprogram. Lastly, we have to be ready forwhen the economy turns around, and it will turn around.

It’s cheaper to expand the bus systemthan build a new rail project or highways, sowhy not get more bang for the buck and focusmore on Metro Rapid and other busimprovements?

A We have a complex transportationsystem here in Los Angeles. No onetransportation solution can meet all ourneeds. What Los Angeles County needs is to develop a multimodal system that selectsthe most cost-effective solutions to fit theneed. What we should not do is be distractedby the arguments that focus on whether aneeded solution runs on steel wheels orrubber wheels. Both bus and rail solutions are important andcomplementary elements of ourcountywide mobility strategy.

Even if MTA hassufficient resources, communityopposition to new freeways, busways and rail lines make itdifficult to go forward with thesecapital projects. What other optionsare available to ease traffic today and in the future?

A We believe very strongly inincluding community and stakeholdergroups early in the planning stages of aproject. There are always a number ofalternatives that we can consider. Theobjective has to be to balance the regionalmobility needs with the concerns thatgroups may have. In most cases, theseconcerns are legitimate and can beaddressed through improvedcommunication or the selection ofalternatives that have lesser impacts.

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

recently, there is an affordable housingdevelopment at the Hollywood/ WesternMetro Rail station, negotiations havesuccessfully been finalized for Hollywood/Vine and are underway for Wilshire/ Vermontand Wilshire/Western. These developmentswill include a hotel, affordable and market-rate housing, luxury condominiums, retailand a public middle school.

What is MTA doing to partner with the private sector to help improve mobility in LA County?

A I think that Roger Snoble has beensuccessful in bringing the private sector in as partners in trying to achieve our mobilitygoals. I think these are goals that thebusiness community certainly sees as beingimportant to the economic health andlivability of our county. Mobility 21 is one keyexample where we're beginning to developshared objectives and then lobby for them with the intent of bringing moremobility and more transportation dollars toLos Angeles County.

What is MTA doing to pioneer newtransportation technology?

A We have a program that we call theIntelligent Transportation System. Thisprogram will establish a computer networkthat will allow our transportation partners to communicate and coordinate the freeways, arterial signals and managementtransportation system for the whole county.

The Intelligent Transportation System is a network of technologies that range fromsignal synchronization systems, cameras andvehicle sensors that are out on the street andfreeways. They provide us with valuableinformation on how traffic is moving, and the ability to coordinate signals both on thearterial streets as well as to coordinate rampmetering and information to motorists onfreeways. It is going to allow us to optimizeall these investments and programs so thattraffic moves more freely.

Is Los Angeles doomed for future gridlock?

A No. Any city that has the kind ofdensities that we have here in Los Angeles is going to have a challenge with mobility. Keep in mind, the greater Los AngelesMetropolitan area is the second most dense in all the United States. We are a very denseurban area so we have a lot of challenges onmobility. We are not doomed. We can manageour transportation system but it will take

Truck traffic is increasing exponentially.What is MTA planning to do to handle the truck traffic?

A I think you're going to see the MTAplay a larger role in the movement of goods,both in trucks and on the rail system.Together, Los Angeles and Long Beach portsare the third busiest ports in the world. Weexpect to see dramatic growth in the future.We have been requested by the MTA Board to develop a Freight Strategic Action Plan toanalyze the impact of the growth of the portson the transportation system. We are going to have to be creative in developing solutionsand ways to fund them.

What's on the horizon in terms of jointdevelopment around Metro Rail stations?

A We are currently experiencing a lot of activity in terms of joint development. I think we have one of the most active, if not

the most active, jointdevelopmentprograms in thecountry. The first

major project inrecent times was the Hollywood andHighland projectthat opened in2000. More

more than widening of freeways andadding more transit. We will have to put in place incentives for people to taketransit, carpool and reduce trips duringpeak hours. Also, encouraging programs like telecommuting and other innovativestrategies help reduce the demand side of the equation by reducing the number of trips that we have to accommodate on the system.

Cities such as Portland are dealing with their traffic issues in creative ways. Can we learn from them? Cite someexamples, values, policies, etc.

A I think that there are a number of cities we can learn from and I think that we've been very good at looking atwhat other places have done so we canimplement successful strategies here inLos Angeles. We have very successfullyimplemented the Rapid Bus concept firstintroduced in Curritiba, Brazil. Our highly popular and successful Metro Rapid program continues to grow and is a model looked to by other transitoperators across the nation and around the world. Additionally, the concept of thecoordination of land use and transportationinvestments is very important. The closerpeople live to where they work, the less the impact on our system. Much of this in-filling is beginning to happen in our county and we need to encourage this trend.

How do you define in-filling?

A In downtown, for example, theinfilling would be taking a number ofsurface parking lots and building housing or office buildings there with parkingunderneath. So, you’ll be getting denser.

What would you say are some of thebiggest highlights of your MTA career?

A The highlights, I think, have been quite a few. I think working on theLA– Pasadena Metro Gold Line wascertainly one of them. Also Metro Rapidand the current transit projects that areunder construction, Eastside light rail and Valley east-west projects are definite highlights.

Jim de la Loza updates MTA Board members on

status of projects.

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

Q

19

IngenuityNEXT MOBILITY 21 SUMMITEXPLORES CREATIVE SOLUTIONS

Presented by MTA and the LAArea Chamber of Commerce, inpartnership with the AutomobileClub of Southern California, the

all-day second annual Mobility 21: LACounty Moving Together summit willtake place Monday, November 17 at theWestin Bonaventure Hotel in downtownLos Angeles from 8 am to 5 pm and willfocus on the nitty-gritty of improving thetransportation infrastructure.

This year’s summit goals transcendlast year’s objectives of bringing keymovers and shakers together under oneroof to speak with one voice.

“We’re going to focus more on thevisionary future for LA Countytransportation,” says CEO Roger Snoble.“What are the real innovative things wecan do to make a difference?”

The possibility of raising revenuethrough a local gas tax, increasing thelocal transportation sales tax by anotherquarter cent and assessing developers

traffic impact fees throughout LA Countyare among the many strategies that willbe explored.

In its first major test, the broad-based coalition formed during last year’ssummit successfully lobbied theCalifornia Transportation Commission to fund high-priority projects such as theSan Fernando Valley Metro Rapidway, the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension,purchase of 200 high-capacity 60-footarticulated buses and 50 light rail cars.The effort followed the revelation that thestate faced a historic funding crisis.

In addition to the creation of thecoalition, which makes frequent lobbyingtrips to Sacramento and Washington,D.C., and passage of a 75-resolutionaction plan, a who’s who among local,state and federal legislators on hand atlast year’s summit made it an unqualifiedsuccess.

For additional information regardingthe fall summit, call 213.580.7565.

MOBILITY 21COALITIONACHIEVEMMENTS

◆ Traveled to Sacramento in June as part of the LA Area Chamber’s annual advocacy trip.

◆ Focused on the preservation of Prop. 42, dedicated to gasoline sales tax revenues for transportation improvements.

◆ Supported the state Assembly budget committee’s version of transportation budget.

◆ Adopted two resolutions on the California state budget during 2003-04 legislative session.

◆ Supported efforts to balance the state budget with minimal effects on transportation resources.

◆ Supported efforts to provide increased revenues to transportation.

◆ Explored additional statewide revenues that may offset any reduction in transportation funding.

◆ Adopted a resolution supporting the reduction of the voter threshold for passage of local transportation sales taxes.

◆ Adopted a resolution supporting an amendment to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

◆ Traveled to Washington, D.C., in April to focus on TEA-21 reauthorization and FY 2004 transportation appropriations.

◆ Adopted a resolution supporting the state of California and LA County’s TEA-21 reauhtorization principles and projects.

◆ Adopted a resolution supporting the reauthorization of Air-21 to provide aviation infrastructure funds.

◆ Adopted a resolution supporting legislative actions to reimburse airports for federally mandated homeland security expenses.

◆ Adopted a resolution supporting legislation requiring the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop and implement a review process for airport capacity projects at congested airports.

FEDERAL ACTIVITIES

STATE ACTIVITIES

More than 450 people including local, state and federal elected officials and business, labor andcommunity leaders attended last year’s summit.

20

MelodiousSINGER, MTA URGE ANGELENOS TO HELP ‘CLEAN UP LA’

Singer Eileen Dorn decided tohelp MTA clean up LA afternearly making a clean breakfrom a 24-year show business

career, albeit temporary, becauseparenting required top bill.

The lead singer of the four-memberalternative pop band Dog Party, also aregular volunteer at Temescal Canyoncleanups and a member of the SierraClub, was chosen by MTA to record thefolksy “Clean Up LA,” a new publicoutreach campaign with the same title.

Radio ads and posters ask everyone to take personal responsibilityfor ensuring that public facilities remainclean and graffiti-free for the enjoymentof all. The campaign is part of a broaderMTA effort to work aggressively to deter graffiti on all of its trains, busesand facilities.

Written in only 20 minutes, thecatchy tune, “skewed to a younger

audience but not overly rock ’n’ roll,”could potentially lead to bigger andbetter gigs for Dorn and the band;however, as she tells it, the primaryreason for becoming involvedtranscended fame and fortune.

“I live here. I am raising afamily and want my city to lookfabulous and not like a trashbin,” says Dorn, who lives in LosAngeles with lawyer husbandMichael Wallenstein, and threechildren including a one-year old.

“It was something we could allsupport,” says Dorn, whose voice hasbeen compared to Natalie Merchant andAlanis Morissette.“It was a unique andchallenging experience that not verymany bands get to do. I would describethe tune as poppy with a message. We’rereally happy with what we did.”

MTA “Clean Up LA” ads appear on more than 300 trashreceptacles at beaches in Playa del Rey, Venice, Marina del Rey, Hermosa Beach,Manhattan Beach andRedondo Beach.

MTA is also doing its part to clean up LA viaits Metro Clean Program.In operation since 1995,the program works everyday to help keep MetroBus facilities andsurrounding areas cleanfor the region’s publictransit customers.

The Clean Up LAand Metro Cleanprograms provide

MTA the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the communities it serves.

For more information on MTA or its Metro Bus and Metro Rail services,call 1.800.COMMUTE or visit MTA’sweb site at metro.net. To contact Dorn,visit the group’s website at dogparty.com

21

MTA Metro Clean Program community service workers sweep upnewspapers strewn about on Los Angeles street.

“Clean, clean up LAIt is our homeIt’s where we playIt’s all our paradise

So do your share to keep it looking nice Clean up the mountainsClean up the cityDo your fair share to it keep it all pretty

So clean, clean up LAIt is our homeIt’s where everyone comes to playIt’s all our paradise

So do your share to keep it looking niceClean up LA”

– Eileen Dorn, Dog Party

Singer Eileen Dorn, accompanied by guitarist Steve

Gregory, serenade passers-by in Westwood.

22

FlexibleCAR SHARING IS NEWOPTION AT METRO GOLD LINE STATIONS

MTA and Flexcar, the nation’s largest and oldestprovider of car sharingprograms, have entered

into a broad partnership under whichhourly car service is available from MTAheadquarters in downtown Los Angelesand selected Metro Gold Line stations.

Flexcar availability at the workplaceappeals to people who have beenreluctant to share a ride or use publictransit because there may arise a need to use a car during the work day.

Car sharing programs provide thefreedom and mobility of using a car onan as-needed basis during the daywithout the hassle or expense of drivinga car to work. Members pay an hourlyrate, which covers the cost of gasoline,insurance, maintenance and the car.

This program, offered through the MTA/Flexcar partnership, provides 24-hour access to new Honda Civics for public transit users, participants invanpools and others who sign up, in casethey need a vehicle during workdays torun errands, leave for appointments orattend to an emergency. By offering asolution to the “what if I need my car”syndrome, a car sharing program canalso become the cornerstone of employertrip reduction programs.

During a special ceremony to markthe association, MTA and Flexcar officialsdemonstrated the ease of connectingfrom mass transit to private vehicles.

“This partnership is a new approachto solve two vexing problems — smogand gridlock,” says Neil Peterson,Flexcar’s founder and chairman andformer executive director of the the

CEO Roger Snoble and Flexcar founder Neil Peterson, former LACounty Transportation Commission executive director,demonstrate how wave of smart card opens Flexcar.

New Honda Civics, some hybrids powered by gas and electricity, make up Flexcar’s 24-car fleet in theGreater Los Angeles area.

LA County Transportation Commission,predecessor of MTA. “MTA and Flexcarnow offer a viable alternative to beingstuck in traffic during the commute.”

For more information, call MetroCommute Services at 213.922.2811 or1.800.COMMUTE.

Happenings

Beginning early next year, MTA will update its 1995 board-approved bicycle transportationplan as public demand for

paths, lanes and facilities grow.

The 16-month effort will establishpriorities for future MTA grant funding,link bikes to transit and identifysignificant bicycle transit corridors.

The Los Angeles Community Bicycle Coalition is working with MTA to conduct meetings and opinion surveys.

Mind your manners! MTAhas begun distributingsets of trading cardswhich teach youth who

have participated in MTA’s safetyoutreach programs and tours goodetiquette on Metro Bus and Metro Rail.

A variety of games, includingmatching up the cards like dominoesand separating the good behaviorsfrom the bad, can be played with thevibrant and colorful cards featuringoriginal characters such as “LoudCellphone Guy,” “The Blab Sisters,”“Booming Beats Boy” and "Little MissFeet on the Seat.”

The cards come in colorful foil-wrapped packs of five cards each andthere are 14 different cards to collect.

Metro Art, the MTA’s public artprogram, commissioned MeatCollective, a local group of artists, to create the cards.

More and more employeesare realizing the manyadvantages of MTA’srideshare programs and

the Employer Pass Program.

MTA GEARS UP FOR BICYCLE STUDY

TRADING CARDSTEACH KIDS PROPER TRANSITETIQUETTE

RIDESHARE PROGRAMSSIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE

23

Fourteen colorful and collectible trading cards,designed by the artists Meat Collective, promoteproper Metro manners.

MTA Senior Account Executive Al Rangel (right)makes MTA rideshare programs presentation toJohanson Dielectrics representatives Judy Oropezaand Oscar Molero.

Approximately 1,200 firms have signed up for Club Metro andRideshare Rewards within the last year.Membership in the rideshare programshas risen from 3,462 to 4,662 sites.

“Our account executive team makesemployers feel comfortable offering these programs to their employees. Thearray of rideshare options and incentiveprograms is expanding,” says MTA SalesManager Sarah Zadok.

MTA also has signed up 66employers who sell Metro passes toemployees and added 42 employers who sell Regional LA County EZ TransitPasses, which enable holders to rideMetro Bus and Metro Rail lines and the lines of 16 municipal operators for one price.

For more information about theseprograms, call 213.922.2811.

LA County,councils ofgovernment andbicycle advocacygroups will helpMTA develop anddirect the newplanning effort.

MTA Planning Manager Lynne Goldsmith is helping spearhead new bicycle plan.

StruckGold

Los Angeles County

Metropolitan

Transportation Authority

1.800.COMMUTEmetro.net

“It’s great! We have been waitingfor the Gold Line for years and Ithink it will be heavily used. Weplan on riding it on the weekendsto go dining in Pasadena and tothe museums.”

– Linus Tauro and son San Juan Capistrano residents

“It’s nice, I like it. I plan to ride thetrain on the weekends to take mydaughter to Chinatown to eat.”

– Lee Chang Alhambra resident

“We are really excited. It’s the first time we’vetaken our kids on a train and visited OlveraStreet. It’s a nice segue to the other parts oftown which we never traveled to by car andthat we can now experience.”

– Jill Ackinson with husband Chris and familyArcadia residents

“We love the idea of traveling aroundtown by train. This gives us the great opportunity to seedowntown and go shopping in Old Town Pasadena.”

– Richard and Sandra Rogers Venice Beach residents

“Hopefully, the success of this newlight rail line will send a messageto the right people that the publicwants rail and will use it. I thinkit’s a good thing.”

– Elizabeth Miles Pasadena resident

“I will use it to go shopping inPasadena. It’s a great way toexplore another city.”

– Benzel Goodwin Venice Beach resident

04.

017

9T

R