FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2011

Metrolink and USC Viterbi Partner for Rail Safety

Internationally recognized leaders in Systems Safety to create first-of-its-kind advanced safety program

Los Angeles –Today the Metrolink Board of Directors approved a partnership with the University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering to create and institute an advanced Rail System Safety Certification Program. The program will be an industry first and will pioneer efforts to standardize system safety leadership principles.

"Today's decision marks an important day for Metrolink, our Board and for the railroading industry," said Metrolink Board Chairman Richard Katz. "This partnership and its outcome will raise the bar on system safety training as Metrolink continues to set the standard for rail safety."

"The partnership between the Viterbi Continuing Education program and Metrolink will contribute greatly to the advancement of rail transportation safety. The Viterbi School has been the leading provider of aviation safety education over the past decades," said USC Viterbi Dean Yannis C. Yortsos. "We are thrilled that Metrolink has recognized that the same degree of excellence will be applied in our partnership for rail safety."

USC is internationally recognized as the leader in system safety development, dating back to its industry-changing aviation safety curriculum first developed for the U.S. Air Force back in 1952. That effort began over six decades ago and led to a comprehensive aviation safety culture that we all benefit from every time we travel by air today.

"The importance of this program cannot be understated," said Metrolink CEO John Fenton. "This training, initially designed for Metrolink managers and supervisors, is an integral part of the development of a total safety culture where every employee understands what drives safety performance, and how to lead people in the consistent application of standard principles to achieve world-class safety. This is an investment in safety and Metrolink people."

Railroad companies each have their own individual safety programs that focus on rules and procedures. There is no consistent system safety certification program in the railroad industry. Technological advances over the next few years - as in the federal mandate for positive train control – will create even higher levels of human technology interface, which is why it is critical that a standardized system safety curriculum be created.

The Rail System Safety Certification Program is being developed by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Office of Master's and Professional Programs in collaboration with Metrolink. The program will include such areas as Human Factors, Safety Management Systems, Risk Identification and a number of topics relevant to establishing an improved safety culture.

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF MASTER'S AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS (MAPP)

Through the Professional Programs, MAPP provides individuals and companies the opportunity to experience the world-class continuing education offered by USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Professional Programs offers seminars, certificate programs, custom and short courses for non-degree seeking professionals. Participants have the flexibility to choose from programs held on USC's campus or at a distance.

ABOUT THE USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Engineering Studies began at the University of Southern California in 1905. The Viterbi School of Engineering received its name not quite a century later with a 2004 gift from alumnus Andrew J. Viterbi, inventor of the Viterbi algorithm now key to cell phone technology, and other data applications. Consistently ranked among the top 10 graduate programs in the world, the school enrolls approximately 1,800 undergraduate students and 4,000 graduate students, taught by 168 tenured and tenure-track faculty, with 52 endowed chairs and professorships. For more information, please visit http://viterbi.usc.edu

ABOUT METROLINK

Metrolink is Southern California's regional commuter rail service in its 19th year of operations. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, governs the service. Metrolink operates over seven routes through a six-county, 512 route-mile network.

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