Will engage new voices and provide a convenient means
to weigh-in on public debate

Today, Metrolink launched a new tool that will encourage involvement and enhance public participation from a broader audience. Prior to a public hearing before a regularly scheduled meeting of the agency’s Board of Directors, members of the public can review materials and provide comments on the topic of the hearing online instantly. Metrolink launched the new e-Comment technology in conjunction with their new searchable public Board meeting agenda archive.

The public can visit Metrolink’s website (metrolinktrains.com) to find the agenda for an upcoming Board meeting or other publicly noticed event such as a public hearing and click on the e-Comment link (when available) next to the posted agenda or document. An on-line form will display where comments can be made in detail on particular line items. This tool provides a convenient alternative to email, fax or in-person testimony while allowing the public voice to be heard.

“The e-Comment feature is convenient and easy," said CEO Eric Haley. "In-person comments given during meetings are an important way to deliver feedback, but customer comments, concerns and ideas are best served in advance with plenty of time for due consideration."

“e-Comment will also benefit administrative staff, allowing them to electronically compile, track, and manage responses prior to a meeting and give Board members a clear picture of how the public feels about particular items,” said Metrolink Manager of Media and External Communications Francisco Oaxaca. In addition, the e-Comment reporting feature will streamline the process of how comments are presented to the Board reducing paper waste. “The e-Comment tool supports the agency’s goals for environmental responsibility while enhancing transparency by allowing our Board direct and immediate online access to public comments,” added Oaxaca.

An additional feature includes an option to sign up for RSS feeds for future postings ande-Comment sessions. Granicus, a San Francisco-based company specializing in government transparency and citizen participation technology is providing the tools for this technology.

About Metrolink

Metrolink is Southern California’s regional commuter rail service in its 17^th year of operations. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority, 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. The agency currently contracts with Connex Railroad, LLC for the personnel that operate, supervise and manage Metrolink commuter rails service. Metrolink operates over seven routes through a six-county, 512 route-mile network.

About Granicus

Granicus, Inc. is the leading provider of government solutions for improving transparency, citizen participation, and community awareness over the Web. Granicus hosts the world’s largest government-exclusive webcasting network, streaming an average of 200,000 government webcasts on a daily basis. Granicus serves over 600 clients spanning all 50 states and into Canada.