Metrolink CEO Brief – July 19, 2019
New Texting Feature Allows Riders to ReportNon-Emergency Safety and Security Concerns
Metrolink recently introduced a new feature for riders to report non-emergency safety and security concerns by adding the ability to text the Security Operations Center.
Riders can text concerns they see on the train, on platforms or in parking lots 24 hours a day, seven days a week to (866) 640-5190.
The new texting feature will help Metrolink achieve its goal of being the safest rail operator in the country. During emergencies, riders should still dial 911.
This is a request initiated at the Board level to ensure riders have a secure way to communicate.
Metrolink Receives $20,000 Grant for Rail Safety from Operation LifeSaver
Operation Lifesaver Inc. awarded $20,000 in grant funds to Metrolink to increase public awareness of rail safety. Metrolink was one of ten rail transit agencies nationwide to receive the grant funds for 2019. Metrolink is adding $80,000 this fiscal year to the grant fund for a total safety campaign commitment of $100,000.
Los Angeles County is the number one county in the U.S. with the most trespasser fatalities with Riverside and San Bernardino also ranked in the top 10.
Metrolink will implement a media awareness campaign as part of an ongoing commitment to provide education about rail safety to reduce the number of trespassing incidents along rights-of-way and at grade crossings. The targeted, awareness-based media campaign will help inform the public of the need for safety and precaution when walking, driving, using scooters or in any other way being around the train system. The campaign will begin in August with a special emphasis starting September 1 to coincide with Rail Safety Month. The media campaign will consist of geo-targeting display advertising and both English and Spanish radio commercials targeted at male audiences ages 18-39. The campaign will reach all our member agency counties.
WTS-OC Hosts Monthly Luncheon with Metrolink as Guest Speaker
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Women’s Transportation Seminar Orange County chapter’s (WTS-OC) monthly luncheon.
I had the opportunity to speak to the members of the chapter who are professionals in the transportation industry about my experience and how Metrolink is advancing the way rail transportation is used in Orange County and its importance.
WTS is an international organization that is dedicated to building the future of transportation through the advancement of women. The Orange County chapter has more than 5,000 members including men and women and provides career advancement opportunities with its professional programs, networking events and access to industry and government leaders. Part of the WTS goal is to foster the development of women in transportation by encouraging new professionals to pursue a career in transportation.
Metrolink Attends Redlands Passenger Rail Project Groundbreaking
Today, I had the opportunity to join San Bernardino County Transportation Authority President and City of Grand Terrace Mayor Darcy McNaboe, U.S. Representative Pete Aguilar, San Bernardino Mayor John Valdivia, Redlands Mayor Pete Foster and California State Transportation Agency Undersecretary Elissa Konove at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Redlands Passenger Rail Project, scheduled to open in 2021.
The Redlands Passenger Rail Project, also known as Arrow, will add a 9-mile rail connection between the University of Redlands and the San Bernardino Transit Center, connecting to our San Bernardino Line.
When completed, the project will host the Arrow commuter line, featuring specially designed low-emission passenger trains that ultimately can be converted to zero-emission vehicles. The zero-emission units would be the first of their kind in North America. The track will also allow Metrolink trains to operate all the way to and from Redlands.
Congratulations to SBCTA and Omnitrans on reaching this milestone. We look forward to the opening of this project to help connect more Southern Californians than ever.
Doing Business with Metrolink: Procurement Update
We currently are accepting proposals for PO793-20 - Locomotive Oils and Lubricants, due July 23 and C3144-20 - Central Maintenance Facility Drainage Redirection, due July 25.
We have also released the RFP for the bundled operations and maintenance contract - MSOP150-20 - Rail Operations, Maintenance and Support Services Procurement - due October 11. The objective of the bundled contract is to obtain a single firm or joint venture that will operate and maintain our system for an anticipated seven years.
Maintenance activities will include inspection and repair of tracks, bridges, structures, wayside signals, communications, rights-of-way, grade crossings and Level 1 train control systems for the entire system. Responsibilities will also include maintenance of SCRRA facilities and all equipment, locomotives, rail cars and rail car components, along with mechanisms such as brake systems, motors, seats and passenger communication equipment.
The vendor portal can be found here and an up-to-date list of open and upcoming procurements can be viewed here.