Metrolink Board Chair Doug Chaffee at LA Union Station
This month, we connected with Metrolink and Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board Chair Doug Chaffee about his efforts to champion a vibrant future for public transit in Southern California. In addition to sharing his vision for Metrolink, Chaffee reflected on the power of shared experiences and how even small acts of kindness can leave a lasting mark—on transit systems and the communities they serve.
A longtime public servant, Chaffee was elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, representing the Fourth District, in November 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. The Fourth District includes the cities of Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Stanton, portions of Anaheim and unincorporated communities. Chaffee previously served as the city mayor of Fullerton. He joined the Metrolink Board of Directors in 2019 and became chair in January 2025.
- As chair of the Metrolink Board of Directors, what are you most excited for in the coming fiscal year?
As chair, a key priority of mine is to increase ridership. Within the last year, Metrolink has been looking to transform from a commuter service to a regional rail carrier. In October 2024, Metrolink debuted a significant service increase that offers customers greater flexibility, including more midday options to meet the different needs of its riders. Furthermore, weekend ridership has increased due to campaigns such as the $10 Weekend Day Pass, Kids Ride Free on Weekends and SoCal Explorer Rewards. These programs make rail travel more accessible and affordable for families and casual riders, but also incentivize repeat travel and regional exploration.
The Student Adventure Pass has been a transformative program for students across Southern California, offering free train rides systemwide since October 2023. This grant-funded pilot aimed to alleviate transportation costs for students and encourage public transit use among younger populations. The program saw significant success with 1.7 million rides taken and an increase in student ridership. However, due to the popularity and the exhaustion of available grant funding, the Student Adventure Pass is concluding at the end of June. Starting this July, Metrolink is introducing a permanent fare policy offering a 50% discount on all fares for students of any age and youth aged under 19. This exemplifies our commitment to supporting students through affordable transit options that reflect our mission to enhance regional mobility and promote sustainable transportation options.
- Is there a particular Metrolink initiative or memory that stands out in your time serving on the Board?
Metrolink has many opportunities for families to explore Southern California and create memories. Last December, I took the Holiday Express Train with my grandkids, a great opportunity to celebrate and embrace the holiday season. The themed passenger car had live carolers, visits from Santa, his elves and other holiday characters. My grandkids enjoyed the experience with all the activities and live entertainment, transporting them to the North Pole. Metrolink can create forever memories for families, whether it is a day trip to watch a baseball game or going to enjoy the beach.
- What is your most memorable public transportation experience as a rider?
One of my most memorable rides on public transportation was on a bus in India. I was in India as a part of the Peace Corps, traveling throughout the country and region. During my time in India, I remember taking the bus there, a crowded and old diesel-spewing vehicle. It was not the newest bus or the most efficient, and it was usually overflowing with people. As a foreigner in India, the public transportation system was crucial to helping me explore the area during my free time and learn more about the country. Public transportation, whether in Southern California or in India, serves the same purpose: connecting us to the area and the people.
- Over the last several years, coastal stabilization in southern Orange County has been a primary concern of our regional rail system. Metrolink and OCTA have worked hand-in-hand to both reactively and proactively address issues. Can you talk about this crucial partnership and the steps being taken to keep this important throughway open?
In late April, OCTA, Metrolink, and the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency made the critical decision to temporarily suspend passenger rail service through San Clemente to address urgent safety concerns stemming from ongoing landslides and coastal erosion along the LOSSAN rail corridor. The emergency closure enabled crews to begin essential stabilization work on vulnerable sections of track, ensuring the corridor's safety and reliability.
The California Coastal Commission (CCC) granted a partial emergency coastal development permit to expedite construction efforts, which included placing riprap to protect the bluffs, replenishing sand to reinforce the shoreline and removing the pedestrian bridge at Mariposa Point. These measures were designed to mitigate further erosion and preserve the integrity of the rail infrastructure.
The coordinated response among OCTA, Metrolink, and the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency exemplifies a strong regional partnership focused on maintaining vital transportation links while prioritizing passenger safety and environmental stewardship. This collaboration not only addressed the geotechnical hazards but also laid the groundwork for long-term resiliency planning in the face of accelerated climate impacts. With that, passenger rail service resumed on Saturday, June 7, restoring a critical mobility option for thousands of daily riders in Southern California.
- What is the most important quality of an impactful leader?
As a leader, it's important to be able to bring people together. With tasks that require the partnership and collaboration of multiple agencies and stakeholders, it can be hard to get everyone to meet and agree on a solution. Finding common ground and a path forward is what makes a leader impactful. Working together is important, and developing camaraderie between staff of different agencies helps projects get completed efficiently. If you cannot bring people together, then you cannot lead.
- How does kindness factor into your leadership style and influence your work as an Orange County Supervisor and as Metrolink’s Board Chair?
Since I became Supervisor, one of my goals has been to promote kindness in the Fourth District. Each year, my office recognizes the incredible actions of individuals in each of my Fourth District Cities with the Kindness Awards held on November 13, World Kindness Day. Kindness is simply helping someone else without any expectation of getting something in return. Public service is all about kindness, providing services that benefit residents and addressing community needs. As a public servant, we should exemplify kindness and inspire others to perform their own acts of kindness in the community. It is important for us all to acknowledge and appreciate kindness wherever we can find it.