Metrolink Board Members and CEO Darren Kettle pose for a group photo at the annual Board Workshop on March 28 in Buena Park.
From left: Victor Preciado, Pam O’Connor, Tony Trembley (Board Second Vice-Chair), Walter Allen, III, Brian Berkson (Board Vice-Chair), Michael Vargas, Linda Molina, Marty Simonoff, Karen Spiegel, Doug Chaffee (Board Chair) and Darren Kettle. Not pictured, but in attendance: Javier “John” Dutrey, Bob Engler, Ray Marquez and Ara Najarian.
On Friday, March 28, a robust contingent of Metrolink’s Board of Directors assembled at the Knott’s Hotel in Buena Park for our annual Board workshop. The agenda featured a lineup of staff and stakeholder presentations, leading to meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
One of the most engaging sessions was led by Metrolink government relations staff in conjunction with advocacy professionals who work on behalf of Metrolink. Together, they provided a comprehensive overview of legislative efforts underway at the state and federal levels.
In Washington, D.C., our representatives are encouraging strong investment in Metrolink’s Olympic-readiness projects, which aim to boost system capacity and enhance safety in advance of the 2028 Games. These improvements are expected to deliver long-term benefits for current riders while helping us attract new ones. The team is also working closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation to explore options for minimizing penalties tied to the early retirement of our aging Tier 2 locomotives as we transition to cleaner Tier 4 technology. Additionally, these advocates have played a significant role in securing community project funding, such as the $1 million award obtained by Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) to install pioneering track intrusion technology between the Van Nuys and Northridge stations.
At the state level, our representatives in Sacramento are actively working to ensure Metrolink is well-positioned in ongoing budget negotiations and poised to benefit from future funding opportunities. With early discussions beginning on the 2025-26 budget, they are taking every opportunity to reinforce the importance of sustained investment in commuter and regional rail. Similar efforts were instrumental in securing an additional $2 billion for statewide transit operations in 2023 – funding that has helped Metrolink and its member agencies maintain service levels and advance critical capital projects. As California leaders consider reauthorizing the cap-and-trade program, our team is making the case for continued reinvestment of those revenues into regional rail systems. Notably, one of our state advocates, Mark Watts, also serves on California’s Transit Transformation Task Force, which is developing a long-term funding strategy for public transit across the state. (Check out our recent conversation with Lorelle Moe-Luna for more information on the task force.)
Another topic that sparked lively discussion centered around dedicated funding sources, including alternative revenue options that could help reduce Metrolink’s reliance on annual financial contributions from our member agencies. In response to previous requests from the Board, staff outlined a range of potential new and existing revenue streams. Should the Board choose to pursue any of the available options, establishing a tangible value proposition and clear consensus among all parties, including member agencies, will be vital.
Beyond these items, Metrolink leaders and partners presented on a myriad of topics, including:
- Planned and ongoing projects in Orange County
- Progress updates from Metrolink’s Program Delivery Team
- A recap of Metrolink’s October 2024 service expansion and broader regional rail evolution, dubbed “Metrolink Reimagined”
- Freight provider BNSF Railway’s efforts to improve on-time performance along the segments of our system they own and manage
- Metrolink’s emergency plans and procedures
- Preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles
Left: Former Chief Financial Officer Arnold Hackett (posing on the left with Metrolink Board Chair Doug Chaffee) was honored with a resolution on behalf of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, represented by Doug Chaffee (right); right: A farewell cake worthy of a budget-balancing executive.
The workshop also provided a timely opportunity to celebrate the contributions of former Metrolink Chief Financial Officer Arnold Hackett during his final week at the agency. Arnold, who served in a number of executive roles including interim CEO, was presented with an official resolution on behalf of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet-themed cake was served in honor of his tremendous leadership and impact.