In May, Metrolink completed the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Racial Equity Commitment Pilot Program, which launched in 2022 as a key component of APTA’s Racial Equity Action Plan. As a founding signatory of the pioneering program, Metrolink engaged in collective learning and information sharing with other participants and received crucial support, including a roadmap for advancing racial equity as part of a broader diversity, equity and inclusion framework.
To fulfill the core principles outlined through the program, in early 2023, Metrolink commissioned a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee comprised of 11 employees. The group works collaboratively with our leadership team to foster an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute their best.
Last year, the committee spearheaded the first-ever DEIA Employee Survey to gather essential feedback and provide a better understanding of our employees’ experiences at Metrolink. Nearly two-thirds of Metrolink staff participated, demonstrating our team members’ resounding commitment to building a more inclusive Metrolink. Earlier this month, the comprehensive results of the survey were shared with all Metrolink employees.
Moving forward, the committee will use these survey responses to develop a formal equity strategy and action plan, outlining concrete steps to address the feedback and data collected as part of this process. The group has also introduced “lunch-and-learn” and other educational opportunities, including a required employee training course on unconscious bias that is increasing awareness and helping staff overcome implicit associations. This course was the first step in forming the foundation for Metrolink’s Equity Action Plan. Another survey will be conducted later this year with future iterations following annually.
One of Metrolink's greatest strengths is our diverse workforce. We value the unique perspectives that people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds and religions bring to our agency. While we are proud of the progress we’ve achieved through the Racial Equity Commitment Pilot Program, we know there is more work to be done. Stay tuned for updates on our DEIA initiatives, as we work together to build a better future for all Metrolink employees.