Funding is crucial for public transit operations as it impacts service levels, rehabilitation projects and innovation. That is why I am thrilled to announce that Metrolink has been awarded a $1.3 million Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant by the U.S. DOT. This funding will support pioneering safety measures to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by incidents along our rail lines.
The Stage 1 SMART grant will facilitate the development and demonstration of an intruder alert system with the goal of integrating with our existing Positive Train Control (PTC) system along a 1.5-mile stretch of the Ventura County Line. By leveraging advanced sensors, artificial intelligence and PTC integration, we aim to enhance safety by enabling trains to slow down or stop when track intrusions are detected.
With potential Stage 2 scalability across our extensive six-county operation, this project is paramount for saving lives and ensuring uninterrupted rail service. Trespassing on railroad property is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in the United States, and this initiative not only aligns with federal strategies for rail safety but also promises significant public benefits. The new, first-of-its-kind technology will also improve operational reliability, boost customer confidence and foster community partnerships by reducing service disruptions and supporting vulnerable populations, including unhoused individuals near rail tracks.
The SMART grant empowers us to continue to lead the way in innovative safety solutions, setting a new standard for the industry nationwide. And this project marks a pivotal step toward creating a safer and more reliable passenger rail network in Southern California.
In similarly exciting news, I am pleased to report that members of Congress have included two Metrolink Congressionally Directed Spending requests, or earmarks, in the FY24 transportation appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Biden earlier this month.
Senator Alex Padilla and former Senator Dianne Feinstein included $1.6 million to implement Wireless or “Smart Crossing” PTC technology at four crossings across the Metrolink system. This state-of-the-art safety technology integrates the train crossing system with on-board PTC, minimizing the time gates are down at crossings next to stations and reducing vehicular and pedestrian delays as well as incidents of motorists or pedestrians attempting to circumvent activated gates.
Congressman Brad Sherman included $1 million for the prototype track intrusion system mentioned above, which will be installed between the Van Nuys and Northridge stations. This $1 million is in addition to the $1.3 million SMART grant.
Additionally, Congressman Mark Takano included $500,000 for the Metrolink Double Track Project between Moreno Valley and Perris at the request of RCTC.
We hope to continue this funding momentum as staff prepares to submit earmark requests for the FY25 appropriations cycle and will soon be soliciting letters of support from our Board leadership. Thank you to our government relations and grants teams for the hard work in advocating for and securing these funding opportunities.