Visible from left to right: Move LA Executive Director Eli Lipmen; Metrolink Government and Community Relations Director Jeff Dunn, SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise, SCAG Director of Government and Public Affairs Javiera Cartagena, Caltrans District 7 Chief of Staff Jeff Newman, CalSTA Undersecretary Mark Tollefson, Caltrans District 7 Director Gloria Roberts, Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle, CPCS Principal Consultant Ian Griffiths, Caltrans District 7 Deputy District Director of Planning and Local Assistance Marlon Regisford.
On Thursday, Aug. 29, Metrolink hosted the California Transit Transformation Task Force for a tour of the Burbank Airport-South Station and a ride to Union Station on a Ventura County Line train.
The task force was established by state lawmakers in 2023 as part of Senate Bill 125. The group, comprised of 25 individuals representing state government, local agencies, academia and advocacy groups, is tasked with developing policy recommendations to grow transit ridership, address long-term operational needs and improve the transit experience.
The tour offered attendees the opportunity to observe the role Metrolink plays in moving residents and visitors throughout the region. Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle and agency staff presented our vision for reimagining mobility in Southern California, as we continue to evolve from a commuter-centric model to a regional rail service.