Winter 2003

A DECADE OF PROGRESS

Chief Executive Officer

Roger Snoble

BoardofDirectors

Hal Bernson Board Chairman,

City Council Member

Los Angeles

Zev Yaroslavsky 1st Vice Chair,

Third Supervisorial District

Frank C. Roberts 2nd Vice Chair,

Mayor,

City of Lancaster

Gloria Molina First Supervisorial District

Yvonne Brathwaite Burke Second Supervisorial

District

Don Knabe Fouth Supervisorial District

Michael D. Antonovich Fifth Supervisorial District

James K. Hahn Mayor of Los Angeles

Paul Hudson Banker

Allison Yoh Urban Planner

John Fasana City Council Member,

Duarte

Beatrice Proo City Council Member,

Pico Rivera

Pam O’Connor City Council Member,

Santa Monica

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

A decade of progress.As the MTA marks its 10th anniversary this spring, this issue of MetroQuarterly reflects on the tremendous progress that has been made inmoving people and goods in Los Angeles County. From knitting togetherthe world’s largest network of freeway carpool lanes to opening the MetroRed Line subway to launching Metro Rapid and completing the AlamedaCorridor that has eased the movement of rail freight, there have been manymilestones of progress.

Still, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels. Present and future mobilitychallenges are formidable. The recent Mobility 21 summit – highlighted inthis issue – laid those challenges on the table along with strategies toovercome them.

Motorists and businesses in Los Angeles County grapple daily with theworst traffic in the nation, and we compete with Houston for the dubioushonor of boasting the country’s worst air quality, which is largely caused byvehicle emissions. Mobility also is the linchpin of the Los Angeles economy,which is an economic powerhouse for the nation. Most of the freight fromour ports is destined for other parts of the country.

Against that backdrop, the nearly 500 attendees of the Mobility 21 summit– elected officials, public agencies and the business sector – resolved to forgea strong lobbying coalition that will seek to expand the amount of stateand federal resources allocated to transportation and fight to make sureLos Angeles gets a larger slice of that pie.

At the same time, we need to pursue innovative strategies that will helpease traffic without using taxpayer money. Among those discussed at theMobility 21 summit were encouraging new development in transitcorridors, staggering work hours and working with employers to boost ride sharing.

Mobility 21 is a springboard for action in the decade ahead that will buildon the progress we have achieved in our first 10 years. As we said at thesummit, a lot rides on us, but we’re up for the challenge.

Sincerely,

Roger Snoble

4 Decisions, decisions...Community-based transit service sector governance councils are becoming a reality as service improvements continue.

5 Riding the RapidsMTA has decided to churn out smooth and fast Metro Rapid lines at an accelerated pace with South Broadway and Vermont as the newest routes.

6 Traffic BustersStakeholders from throughout LA County convene at a transportation summit to develop strategies to keep the region moving and form a lobbying coalition.

8 AnniversaryA look back at MTA beginning on Day One in 1993, including dozens of transportation improvement milestones benefitting the entire county.

15 All BusinessA steady beat of Metro Rail service improvements orchestrated by MTA’s rail chief is music to riders’ ears.

16 Winning TandemA planned Exposition light rail project will extend west from downtown LA to Culver City and will include a bikeway.

17 Lessons for LifeRail safety tips are being taught to tens of thousands of children and adults who live or attend schools near the Los Angeles to Pasadena Metro Gold Line.

19 SpokesMTA bikeway funding, that so far has produced a total 200 miles of bike paths and lanes, may increase.

20 Reaching OutDreams are coming true for small businesses, including those owned by minorities and women, who compete for MTA contracts.

21 BriefsSecurity cameras taking bite out of crime Pushy bus device saves livesWait time on 1.800.COMMUTE drops

22 HappeningsFilmmakers love MTAUCLA is rideshare king

23 FacesNew York transplant takes on workers’ compMTA service attendant turns 97

ContentsWinter 2003

EditorGary Wosk

WritersAlisha GomezAmy HowellElie Seckbach

DesignMTA Design StudioMichael Lejeune, Creative DirectorTheresa Renn, Designer

PhotographersJuan Ocampo, Chris LovdahlJohn Weiskopf, Laura WoodwardRichard Cornubert

Account ExecutiveYvonne Price

CirculationKaren Kern, Robert Sanders, Dan Colonello

ResearchDorothy Peyton Gray Transportation LibraryMatthew Barrett, Jim Walker

Deputy Executive Officer, Public RelationsMarc Littman

Chief Communications OfficerMatt Raymond

Published by MTA Communications Unit

All comments about MQ or requests to be added to the mailing list, free-of-charge, should be directed to:MQ, MTA Media Relations, Mailstop 99-19-8,One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952, or by e-mail to woskg@mta.net

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StartingUp

SERVICE SECTORS MAKING IMPROVEMENTSWHILE GOVERNANCE COUNCILS FORMED

Community-based transit servicesectors, first established by MTAeight months ago to encouragelocal communities to become

more involved in deciding where busimprovements should be made, areadvancing with the development ofgovernance councils.

The MTA Board has adopted a newpolicy that defines the responsibilities ofthe councils. Ultimately, the councils willwill direct service improvements in thelocal community in which they reside.

The councils facilitate publicparticipation, streamline decision-makingand approve sector budget proposals.

“With the formation of thesecommunity-based governance councils,we, and more importantly our customers,will gain a local perspective on service

development and bus deployment,” saysMTA Deputy CEO John Catoe.

In December the first councilmembers were approved by the MTABoard to serve the Metro South BayService Sector.

At the same time, the five servicesectors, located in the San Fernando andSan Gabriel valleys, Gateway Cities inSoutheast LA County, South Bay andWestside/Central, have made the firstround of service improvements.Improvements have included new limitedstop and late night service, additionalservice on 17 Metro Bus lines as well asnew Metro Rapid lines.

“The creation of five bus servicesectors last year has brought aboutneeded changes in our bus system toreflect what the community transportationneeds are,” says MTA CEO Roger Snoble.

◆ Members will be nominated bya coalition of local governmententities and represent a broadspectrum of interests andgeographic areas.

◆ At least half of the membersmust be transit consumers wholive or work in the area.

◆ Members may be electedofficials or private citizens, butMTA Board members may notserve on the councils.

◆ Members will serve three-year terms.

◆ Councils must conductregularly scheduled meetings.

◆ Councils can change, add ordelete service in conformancewith MTA service standards,policies and collectivebargaining agreements and cancontract with local transitoperators, other firms andconsultants.

◆ Councils can develop studieson routes and scheduling forlocal services and call publichearings on proposed routechanges.

◆ Councils will work with MTAplanners and municipaloperators to ensurecoordination of services,including regional services.

Governance Council Facts

Representing Metro South Bay Governance Council are (back row, from left) Jim Hendrickson (city manager,Palos Verdes Estates), John McTaggart (Rancho Palos Verdes city councilman and current mayor), Dana M.Coffey (Metro South Bay general manager), Curren Price (Redondo Beach Transit manager), Howard Sachar(member, MTA Citizens Advisory Council). (Front row, from left) Terisa Price (Redondo Beach transitmanager), Margaret Hudson (member, Carson Public Safety Commission) and Lou Mitchell (president,Association of Community Organizations To Reform Now in Watts).

MovingFaster

METRO RAPID LINES TO OPEN MORE OFTEN

A GOOD THING GETS EVEN BETTER ON WILSHIRE-WHITTIER METRO RAPID

One of MTA’s most popular and fastest forms of bustransportation has doubled in size.

Metro Rapid, which reduces traveltime by making fewer stops than regularMetro Bus service and uses specialtransponders to extend green traffic lightslong enough for low-floor buses toproceed through intersections without

stopping, increased from two to four linesin December.

Joining Metro Rapid lines alreadyopen on Ventura Boulevard andWilshire/Whittier boulevards are SouthBroadway and Vermont Avenue, two of thebusiest transit corridors in LA County.

Prior to the openings, the MTA Boardapproved a plan to accelerate the pace of

future openings at a rate of two new linesevery six months. In June, Metro Rapidlines will debut on Van Nuys Boulevardand Florence Avenue.

By 2008, the Metro Rapid networkwill grow to 27 lines, comprising nearly415 route miles and 779 stations – sixyears sooner than originally planned –with service offered to 34 cities and 11unincorporated LA County communities.

Upgrades to the 26-mileWilshire-Whittier MetroRapid Line 720 will result in aprojected additional 25%

savings in time for passengers versustraveling on local buses.

The upgrades, to begin this yearand be completed by 2005, will include60-foot articulated buses with moreseating room, additional signal priority,reconstructed curb lanes to providesmoother rides and a possible bus-only lane.

In addition, new fare vending andsecurity equipment will be installed and30 new station shelters will allow formultiple-door boarding anddisembarking.

An expanded bus storage andmaintenance yard will accommodate afleet of approximately 97 newarticulated buses that will be deployedon the busway.

Beginning this spring, MTA maybegin testing an initial peak-hour, bus-only lane segment betweenCentinela and Federal avenues in West Los Angeles.

Since the introduction of MetroRapid service in June 2000, travel timesalong Wilshire and Whittier boulevardsand on Ventura Boulevard in the SanFernando Valley have been reduced bynearly 30%.

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Updated Metro Rapid line will feature new station shelters and a buses-only segment.

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Mobility21:Speaking

RESOLUTION AND RESOLVEPERSONIFY TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT

MTA CEO Roger Snoble addresses audience at the opening session ofMobility 21.

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard reasoned that by workingtogether LA County’s Congressionaldelegation could identify solutions.

California Secretary of Business,Transportation and Housing MariaContreras-Sweet speaks at thesummit’s luncheon.

LA City Councilman Ed Reyesoffered a perspective on city’stransportation needs and issues. Over 450 people attended LA County’s first transportation summit.

Key Congressional, state andcountywide elected officials whoattended an MTA and LA Area Chamber of Commerce-

sponsored transportation summit haveformed a broad-based coalition that willaggressively pursue much-neededtransportation funding to improve themovement of people and goods in LA County.

More than 450 participants took partin November’s Mobility 21: LA CountyMoving Together, the first suchtransportation summit in LACounty history.

By day’s end, the newly forged coalition, also comprised of transportation providers,business, labor and communityleaders, agreed that reducingcongestion that threatens theregion’s quality of life andeconomic vitality could be

accomplished only by working together atlocal, state and federal levels.

Discussion topics included goodsmovement, the role of streets andhighways in mobility, freight movement,public transit, getting to and from theairport, funding transportation servicesand infrastructure, integrating land use and transportation, and securingtransportation resources through coalition building.

In addition to agreeing to create an advocacy coalition, other resolutionsincluded:

◆ Endorsement of new federalprograms that promote morecoordinated land use.

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gWithOneVoice

Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, pledged to work evenharder for making sure that LAreceives its fair share of funding.

State Sen. Kevin Murray focused onthe status of the state budget andpossible impacts on transportationprojects.

Congresswoman Grace Napolitanostressed that approaching mobilitychallenges with a regional mind-setwould render the best results.

Former State Assemblyman RobertHertzberg underscored theimportance of coalition building andnetworking.

CEO Roger Snoble with Los Angeles AreaChamber of Commerce President and CEO Rusty Hammer.

◆ Acknowledgement of the need tosecure all available funds for airpassenger and cargo safety/securityand ground access improvements.

◆ Endorsement of a partnershipbetween the freight industry andpublic sector to examine futurefreight-related strategies andalternatives.

◆ Address the adequacy of state andfederal gas taxes.

◆ Ensure that loans to the Californiageneral fund are paid back to theTraffic Congestion Relief Program.

“Everyone who attended Mobility 21knows well the urgency with which wemust act,” says MTA CEO Roger Snoble.“We agreed that our most pressing needis to grow the transportation funding pie

and to make sure LA County gets abigger piece of it to pay for thetransportation projects that will keep ourpeople and goods moving. Our qualityof life depends on it.”

Los Angeles Area Chamber ofCommerce President and Chief ExecutiveOfficer Rusty Hammer stressed theimportance of the public and privatesector acting in concert.

“Mobility 21underscored theimportance of a strongcoalition of business,transportation professionalsand lawmakers,” saysHammer. “The participationof members of Congressdemonstrated their stronginterest in taking our caseto Washington, DC andsecuring the funding weneed to solve our verypressing mobility issues.”

Breakout sessions covered a broad range of topics including goodsmovement, the role of streets and highways in mobility, freightmovement, public transit, funding transportation services and coalition building.

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MTA:1OYearsInThe

THE ORIGIN: ASSEMBLY-SPONSORED BILL LED TO BIRTH OF MTA

The creation of MTA, the secondlargest public transportation agency in the United States, lies in Assembly Bill 152, a

reorganization bill authored by formerCalifornia Assemblyman Richard Katz.

AB 152 proposed the merging of theLos Angeles County TransportationCommission (LACTC) and SouthernCalifornia Rapid Transit District (RTD) into a single transportation authority.

The bill, sponsored by the LACTC andRTD, was approved unanimously by thestate legislature and garnered widespreadsupport among cities throughout LA County.

Prior to the merger of the twoagencies in 1993, RTD had operated theexisting bus system since 1964 and wasresponsible for designing and building arail rapid transit system for Los Angeles.The LACTC, created in 1976, wasmandated to coordinate and fund the busand rail systems in LA County, design andbuild rail lines, as well as fund and setpolicies for the county’s streets andhighways, shuttles, dial-a-ride andparatransit systems.

“The creation of the newtransportation authority will provide amore efficient and cost-effective agency tobetter serve the people who use public

Franklin White1993–1995

Joe Drew1996–1997

Linda Bohlinger1997

Julian Burke1997–2001

Roger Snoble2001 to present

MTA CEOs

transportation in Los Angeles,” saidformer Governor Pete Wilson, who signedAB 152 into law on May 19, 1992.

On April 1, 1993, MTA officiallybecame the operator of the Metro Bus andMetro Rail systems, the region’s maintransportation planner and programmerand constructor of bus and rail projects.

MTA HIGHLIGHTSCalifornia Gov. Pete Wilson signs AssemblyBill 152, which legislates the merging of theLos Angeles County TransportationCommission (LACTC) and SouthernCalifornia Rapid Transit District (RTD) toform Los Angeles County MetropolitanTransportation Authority (MTA).

Franklin E. White is named MTA’s first CEOon February 4.

MTA officially takes over policy-making, busand rail operations and construction onApril 1.

MTA adopts $3.4 billion budget, theagency’s first spending plan. A total of 246positions and 21 vacancies are eliminatedduring the merger.

Los Angeles Police Department and LosAngeles Sheriff’s Department beginpatrolling the Metro System.

MTA Board approves new 25-year LongRange Transportation Plan, a balancedtransportation program that emphasizespublic transit and spells out strategy formeeting expected growth in travel. MTAestimates $106.4 billion will be available forlocal transportation projects.

Key Congressional, state and local electedofficials join MTA, Los Angeles AreaChamber of Commerce, other transitagencies, and Auto Club executives atMobility 21: LA County Moving Togethertransportation summit to develop strategiesfor solving traffic congestion.

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Making

MTA EVOLVED INTO AGENCY FIRSTENVISIONED BY STATE LEGISLATURE

Since its inception nearly a decadeago, MTA has steadily madesignificant improvements to LosAngeles County mobility.

The major enhancement of the MetroSystem has been matched by 17 LA Countymunicipal bus operators subsidized by MTA.

IMPROVED BUS SERVICE

First, MTA has expanded its bus fleetand improved service by purchasing morethan 2,200 buses over the last 10 years.

Second, MTA has the nation’s largestalternative fuel bus fleet, with more than1,900 buses powered by clean-burningcompressed natural gas.

Finally, the introduction of MTA's highlysuccessful Metro Rapid service reducedtravel time an average of 30% compared toconventional Metro Buses, while buspatronage increased by 40% along MetroRapid routes.

BUILT RAIL SYSTEM

Before the Metro Blue Line opened in1990, rail transit in Los Angeles was just adream. Today, Metro Rail spans nearly 60miles and serves more than 200,000passengers a day. Metrolink commuter rail,funded in part by MTA, has grown into a500-mile railroad.

PROVIDED FUNDS TOREGION

MTA also partners with Caltrans, LACounty, 88 cities and other transportationproviders in funding and implementing awide range of transportation solutions.Through its Call for Projects process, MTAprovides close to $1 billion in funding every

two years for a host of projects, includingtransit centers, street widenings, trafficsignal synchronization, bikeways, pedestrianimprovements and freeway carpool lanes.

DEVELOPED CARPOOLNETWORK

About 400 miles of carpool lanes nowparallel LA County freeways, more thananywhere else in the world. Los Angelesalso boasts one of the most advanced signalsynchronization programs in the nation, a very effective strategy for addressing arterial congestion and supporting MetroRapid service.

IMPROVED FREIGHTMOVEMENT

Another example of partnering is the $347 million in funding MTA provided for the Alameda Corridor, a 20-mile rail cargo

expressway that extends from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to downtownLos Angeles. Both freight trains andvehicle traffic is moving faster as a result.

PIONEERED SEAMLESSTRAVEL

MTA’s mission goes beyondtraditional approaches to improvingmobility. MTA recently created theregional EZ Transit Pass, a monthly passthat gives riders full access to MTA’s busand rail system, as well as buses from 12municipal operators.

PROMOTED RIDESHARE

Additionally, MTA has enhanced itsrideshare program to educate businessesabout available transit and carpool servicesand assist them in providing convenienttravel options for employees.

PLANNING FOR FUTURE

Over the next year, residents of LACounty will see the expansion of the newMetro Rapid bus lines and the opening of the Los Angeles to Pasadena MetroGold Line. These projects work towarddeveloping the transportation network thatLA County needs and deserves.

“As a result of these efforts, thepublic’s attitude about LA County’stransportation systems has changed forthe better,” says Jim de la Loza, MTAexecutive officer, County Wide Planning.“It is a team effort within MTA that allowsthese efforts to pay off, not only inplanning, but in operations, construction,communications, community outreach andmany other departments as well.”

Metro Rail and Metro Bus service, includingMetro Rapid, is offered at Wilshire Boulevardand Western Avenue, located within one of LACounty’s busiest transit corridors.

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OnlyTheBeginning

Metro Red LineOpening Ceremony,1/31/93.

Metro Green LineOpens, 8/14/95.

MTA introduces the low-emission AdvancedTechn0logy Transit bus(ATTB) in 1995.

Bike racks have become acommon sight on MetroBuses since 1997.

Rows of new Metro Busespurchased since 1998underscore the commit-ment to improving service.

The Metro Rail station in Chinatown is one of 12 new stations featuredalong the Metro GoldLine, expected to open inmid-2003.

The Metro Bussystem averages 1.1million passengersa day.

Metro Rail averagesover 230,000 weekdaydaily boardingpassengers.

MTA approved 24additional MetroRapid lines in 2002.

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10Since 1997, the LAPD and LA County Sheriff’sDepartment have patrolled the Metro System.

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LayingAFoundation

PAST TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS SET THE STAGE FOR FUTURE ADVANCES

At 1st and Hill streets, participants at groundbreaking ceremony for Metro Red Line subway on Sept. 29, 1986 included LA Mayor Tom Bradley, LA CityCouncilmembers John Ferraro and Richard Alatorre, LA County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, Southern California Rapid Transit District (RTD) Director Nick Patsaouras, RTD Board Member Nate Holden, RTD director of systems design and analysis Joel Sandberg, Los Angeles County Transportation (LACTC)Executive Director Neil Peterson and LACTC Commissioner Ray Grabinski.

Bus

Rail

> MTA receives first clean-burning, compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.

> In an effort to improve air quality,MTA Board authorizes $89.3 millionbe spent on purchasing AlternateFuel Initiative (AFI) buses anddirects that all future MTA busprocurements be AFI buses only.

> Process of retrofitting MetroBuses with bike racks begins.Nearly all Metro Buses nowhave bike racks.

> The 20-mile light rail MetroGreen Line opens betweenNorwalk and Redondo Beachwith a portion in the medianof I-105 (Glenn AndersonFreeway).

> A 2.1-mile extension of MetroRed Line between Westlake/MacArthur Park and Wilshire/Western opens.

> Launched 20 new bus linesincluding Metro Rapid.

Streets & Highways

19MTA Milestones: 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

> The low-emission Earl Clark Advanced Technology TransitBus (ATTB), jointly developedwith Northrop Grumman andFederal Transit Administrationis delivered. Future MTA busesmay use ATTB technology,including similar low-weightmaterials of the type used inthe B-2 Stealth Bomber.

> MTA agrees to terms of federalconsent decree and beginsworking closely with Bus RidersUnion to reduce overcrowdingand improve on-timeperformance. To comply, theAgency has spent more than$700 million to date.

> 10.3-mile Harbor Transitwayopens between 37th Street andthe Artesia Transit Center. Twiceas many people per hour travelon two transitway lanes, whichalso serve as carpool lanes,than two mixed-flow lanes.

> Removed more than 11 tons of smog-forming emissions every daythat would have been generated if 1.1 million annual boarding MetroSystem passengers had chosen to drive instead.

> MTA provides more than $300 million in operating and capitalfunding to Metrolink, a 507-mile regional commuter rail line thatserves Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

> MTA invests more than $1 billion in private sectorjoint developments at Metro Rail stations,including TrizecHahn Hollywood & Highland, aretail/entertainment complex built above theHollywood/Highland Metro Rail station.

> Approved through Call for Projects, more than $3.9 billion forhundreds of projects has increased mobility for the entire populationof LA County and benefitted transit and non-transit users alike.

> Allocated an average of more than $7million a year for a total of 108bikeway projects covering 200 miles,bike lanes, bike lockers and racks,and education grants.

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Other Bus Highlights

Other Rail Highlights

Other Highlights

> The process of ordering morethan 2,000 new buses beginswhen MTA Board approvesAccelerated Bus ProcurementPlan.

> First low-floor buses arrive.Passengers, especially thephysically challenged, canboard and exit buses muchmore easily.

> Additional Harbor Transitwaystations open at CarsonStreet and Pacific CoastHighway.

> Metro Rapid service debutson Ventura Boulevard in theSan Fernando Valley and onWilshire and Whittierboulevards in Los Angeles.Metro Rapid buses withtransponders reduce traveltime by 25% by promptingtraffic signals to stay greenlonger, and make fewer stopscompared to regular service.

> MTA Board approves 14-mileMetro Rapid transitway in SanFernando Valley from NorthHollywood Metro Rail stationto Warner Center. The facilitywill open in 2005 on a formerrail right-of-way.

> MTA Board adopts 13.2-mileMetro Rapid transitway, withpossible bus-only lane, as thelocally preferred alternative(LPA) for the WilshireCorridor that runs fromWilshire/Western todowntown Santa Monica.Construction is expected tobegin in 2004.

> MTA questions more than50,000 bus and rail riders inlargest on-board bus and railsurvey ever conducted in LACounty.

> MTA Board approvesexpanding Metro Rapid to 24additional transit corridors.Two new lines opened onSouth Broadway and Vermontin December 2002.

> Community-based transitsectors are created in the SanFernando and San Gabrielvalleys, South Bay, Westside/Central area, and GatewayCities in Southeast LA County.The decentralization plangives regions a stronger voicein the planning andscheduling of service.

> The Metro Red Line isextended 6.3 miles betweenHollywood/Vine and NorthHollywood. The subwaygrows to 17.4 miles.

> MTA Board adopts six-mileEastside Light Rail TransitProject, projected to open in 2008.

> Placed into service over 1,900 new compressed naturalgas buses, the largest such fleet in the United States, andin the process of procuring another 200.

> Increased size of peak-hour bus fleet from 1,816 to 2,070 buses.

> Expanded bus service by 487 buses since 1996.

> Reduced average age of bus fleet from 10 years in 1998 to under 6 years today.

> Tasked by the state withmanaging the area’ssoundwall constructionprogram, MTA adoptsSoundwall ImplementationPolicy for projects totaling$1.5 billion. MTA’s 2001 LongRange Transportation Planidentifies $550 million for theconstruction of soundwalls.

993–2003 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

> The Metro Red Line islengthened 4.7 milesbetween Wilshire/Vermont andHollywood/Vine.

> The Los Angeles toPasadena MetroConstruction Authority isformed to complete thelight rail line betweenUnion Station andPasadena. In 2002, theMTA Board changes thename of the line to MetroGold Line. The 13.7-mileline is expected to open inmid-2003.

> MTA Board adopts ExpositionLight Rail Transit Project. Theentire 9.6-mile line isprojected to open in 2010 orpossibly earlier in phases.

> Metro Blue Line platforms areextended to accommodatethree-car trains amid record-setting ridership.

> In June, Metro Rail ridershipreaches 244,325 average dailyweekday boarding passengers.

> New P-2000light rail carsare assignedto the MetroGreen Line.

> Metro Blue Line sets a newridership record by averagingmore than 70,000 dailyweekday boarding passengers.

> Provided $873.2 million in funding for 414 miles offreeway carpool lanes. Another $527 million infunding has been approved for 30 miles underconstruction. Approximately 529,000 people use the423 miles of freeway carpool lanes open across LosAngeles County every day.

> Metro Freeway Service Patrol, a program fundedprimarily by MTA, assisted more than 3.2 millionmotorists. The service has grown from 88 trucks tothe present fleet of 150 peak-hour tow and/or pickuptrucks. On average, the patrol helps 30,000 peopleeach month.

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MOBILITY IMPROVEMENTS OF TOMORROWDEPEND ON UNITED EFFORTS OF TODAY

CEO Roger Snoble will belooking toward the future asMTA celebrates its 10-yearanniversary in April.

Snoble and the agency he heads arefocused on a multitude of congestion-relieving objectives as MTA gears up toaccommodate a county population that isprojected to grow from 10 million peopleto 13 million people by 2025, increasingtravel trips by nearly 30%.

Increasing the county’s occupancyper vehicle, which over the past decadehas remained constant at 1.12, is just oneobjective Snoble would like to accomplish.Encouraging commuters to carpool anduse transit alternatives are strategies thatwill be used to achieve this goal.

“If we could get up to 1.3 passengersper vehicle, we’d eliminate most of thecongestion in LA County,” he says.

Snoble pointed out that the launch last summer of five community-basedtransit service sectors set the stage forcontinual Metro Bus system improvements,offering a more efficient system to a greaternumber of patrons. The opening of the LosAngeles to Pasadena Metro Gold Line nextsummer, he says, also will attract morecommuters.

Additionally, Snoble plans to exploredevelopment strategies that will alleviate

the need for residents to rely on theirvehicles for at least some of their travel trips.

Limited federal funding for transpor-tation over the next few years is nothindering Snoble’s positive outlook on MTA’s future. He believes that if LA Countyand the state speak with one voice, thenfunding can be obtained to implementtransportation projects vital to improvingmobility.

In addition to developing workingrelationships with other transit operators and public agencies, MTA also is partnering with the Automobile Club ofSouthern California, California HighwayPatrol, City of Los Angeles and SouthernCalifornia Association of Governments toeducate commuters about the causes ofcongestion and what individuals can do about it.

“MTA’s roots go back many decades.Much has been accomplished and muchmore is planned. By keeping our eyes on the target we can continue to improvemobility and improve our quality of life inSouthern California.”

“”

MTA’s roots go back many decades.Much has been accomplished and much moreis planned. By keeping our eyes on the target we cancontinue to improve mobility and improve our quality of

life in Southern California.

by Amy Howell

LookingAhead

MTA CEO Roger Snoble is interviewed by media at dedication of new Metro Rapid lines onVermont Avenue and South Broadway.

– Roger Snoble, CEO

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NEW RAIL CHIEF GERALD FRANCISTAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

MultipleTracks

Every day, every way…” These lyrics from a BachmanTurner Overdrive tune typify theway Metro Rail General Manager

Gerald Francis approaches his job: a 24/7commitment to making sure Metro Railremains the safest, most cost-effective andefficient rail system in the nation.

And then there’s that one otherpreoccupation that is music to his ears:planning for the opening of the LosAngeles to Pasadena Metro Gold Line inmid-2003.

Francis, previously assistant vicepresident of rail operations for Dallas AreaRapid Transit (DART), was hired by MTApartly because of his 22 years ofexperience in starting up rail lines anddeveloping safety programs. On the jobfor slightly more than a year, he hasalready recorded some big hits but insistsan experienced and innovative staffdeserves much of the credit.

“We have a lot of good people whohave great ideas, who are bright andenergetic,” says Francis. “We’re getting toknow each other and we’re becoming amore cohesive unit.”

During his watch, patronage on theMetro Blue Line has climbed steadily andnewly-lengthened platforms and thescheduling of three-car trains havesparked a jump in Metro Rail ridership.

Other Francis accomplishmentsinclude early completion of the MetroGreen Line track reconstruction project atthe Harbor Freeway Station, expandedservice on Metro Rail and improved MetroRail access for bicyclists.

"What, ultimately, will determine thesuccess of our transit system is providingquality service,” Francis says. “Our railoperations team has accepted thechallenge of raising the bar to increasevehicle reliability.”

In the past few months, Francis andhis team have developed a strategic plancommitted to providing quality service inthe areas of safety, operations andmaintenance.

Francis notes that Metro Railoperations are up to the challenge ofmaking Metro Rail the envy of transitproperties throughout the nation.

“We are at the forefront of improvingthe areas of customer services, reliabilityand innovation,” says Francis.

“

Media, elected officials and train aficionados were among the firstpassengers to ride on a Los Angeles to Pasadena Metro Gold Line trainoperated by Gwendolyn Bonvile (pictured) during 1.5-mile test jaunt.The trip from South Pasadena’s Mission Station to the FillmoreStation in Pasadena was completed in just under three minutes. The 13.7-mile Metro Gold Line, which will be part of the Metro RailSystem that crisscrosses LA County, is expected to open in mid-2003. It will serve communities between Los Angeles and East Pasadena,including Chinatown, Highland Park, South Pasadena and Pasadena.During the testing phase, MTA’s newest light rail cars are being used totest travel times and power systems.

GLIDING ON THE GOLD

(Left to right) MTA planners Steve Brye, Essam Aly and Anthony Loui look forward tothe day when light rail trains travel alongExposition right-of-way.

FamilyTree

METRO RAIL BRANCHING OUT TOMID-CITY/WESTSIDE

LIGHT RAIL LINE WILL IMPROVE BIKE AND TRANSIT CONNECTIONS

Anew light rail line is beingplanned to serve the Mid-City and Westside areas of LACounty.

The Exposition Light Rail Transit(LRT) project would operate as a branchof the existing Metro Rail system and isexpected to carry upwards of 20,000 dailyriders shortly after its projected openingin 2010.

“The line has the potential tobecome one of MTA’s most heavily usedlight rail lines,” says MTA Westside AreaPlanning Director David Mieger.

The 9.6-mile line would start at the7th/Metro Center/Julian Dixon Metro RailStation in downtown Los Angeles andproceed south along the existing MetroBlue Line tracks to WashingtonBoulevard. At Washington Boulevard, theline would branch off, proceeding southon Hill Street to join the Exposition right-of-way near USC/ Exposition Park.

A5.5-mile bikeway betweenExposition Park and Culver City will parallel MTA’s 9.6-mile Exposition Light Rail

Transit Project.

Winding through the communities ofExposition Park, Crenshaw, Baldwin Hillsand Culver City, the bikeway, projected toopen in 2010, is a combination ofexclusive bike paths and on-street lanes.The bikeway will begin at Vermont/Exposition and proceed west to

Venice/Robertson where it will connectwith existing Venice Boulevard bike lanes.

Bicycle lockers and racks will beprovided at each station along the lightrail line where adequate space exists. “Wewant to encourage more and morepeople to leave their cars at home,” saysLynne Goldsmith, MTA planningmanager. “Anything that provides peoplewith an alternative, low-cost option willhelp reduce street congestion and airpollution.”

Theline thenwouldproceedwest on theExpositionright-of-way to itsterminus atVenice/Washing-ton inCulver City.From there,feeder busservicewouldoperate inmixedtraffic westof the station. A one-way trip would takeabout 26 minutes.

The Expo Line would be part of aMetro Rail system that is being expanded

from its current 59.4-mile size to almost90 miles by the time the Expo project iscompleted. Construction of the Expocould begin in 2005 depending onfunding availability.

SANTA MONICA FWY

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17

SimplySensational

VIRTUAL REALITY MOBILETHEATER MAKES LEARNING THRILLING AND FUN

SAFETY EFFORTS RATCHETED UP ONLA-PASADENA METRO GOLD LINE

Children and adults who live orattend school near the LosAngeles to Pasadena Metro GoldLine, projected to open in mid-

2003, or the Metro Blue Line, willexperience quite a sensation in MTA’shigh-tech mobile simulator beginningearly this year.

Inside the special effects-filled, 40-foot multimedia mobile theater, the publicwill learn the dos and don’ts of rail safetyduring a virtual reality train ride.

More than two times wider than abus, the computer-controlled theater will

feature 2- and 3-dimensional videoand DVD presentations, a climatecontrol system that generateswind, vibrating stadium seats andmovie theater quality sound.

Audiences will be able toexperience the speed, weight andimpact of a moving train, allwithin the confines of the theater.

Besides schools, the mobiletheater also will be going toshopping centers and other locales near Metro Rail stations.

When the Los Angeles toPasadena Metro Gold Lineopens in mid-2003, anestimated 100,000

schoolchildren and adults will haveparticipated in MTA’s ongoingcomprehensive Rail Safety Education andOutreach Program.

Before train testing began in mid-October, presentations were scheduled atall schools located close to the 13.7-milelight rail route.

“The idea is to saturate the area withour message,” says Lynda Bybee, MTAdeputy executive officer. “The goal is zeroaccidents; that’s the purpose of thecampaign.”

Conducted by MTA staff andmore than 50 volunteers trained andcertified by MTA, presentations havebeen made to community groups aswell as a full range of educationalfacilities, including the Los AngelesUnified School District, SouthPasadena Unified, Pasadena Unified,private, parochial and adult specialtyschools.

Cable television safety-themedpublic service announcements andcommercials geared for all age groups also are being produced by MTA and could begin airing earlythis year.

Communications officers Carlos Valdez andBarbara Burns of the Metro Gold Line SafetyEducation Outreach Program discussed railsafety at San Pasqual Elementary in Pasadena.

Vibrating stadium seats inside MTA’s mobile, high-techtheater, two to three times wider than a bus when expanded,will enhance the virtual train ride experience.

HaveASecondCup

METRO RAIL ADDS LATE NIGHT SERVICE

Representatives from the worlds ofbusiness and entertainmentlocated near Metro Rail stationsjoined MTA officials to announce

expanded nighttime service.

Up to one extra hour in late-nightservice will benefit tourists, residents,attendees at sports and entertainmentevents and workers who no longer need toworry about missing the train home.

Lending their support for the eventwere The Hollywood Palace and AmericanFilm Institute (Hollywood/Vine Station);Crystal Park Casino (Artesia Station);Hollywood Renaissance Hotel and TheHighlands (Hollywood/Highland Station);Queen Mary (Long Beach Transit Mall);NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway, Jillian’sHi-Life Lanes and Wolfgang Puck’s(Universal City Station); Olvera Street

(Union Station); Southwest Airlines(Aviation Station); Kaiser Permanente andVerde Restaurant (Vermont/SunsetStation); BodyImage LA, Diablo’s ChiliInferno, Interact Theater and “An EveningOut” (North Hollywood Station); and LACity Cultural Affairs Department (Civic Center/Tom Bradley Station).

At podium during special event toannounce new Metro Rail latenight hours, MTA Board MemberAllison Yoh is joined by, to her left,Hollywood Chamber of CommercePresident Leron Gubler, RobinCohen of Interact Theater andMTA Deputy CEO John Catoe.

For specific trip information, call 1.800.COMMUTE or visit MTA’s websiteat mta.net.

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19

BicycleBonanza

LONG RANGE PLAN EMPHASIZESINCREASED BICYCLE FUNDING

NEW METRO RAILBIKE POLICYMORE INVITING

Since 1993, MTA has provided $83million in funding through MTA’sCall for Projects bikeway categoryfor 108 bikeway projects totaling

200 miles of exclusive bike paths and bikelanes as well as bike lockers and racks.

An estimated $10 million in fundingwas allocated since 1992 under the

TransportationDemandManagement (TDM)category for bikeracks on buses, bikelockers, bicycleeducation and theLong Beach BikeStation. Another $8million went towardbridge improvementprojects that includedbike lanes.

An average ofmore than $7 milliona year has beenallocated for bikewayprojects. MTA’s LongRange TransportationPlan (LRTP)recommendsincreasing thatamount to at least$10 million annually.

A bicycle tripmodel prepared forthe LRTP estimatedthat bicyclistsaccount for 720,000,or 2.4%, of dailytransportation tripsmade in LA County.The goal is toincrease the total

number of bicycle trips by 2025 to 2million, or 5% of total trips.

“We are particularly interested inconnecting bicycle facilities to transit,”says MTA Project Manager LynneGoldsmith. “This extends the distance acyclist can go and eliminates the need fora time-consuming transfer.”

By expanding bicycle access onMetro Rail and eliminating theneed to apply for permits, MTAhopes more people will combine

public transit and leg power forcommuting to work.

Generally, the more bike-friendlypolicy reduces the hours bikes are notpermitted on Metro Rail by one hour inthe morning and two hours in theafternoon during peak service periods.

“This is a big step in the rightdirection for MTA that will help make LACounty an even better place to bicycle,”says Ron Milam, executive director of theLos Angeles County Bicycle Coalition.

For more line-specific information,call 1.800.COMMUTE or visit MTA’swebsite at mta.net

LA Bike Coalition Executive Director Ron Milam arrives at Wilshire/Vermont MetroRail Station to join other bicycle advocates andMTA officials for the announcement of newMetro Rail bicycle policy.

Jim McLaughlin (yellow shirt) lives in Burbank and commutes bybike to his work at NBC studios. The reserve LAPD Officer alsoworks at Venice Beach as a bike patrol officer.

Mel Leventhal (blue helmet) is retired and is an avid cyclist. He often uses his bike instead of his car to run errands and attend public meetings. He even goes on cycling vacations to countries suchas Vietnam.

Chris Ziegler (white shirt) lives in Monrovia and began cycling withhis daughter when she was eights weeks old. Until recently, Zieglercommuted by bike from his home in Monrovia to downtown Los Angeles.

Rod Valido (dark shirt) works at the Federal Reserve Bank indowntown Los Angeles and commutes five miles to and from workevery day.

4420

FirstContact

AGGRESSIVE OUTREACH PROGRAM STEERS SMALLAND MINORITY BUSINESSES TO CONTRACTSby Alisha Gomez

Each year MTA provides small anddisadvantaged businessesassistance on how to compete forcontracts in all aspects of

contracting ranging from construction and professional services to materials and supplies.

MTA administers three smallbusiness programs: the DisadvantagedBusiness Enterprise (DBE), SmallBusiness Enterprise (SBE) and VoluntaryMinority and Women Business Enterprise(M/WBE) programs.

The programs promote a level playingfield for small and disadvantagedbusinesses to compete for federal, stateand locally-funded contracts.

“Programs are monitored to ensureprime contractors hire subcontractors and

that thesubcontractorsare paid ontime,” saysTashai Smith,manager,ContractComplianceUnit, Diversity& EconomicOpportunity Department (DEOD).

For FiscalYear 2003, MTAhas establisheda 20 percentannual goal forDBE participa-tion on federally-assisted MTA contracts.

Robnett Electric manager Dave Robnett (left) and general foreman Keith Hart review plans for projectfirm was awarded contract through MTA’s small business program.

In FY2002, $23.8 million in suchcontracts were awarded to DBE firms and$8.5 million in state and locally fundedcontracts were awarded to SBE firms.

“It is very important that firms MTAdoes business with truly reflect thediverse ethnic, racial and cultural make-up of our communities,” says LindaWright, Deputy Executive Officer, DEOD.

“We try to increase small businessparticipation by making sure they areinformed of MTA contractingopportunities,” added Wright.

Currently, the DEOD Small BusinessOutreach Unit is conducting extensiveoutreach for the Eastside Light Railproject, projected to open in 2008.

For more information, call the SmallBusiness/Labor Compliance hotline at213.922.2600.

Rebecca Barrantes (left), president and CEO, the Sierra Group, and Linda B.Wright, MTA deputy executive officer, Diversity and Economic Opportunity.

21

Briefs

NEW BUS DEVICE SAVING LIVES

TIME IS NOW ON THE SIDE OF 1.800.COMMUTE CALLERS

METRO BUS SECURITY CAMERASDETERRING CRIME

MTA hopes a new deviceinstalled on all new MetroBuses, and on all existingMetro Buses by September

2003, will prevent death or serious injuriesto persons who accidentally slip and fallunderneath buses.

Dubbed the S-1 Gard by itsmanufacturer, the Dangerzone Deflector isa sturdy curved piece of polypropylenebolted to the underside of the bus just infront of the right rear wheel. It isconfigured to push a fallen person awayfrom the rolling bus.

The retrofitting of nearly 2,000existing Metro Buses began late last Juneand is expected to be completed by fall.

San Gabriel Valley Division mechanic Edgar Glenn points out the Dangerzone Deflector.

The wait time for customers whocall MTA’s 1.800.COMMUTE forassistance has been sliced bymore than one-half.

On average, callers can connect withone of MTA’s 98 Metro CustomerInformation agents within 90 seconds.The group handles some 50,000 callsevery week.

The best times to call 1.800.COMMUTE are weekdays beginning at 6 am; between 12:30 and 3 pm; andweekends between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.Information is available on-line anytime at mta.net.

Cheerful Maria Alamilla is among the manyfriendly customer information agents who greetcallers on the faster 1.800.COMMUTE help line.

The presence of security camerason more than 1,300 Metro Buseshas contributed to a downwardtrend in reported crimes.

“Crime has definitely been goingdown since the cameras were introducedin 1998,” says Richard Hunt, MTA deputyexecutive officer, Vehicle Technology.

With more than 2,000 Metro Busesexpected to be equipped with the digitalimage cameras within two years, the crimerate should continue to fall.

“The cameras are there for the safetyand security of both passengers andoperators,” says Hunt. “If a crime takesplace, the images will definitely help in theprosecution and conviction of suspects.”

This square-eyed lens on exterior of Metro Buslooks out for any sign of trouble.

4422

Happenings

MTA IS COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU

THE BLUE AND GOLD SOLD ON RIDESHARING

Over the years, Hollywoodstudios and productioncompanies have paid topdollar to MTA, nearly

$500,000 annually, to film TV shows andcommercials on MTA locations, includingthe Metro Bus and Metro Rail systems.

“The Italian Job,” “HollywoodHomicide,” “Minority Report,” “Speed,”“Robbery Homicide” and “X-Files” areamong the dozens of films and TV showsfilmed on MTA sites. Commercials includeJack in the Box and Jet Blue Airlines.

MTA Film Manager Herman Hagansays MTA charges anywhere from a fewhundred dollars up to $50,000 for use ofits facilities. The Metro Red Line is themost popular backdrop.

“MTA has the unique appeal of beingthe only entity in Southern California thathas a subway, so the studios do not haveto leave town to shoot underground,”says Hagan.

Revenue collected from filmingactivities is reinvested in Metro Systemoperations.

To film on MTA locations, contactHagan at 213.922.5616.

An episode of “For the People” was filmed atPatsaouras Transit Plaza last fall by CumulusProductions. The show airs Sunday nights on LifetimeTelevision Network.

The famous rah-rah spirit displayed atall UCLA sporting events prevails inthe campus Commuter Assistance-Ridesharing Program (CAR), one of

the most extensive in the state.

For 18 years, CAR has promoted ahealthier environment, including better airquality and less traffic congestion, byencouraging students, staff and faculty touse vanpools, public transit and carpools for commuting and to school and Westwood Village.

“UCLA’s commitment to cost-effectivetrip reduction is substantial and long-term,”says Penny Menton, UCLA TransportationServices associate director.

The most visible component of CAR

is the UCLA/Westwood Vanpool Program.More than 1,500 staff, faculty, students and off-campus employees commute daily to UCLA in 130 University-owned-and-operated vanpools, many propelled by clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG).

“They are innovative in developingrideshare programs that meet their customers’ needs,” says Penny Menton’shusband, MTA vanpool specialist Dominic Menton.

“They were pioneers in overall vanpoolefforts for our region in the 1980s and continue to demonstrate their leadership inTransportation Demand Management (TDM).”

For more information regarding Metrorideshare programs, call 213.922.2811.

UCLA’s Gene McCarty (driver), Doug Padley,Gregory Tashima and (L-R standing) LisaButterfield, Carol Adlesh, Patti Wienke, Diana McWaide-Harrah and Joe Hunt personifya successful vanpool.

23

Faces

LIKE THAT BATTERY, ARTHUR KEEPS GOING ANDGOING AND GOING…

KOSS LOOKS TO REIN INWORKERS’ COMP COSTS

The idea of retiring hasn’t occurredto MTA service attendant leaderArthur Winston, who turns 97 in March.

On the job for 73 years, Winston hasmissed only two days of work due tobereavement.

“I haven’t been to a doctor in 50years,” he joshes. “If I went, he probablywould find something wrong with me,”says the non-drinker/non-smoker.

As fit and sharp-minded as ever,Winston works at the bus divisionrenamed after him, the Arthur WinstonDivision in South-Central Los Angeles.

The Oklahoma native, known for hismarvelous smile, has survived sixtransportation agency mergers andtakeovers. A keen sense of humor hashelped him weather hard times, includingthe death of his wife in 1968 and thepassing of four children.

Winston, a renowned world traveler,frowns on the idea that people wait untilretirement to pursue their favorite interests.

“People should act on their plans assoon as they can afford to,” he says.“When you stop working, you feel old –and that’s when despair, tiredness and the feeling of having been cheated sets in.” Arthur Winston is MTA’s “Iron Man.”

MTA’s new executive officerfor Risk Management andSafety Services – MichaelKoss – is trying to stem

MTA’s spiraling Workers’ Compensationcosts and turn MTA into the safest transitoperator in the nation.

By improving workplace safety andproviding better and faster care to injuredemployees, Koss hopes to reverse theupward trend in MTA’s Workers’Compensation costs, which last yeartotaled $60 million.

“We’re looking for Michael toimplement at MTA the very successful

best practices he put in place in New YorkCity,” says Richard Brumbaugh, MTAchief financial officer. Under Koss, costsplunged 14% last year.

Koss believes it will take a “culturechange” for improved safety to become away of life at MTA — a shift in attitudethat began more than a year ago with thestart of MTA’s top-to-bottom “Safety’sFirst” program.

Assisting Koss is DuPont SafetyResources Business, a division of E.I.duPont de Nemours of Delaware, acompany with one of the best safetyrecords in the United States.

Improving safety of MTA workers and MetroSystem passengers is getting full attention ofMichael Koss.

Factoids

Los Angeles CountyMetropolitanTransportation Authority

1.800.COMMUTEmta.net

The Los Angeles Metropolitan TransitAuthority (1958-1964) closed down thebalance of the streetcar and trolley buslines on March 31, 1963. For theoccasion, streetcar 3003, seen here atthe Division Four yards (site of today'sLA Convention Center) was painted asthe "Crying Trolley” and wasautographed by many people on its lastnight in service.

In January 1993,officials predicteda daily ridershipof 112,000passengerswithin 10 years

on the Metro Red Line. Today, morethan 130,000 average weekdayboarding passengers ride the subway.

When the MetroRed Line opened,the operating hourswere from 5 a.m. to7 p.m. The line isnow open from 4:30a.m. to nearly 1 a.m.

The firstMetro RedLine ridefrom UnionStation toMacArthurPark, a 4.4-mile trip,lasted sevenminutes.Today a 17.4-mileride from North Hollywood to UnionStation takes less than 30 minutes.