23 cities will continue exploring concepts to enhance Metrolink connections
ORANGE – Transit connections to major activity areas will begin detailed planning as 25 bus and shuttle projects move into step two of the Go Local program – a four-step process to plan and implement city-initiated transit extensions to a Metrolink station.
Initial concepts were approved to move forward by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) board Monday based on factors including their regional benefits, local funding commitment and ability to link a Metrolink station with cities’ major population centers.
“This program gives control to the cities to develop connections that will best serve their communities,” said Chris Norby, chairman of OCTA. “It is one more step to making commuter-rail more efficient and accessible for passengers.”
The first step of Go Local provided each city with a $100,000 grant to study possible Metrolink extensions. In step two, cities will further develop the projects with detailed planning and alternative analysis.
The cities of Anaheim and the joint Santa Ana and Garden Grove proposals for fixed-guideway projects each previously received $5.9 million to move forward with step two. Station/parking and bicycle/pedestrian projects are currently being reviewed for consideration for advancement into step two.
With two-thirds of Orange County’s jobs and population within a four-mile radius of the county’s 11 Metrolink stations, OCTA is making a significant investment in the Metrolink service in the coming years. By 2010, 30-minute service is planned, 18-hours a day between Fullerton and Laguna Niguel.
For a complete list of approved projects, visit www.octa.net/golocal.aspx.
