OCTA Chairman Sets 2008 Transportation Goals

Top priorities include a more efficient utilization of a commuter-rail corridor

As Chairman of OCTA, my overall goal for 2008 is to keep Orange County moving. The economic and social well-being of our 3 million residents depends on mobility—whether it’s getting to work, going to class, making appointments, delivering goods or taking the family to the beach.

The challenge of mobility is great because of Orange County’s successes. Add to our permanent population a half million inbound daily commuters and 40,000 who stay nightly in our hotels, and it’s easy to see that mobility keeps us such a vibrant economic center.

My goals for 2008 are to:
Pursue an equitable share of state and federal funding for Orange County.
Advance bus rapid transit to ensure that the Harbor Boulevard line is operational by mid 2009.
Increase bus system marketing and communication efforts to teenagers.
Expand Metrolink in Orange County and work with Los Angeles and San Diego counties to better coordinate service in the Los Angeles-San Diego (LOSSAN) corridor.
Work with neighboring counties and agencies to improve freeway and rail connections between counties.
Develop a strategic plan for the use of the Pacific Electric right-of-way in Orange County.
Support construction of the Foothill Eastern 241 Extension.
Convene the Central County Corridor Major Investment Study working group that will review technical data and seek public input necessary to pursue potential options to extending the Orange Freeway (State Route 57).
Assess project delivery methodology (design-build) used to construct the improvements on the Garden Grove Freeway (State Route 22).
Enhance transparency of internal operations with the public, including implementing streaming audio of Board meetings for easy access through the Internet.
Reinstitute the Procurement Task Force to evaluate the implementation of previous procurement policy actions.

The public has entrusted us with their tax dollars and the powers to keep Orange County moving. Together we will live up to that trust. Together we will accomplish these goals. 2008 will be Great!

Sincerely,


Chris Norby
Chairman