OCTA looks forward to continuing work with its regional partners on helping to ensure passenger rail remains a viable transportation option for decades to come.
ORANGE – Southern California transportation agencies extend their appreciation to the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and Secretary Toks Omishakin for committing to a State-led study to plan future investments for the long-term resiliency of the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor.
This critical transportation corridor, which serves millions of passengers annually, faces challenges that demand both short-term stabilization efforts and long-term solutions. The State’s involvement, as outlined in a letter received from California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Secretary Omishakin, reaffirms a commitment to address immediate issues while developing permanent solutions, including potential rail relocations in Orange and San Diego counties.
In his letter, Secretary Omishakin emphasized the importance of ensuring a “robust and reliable railroad in the long term,” noting that the State will coordinate with the Federal Railroad Administration and regional partners to streamline project delivery and facilitate regulatory permitting support. He also highlighted CalSTA’s role in leveraging existing planning efforts to create a long-term strategic action plan for the LOSSAN corridor.
“We are grateful to Secretary Omishakin and the California State Transportation Agency for their leadership in this essential study,” said Darrell E. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of OCTA. “OCTA looks forward to working closely with the State and continuing our efforts to stabilize and strengthen this vital rail corridor for Southern California.”
The collaboration between CalSTA, OCTA, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, North County Transit District, Riverside County Transportation Commission, Southern California Association of Governments, and San Diego Association of Governments, represents a unified approach to securing the future of one of California’s most critical transportation assets.
“The LOSSAN Corridor is an essential part of our regional mobility infrastructure, and I thank CalSTA for their commitment to the corridor’s resilience,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). “The corridor passes through LA Union Station and the heart of LA, and it’s a critical priority for Metro as we look to improve Union Station and other stations along the route. We look forward to continuing to engage with CalSTA and other corridor partners on this study.”
“The LOSSAN coastal rail corridor is the nation’s second most used and is critical for mobility in one of the most dynamic population and economic centers in the United States. We applaud CalSTA for its commitment to studying ways to further make this corridor resilient with enhanced capacity. Many agencies coming together in support of LOSSAN underscores the importance of this corridor,” said Kome Ajise, Executive Director of the Southern California Association of Governments.
“A safe, reliable, and integrated passenger rail system is essential for all southern California residents, including those in Riverside County,” said Aaron Hake, RCTC Executive Director. “RCTC is grateful for Secretary Omishakin’s leadership in driving the state’s efforts to strategize, plan, and invest in the LOSSAN rail corridor.”
“The ongoing leadership by Governor Newsom and Secretary Omishakin at the California State Transportation Agency has been essential to addressing the immediate and long-term needs of the LOSSAN Corridor,” said SANDAG Chief Executive Officer Mario Orso. “SANDAG looks forward to working alongside our regional, state, and federal partners to continue developing innovative solutions that advance the safety, reliability, and success of this vital rail network.”
“NCTD is thankful for the continued efforts to support and strengthen our critically important rail infrastructure so that we can continue to operate world-class rail service along the second busiest intercity rail corridor in the nation,” said Shawn Donaghy, Chief Executive Officer of NCTD. “Thanks to our elected officials, the California State Transportation Agency, and Secretary Omishakin who continue to ensure that these initiatives remain at the forefront of our future planning.”
“This study represents a significant investment in Southern California’s regional transportation network, helping identify long-term solutions for the LOSSAN corridor,” said Sharon Cooney, CEO of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and Chair of the California Transit Association. “I’d like to thank CalSTA and Secretary Omishakin for their support with this effort. Our entire transportation network will benefit from the knowledge gained.”
