2011 Transit Highlights

M1 contributed to parking structure expansions at two train stations to account for future growth. Completed in September 2011, the newly constructed Tustin Metrolink Station parking structure accomodates 823 vehicles. Construction began for the expanded Fullerton Transportation Center parking structure that will provide more than 800 parking spaces.

As part of the Metrolink Service Expansion Program, more frequent Metrolink service began between Fullerton and Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and offered commuters more choices for travel within Orange County. The M1 funded expansion program includes improvements to passenger platforms and train turnback facilities at both stations.

OCTA partnered with eight cities to implement an $85 million program to make safety enhancements at 52 railroad crossings throughout Orange County. Improvements include upgraded and updated warning devices, additional gate arms, extended and raised medians, improved signage and coordinated traffic signals. By the end of the fiscal year, 31 railroad grade crossings had been enhanced with new safety features and all were completed by December 2011 (M1 and M2 – Project R).

As of December 2011, 31 improved railroad crossings were established, 29 were designated as quiet zones, a railroad crossing where a train doesn't need to sound its horn as a warning due to the enhanced safety features. A total of 16 grade crossings in Orange, 12 in Anaheim and 1 in Tustin were established as quiet zones (M1 and M2 – Project R).

The M2 Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) was awarded $5 million through the Federal Transit Administration's Bus and Bus Livability Program, which is aimed at upgrading bus service and facilities throughout the country (M2 – Projects R and T).

Both Go Local fixed-guideway projects in Anaheim and Santa Ana/Garden Grove, were granted the first allocation of M2 funds, $21.8 million, to begin preliminary engineering. These projects will offer enhanced connections to Metrolink (M2 – Project S).

The Transit System Study was conducted to develop alternative transit service strategies that can deliver efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable bus services by making the best use of limited financial resources. The TSS serves as a roadmap for future bus system improvements in Orange County. A draft service plan was completed in June 2011 and the proposed service concepts included the integration of Go Local and community based transit and circulators (M2 – Projects S and V).

The Senior Mobility Program, which allocates funds and vehicles to provide transportation services for seniors, was transitioned from a Transit Development Act-funded program to an M2-funded program. A total of 25 cities participate in the transit program (M2 – Project U).