OCTA Weekly Update: latest news on funding, OCTA's usual freeway news, and more bus cuts in September unlikely
OCTA just sent out its usual weekly update. In essence, the latest laws signed by Governor Schwarznegger will make a further deep cuts in bus services unlikely this coming September. OCTA's also pushing ahead on new freeway construction along the I-5 carpool lane. And Mayor Cavecche of my very own city of Orange helped guide seniors at a local center on how to use Text4Next, how to navigate the buses, and more.
Relatively benign weekly update. But very good news overall.
A Message from CEO Will Kempton CEO Will Kempton discusses the recent transportation legislation signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last Monday that is expected to provide much-needed transportation funding to OCTA. Find more videos on OCTA's YouTube channel.
Governor Signs Bill Reinstating Transit Funding Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation on Monday, March 22 that represents a significant victory for transit agencies throughout the state. Among other things, the bill package designates a sales tax on diesel to fund transit operations on an ongoing basis. This legislation will provide a one-time $400 million infusion of transit money statewide over the next 16 months, with $22 million headed to OCTA for bus operations. Beginning in fiscal year 2011-2012, OCTA is expected to receive about $19.25 million in annual revenue from the diesel sales tax to support bus service in the county. “This is great news for Orange County’s bus riders and will hopefully prevent the need for future service reductions,” said CEO Will Kempton. Since September 2008, OCTA has been forced to reduce 20 percent of bus service due to a decline in revenue available for transit operations. On March 14, 150,000 hours of service was reduced – half of the original 300,000 hours planned. Without the restoration of state funding, OCTA was prepared to implement the additional cuts of more than 150,000 service hours this fall. In addition to the money designated for transit operations, the legislation ensures industries such as the railroads, airlines, and school bus and other transit operators can move forward with existing diesel sales tax exemptions. While the legislation is a positive step toward a sustainable transit system, optimism must be tempered at this time because the potential exists for a legal challenge to the funding plan. 
OCTA is expected to receive $22 million beginning in fiscal year 2011 from diesel sales tax to support bus service in Orange County. The legislation that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed last Monday will provide $400 million in transit funding statewide over the next 16 months.
State Transportation Improvement Program Will Create Jobs in Orange County CEO Will Kempton shared information on the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) with members of the California Transportation Commission (CTC) on Thursday. 
The State Transportation Investment Project is expected to create an estimated 8,000 jobs. The project will also deliver much-needed improvements to California’s transportation system.
The CTC’s State Transportation Improvement Program investment in Southern California will create jobs, deliver much-needed improvements to the transportation system and help prepare Orange County for the California High-Speed Rail system. OCTA has focused state and local funds for improvements along the Los Angeles - San Diego or LOSSAN rail corridor, the third busiest rail corridor in the United States, as well as the Riverside Freeway (SR-91) and Santa Ana Freeway (I-5), two of the most congested freeways in Orange County. In addition to improving mobility, this is an opportune time to invest in transportation infrastructure because of favorable construction costs during the economic recession. Investment in Southern California’s transportation infrastructure is critical to economic recovery, sustainability and improved mobility for Orange County residents and workers as well as the travel and trade sectors of the economy. Click here for a list of OCTA critical projects for the STIP. Darrell Johnson Begins New Position as Deputy CEO 
Darrell Johnson
Darrell Johnson begins his first week as OCTA’s new deputy CEO Monday. CEO Will Kempton announced earlier this month that he was appointing Johnson to the deputy CEO position. Johnson takes over the post following Jim Kenan’s retirement after more than 30 years of service. The new deputy CEO’s goals include working with the CEO and the Board of Directors to stabilize OCTA’s bus system as well as ensuring that OCTA continues to be a work place of choice. Johnson would also like to ensure that the grade crossing safety and quiet zone program is fully implemented so that improved rail-highway safety is in place for residents and businesses along the rail corridor. “I am excited about the opportunity and the challenges the new position will bring,” Johnson said. “OCTA is a wonderful place for a transportation professional to work. We have an incredibly diverse portfolio of transit services – buses, trains and vanpools. We have a world class freeway system and the most successful toll facility in the United States.” Johnson has nearly 19 years of experience in the planning, development, implementation and operations of major transportation projects in California, and has served OCTA as Executive Director of the Rail Division. Kempton Addresses Irvine Chamber of Commerce CEO Will Kempton attended the Irvine Chamber of Commerce Executive Board meeting Tuesday to give an update on pertinent legislation. He also discussed OCTA’s current funding situation and projects affecting Irvine and the surrounding area. Approximately 15 members of the board were present for the update. Engineering Group Receives Update from Kempton CEO Will Kempton presented an overview of OCTA activities to the American Council of Engineering Companies Wednesday. He shared information regarding OCTA’s current financial situation as well as current and upcoming transportation projects. The group was comprised of more than 50 consultants who were interested in how the local funding situation and current legislation is affecting projects. “We have been working very diligently at the state level to ensure that funding designated for transportation projects does not get deferred,” Kempton said. “Recent legislation to allow the California Transportation Commission to approve Letters of No Prejudice will allow OCTA to move forward with more than $100 million in Prop. 116 projects prior to the state selling the bonds.” 
OCTA’s grade crossing safety enhancement program is committed to keep Orange County residents safe around railroad tracks. Picture courtesy of Patrick Hoesly.
Vice Chairman Bates Provides Update Vice Chairman Pat Bates provided a transportation update to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Legislative and Transportation Council Wednesday. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the San Diego Freeway (I-5) carpool lane extension project San Juan Creek Road and Avenida Pico, Metrolink service expansion, the grade crossing safety enhancement program, soundwalls along key areas in San Clemente and the Go Local program. The Chamber of Commerce group was comprised of approximately 30 members and legislative aides. Director Cavecche Shares Director Carolyn Cavecche shared information with volunteers from the Orange County Adult Senior Service Center Thursday regarding OCTA’s current economic situation and its impact upon bus service. The volunteers were primarily interested in how the changes affected their clients. Director Cavecche detailed the multiple ways information on bus service is available, including downloading a personalized eBusbook, utilizing the online trip planner, and using the Text 4 Next text messaging service. 
Director Campbell to Attend Kiwanis Club of Irvine Tuesday, March 30 – Director Bill Campbell will give an update on OCTA projects to the Kiwanis Club of Irvine from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The meeting is scheduled for the Remax Realty office in Irvine and will focus on OCTA’s current economic situation and how it is affecting bus service. Also on the agenda is an overview of transportation projects in Irvine and the surrounding areas. Contact Laura Scheper at (714) 560-5697 or lscheper@octa.net. 
CEO Will Kempton hiked the Holy Jim Trail up Santiago Peak last weekend. The peak is the highest, most prominent peak in Orange County. One of OCTA’s primary radio communications towers is located on top of the peak.
CEO Scales Highest Peak in Orange County CEO Will Kempton completed his tour of all 34 cities, and now he has hiked Orange County’s tallest mountain – Santiago Peak in the Santa Ana Mountains with an elevation of 5,687 feet. 
The Holy Jim trail gains about 4,000 feet in elevation and is about 16 miles round trip.
The CEO joined Transit Project Manager Jorge Duran in embarking on the 16-mile journey Saturday, March 20 via the Holy Jim Trail. The trail is the most scenic route to get to the peak and has a tremendous variety of plants native to this area. During spring, the hills are draped with picturesque purple and lavender flowers. Hikers also are treated to a variety of natural springs and flowing creeks. It was also a good opportunity to view one of OCTA’s primary radio communications towers atop the peak. “The CEO is a strong believer in fitness because it contributes to a healthy and happy work force,” Duran said. “People don’t need to travel far to find pristine natural hikes like the Holy Jim Trail. Orange County provides these incredible opportunities to all residents and visitors, which also is why this is one of the best places to live and work.” 
Sandy Boyle
OCTA’s Sandy Boyle Completes L.A. Marathon Sandy Boyle, a section manager in OCTA's marketing department, participated in her fifth consecutive L.A. Marathon on Sunday, March 21. “Running a marathon requires no special skills, just determination and training,” Boyle said. “If you don’t believe me, go watch a race and you will see people of every age, gender and size participating.” Boyle ran the new marathon course from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier. “This year, I was inspired by an 87-year old woman, a man on crutches, a blind woman running tethered to her partner and a cancer patient still undergoing chemotherapy – all of whom participated in the marathon,” Boyle said. More than 25,000 people participated in the 25th L.A. Marathon. 
OCTA is partnering with the Anaheim Transportation Network by providing buses to transport Disneyland guests from the new Toy Story parking lot to the main entrance of the park.
March 19 – The Orange County Register ABC Channel 7 News , Mouse Planet, Anaheim Examiner, Public CEO.com and the Orange County Register all wrote articles about Disneyland Resort holding an event celebrating the partnership with OCTA and the Anaheim Transportation Network for the lease of 20 OCTA buses to shuttle guests to and from the new Toy Story parking lot and Disneyland Resort entrance. March 19 – The Orange County Registerincluded a story giving an overview of the railroad crossing safety enhancement program and a timeline for construction work throughout the county. March 19 – KCET SoCal Connected aired a story about the Anaheim to Los Angeles segment of the California high-speed rail project and the connection to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center. March 19 – The Dana Point Times included an article about the city of Dana Point receiving federal funds to improve transportation in the area. March 23 – The Orange County Register posted a story about OCTA increasing funding for the call center because of an influx of calls for after bus service reduction. March 23 – California State Fullerton University published a story about OCTA awarding Cal State Fullerton a grant for the “WECARE Transit” program. March 23 – The Daily Titan ran an article about bus service reductions affecting students at Cal State Fullerton. March 24 – The Orange County Register wrote a story about how additional state transit funding will help OCTA avoid further bus service reductions. 
Adding a carpool lane in each direction on the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) will help improve traffic flow on the major highway.
March 24 – The Orange County Register published an article about OCTA and Caltrans planning to add a carpool lane in each direction to Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) between San Juan Creek Road in San Juan Capistrano and Avenida Pico in San Clemente to improve traffic flow. March 24 – The Orange County Register posted an article about the city of Brea seeking bids for upgrades to Imperial Highway from the northbound off-ramp of the Orange Freeway (SR-57) to about 550 feet east of Associated Road. March 24 – The Orange County Register included a story about the Irvine City Council approving a plan with OCTA for land and funding needed to improve Sand Canyon Avenue.
Approved Travel Requests March 22 to March 25 – Mark Jackman, Geographic Information Systems, Palm Springs, Calif. March 23 – Darrell Johnson, Senate Transportation and Housing Committee, Sacramento, Calif. March 24 to March 26 – Vicki Austin and Jane Swanson, Bi-Tech Software National Users’ Group – 2010 Western Regional Conference, San Diego, Calif.
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