Description: Converting key Metrolink stations into Regional Gateways
Planning is currently under way for a high-speed rail system linking Northern and Southern California. OCTA is preparing for this new service with a competitive funding program made possible by Measure M2. The program will provide the necessary enhancements to connect key Orange County Metrolink stations with future high-speed rail systems.

The program aims to:

1.	Upgrade station infrastructure where feasible to accommodate high-speed rail service such as:
	• Signal improvements • Platform lengths • Track work, etc.
2.	Expand stations for regional travel including
	• Signal improvements • Platform lengths • Track work, etc.
3.	Modify stations for improved access to other transportation systems, such as bus and shuttle services that may evolve from the Go Local program.

Status: Four cities awarded nearly $89 million
A call for projects was released at the end of January and four cities submitted an application for funding. The board awarded Anaheim funding through Project T and additional funding to Fullerton, Irvine and Santa Ana through Measure M transit revenue and other available funds.

Funds granted were based on numerous criteria including:

• Future transit use
• Financial commitment
• Project readiness

Cities that received money are the following:

• Fullerton: $875,000 for the initial planning phase of a station expansion that accommodates numerous transit services, including high-speed rail and supporting retail.
• Irvine: $2.66 million for initial planning and environmental efforts to accommodate FlyAway airport shuttle services, OCTA’s planned Metrolink expansion and the planned Orange County to Los Angeles high-speed rail service.
• Santa Ana: $3 million for environmental work to expand the Santa Ana station to include additional parking and the Santa Ana proposed streetcar system, and to determine the feasibility of infrastructure to support high-speed rail service.
• Anaheim: $82.3 million for design, right of way, and construction of the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center project, which includes the relocation and expansion of Anaheim’s Metrolink station.

Milestones
Release a call for projects	Jan. 26, 2009
Funding applications due	Feb. 20, 2009
Partial funds awarded	April 2009
Future call for projects	2021

Contact Information

Laura Scheper

Associate Community Relations Specialist

(714) 560-5697  |  lscheper@octa.net