From the July 28th, 2008 Board Meeting
Transportation Hotline Coming To Orange County
Travelers in Orange County will soon be able to dial 511 to receive transportation information. The board received an update on the future hotline and a demonstration on the systems easy to use operations.
The new system will build on the existing 511 network and include real-time traffic data, trip planning capabilities as well as transit, rideshare and bike information.
The first phase of the system is anticipated to launch in January 2009.
Chairman’s 2008 Goals Moving Ahead Strong
At the beginning of this year, OCTA Chairman Chris Norby outlined 10 goals to pursue in 2008. Chairman Norby presented an update on the status of the goals and advancements that have occurred.
Three of the highlighted goals include pursuing an equitable share of state and federal funding, advancing bus rapid transit to ensure the Harbor Boulevard line is operating by mid 2009 and enhancing transparency of internal operations with the public.
So far, OCTA has received nearly $225 million in Prop. 1B funds for freeway, rail and signal synchronization projects, Bravo! bus branding was finalized for the program launch beginning in 2009 and audio streaming of board meetings got under way in June.
Construction Of Ortega Highway To Begin Sooner than Expected
To move construction forward on the Ortega Highway widening project, the board approved splitting the project into two segments.
The first 1.1 mile segment is environmentally cleared and ready to begin construction. The second segment is approximately .9 miles in length and is currently in the environmental phase.
By splitting the project into two parts, work can begin on the first segment without waiting for the second segment to complete the environmental process.
The $46 million project will add one new lane in each direction on Ortega Highway from Calle Entradero to Antonio Parkway in San Juan Capistrano.
Board Honors Employees Of The Month
Chairman Chris Norby presented resolutions of appreciation to the three employees of the month for June.
Carol Murdock was honored as coach operator of the month for excellent attendance and 27 years of safe driving. Originally from Davenport Iowa, Murdock currently lives in Riverside and is retiring from OCTA this September.
Maintenance employee of the month was Carlos Palacios, who joined OCTA in 2003. He attended OCTA’s Certified Journeyman Mechanic Course in 2006 and was later promoted to his current position as Certified Journeyman Mechanic. Palacios is respected among his coworkers for his commitment to standards of excellence and organizational pride.
Judy Leon was named administration employee of the month for her extensive outreach work with employers, youth and rideshare participants. Recently, Judy managed the Dump the Pump Week campaign that resulted in an increase of more than 42,000 bus riders.