Board Actions
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Jan. 23, 2011 Board Meeting
Chairman Glaab Announces Goals
Newly selected Orange County Transportation Authority Chairman Paul Glaab, also the mayor of Laguna Niguel, unveiled his strategic initiatives for the year ahead, placing the focus on exploring options for bus and rail commuters as well as fast-tracking Measure M2 project delivery.
Glaabs’ priorities call for implementing first and last mile connections for rail users, making use of federal, state and local funding and creating a financial strategy to speed up M2 project construction.
The strategic initiatives unveiled by Glaab include:
- Improve passenger rail service
- Create ridership programs
- Expedite capital project delivery
- Build collaborative relationships
- Take advantage of funding opportunities
- Optimize street and bikeway networks
- Select I-405 locally preferred strategy
- Support sustainability initiatives
- Improve goods movement
- Enhance efficiency and effectiveness
OCTA Initiates Countywide Bikeways Planning
A countywide bikeways program to improve opportunities for bicycle travel was approved by the board.
The program, O.C. Bikeways, seeks to improve bike path connectivity throughout Orange County. It will be based upon a successfully completed pilot project conducted in the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra and Placentia.
Expanding biking routes is beneficial to residents by providing alternative travel options. It also expands the reach of bus and train service by helping commuters make last mile connections along their route. Bicycle riding also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality.
Santa Ana Transit Terminal to Be Sold
The Santa Ana Transit Terminal is being put up for sale and use of the proceeds will be applied to reduce future transportation project costs.
The terminal was built to serve as a hub and transfer point for the Orange County bus system. It no longer serves its original purpose as a bus terminal / park and ride facility due to changes in services. There are no future plans to use the terminal.
The property is valued at $3.1 million, which includes a parking garage with 473 spaces, bus terminal and seven-story office building with air rights currently leased to Birtcher Anderson Realty Management.
The county of Orange, city of Santa Ana and Birtcher Anderson Realty Management will be approached about the possibility of purchasing the terminal.
Board Recognizes Employees of the Month
Glenn Jordan was selected as coach operator of the month for his 30 years of safe driving record and excellent attendance. Jordan demonstrates the OCTA value of putting customers first, helping to make ridership grow. His efforts have led him to earn employee of the month for the second time in his career at OCTA.
Dan Wongmoung was named maintenance employee of the month for his excellence in materials management and customer support. Wongmoung works as an equipment parts clerk and his high standards in servicing the parts window, building brake kits and cycle counting inventory among others tasks is admired by his peers.
Rudy Acosta is administrative employee of the month for his work as Senior Fleet Analyst for OCTA’s transit division. Acosta’s 20 years of maintenance experience is a tremendous asset to his role in successful vehicle transitions. His positive outlook and focus on team results reflect the high standards and core values of OCTA.