In The Know. Your Metrolink news updated weekly.

Anaheim Metrolink Canyon Station Development

The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration granted the city $7.25 million for the Anaheim Metrolink Canyon Station development. Most of the money will be used to build a pedestrian walkway that will connect the station to the Kaiser Permanente medical campus going up nearby and the larger Canyon Business Center along La Palma Avenue. In addition to the grant, Kaiser Permanente contributed $2 million toward the development. The project still is in the early stages of design and is expected to include an expanded platform for the train station and a plaza area. An architect for the development has not been hired.

A 312,000-square-foot regional shopping center is in preliminary stages on Lincoln Avenue and Beach Boulevard. No leases have been signed at Anaheim Westgate Center yet. The center is set to be anchored by a home improvement store and a national grocery store. The center also is set to include restaurants, a food court and a public plaza area for outdoor dining and events. The project is expected to cost about $35 million. Construction is slated to begin at the end of this year and will take 12 to 14 months to complete. The site is owned by the Anaheim Redevelopment Agency. Zelman Develop-ment Co. of Los Angeles is the developer. Long Beach-based Perkowitz + Ruth Arch-itects and Oltmans Construction Co. of Whittier are working on the project.

Metrolink Responds to Budget Challenges

The Metrolink board of directors responded to significant budgetary challenges at its meeting Friday, Oct. 9 due to lower revenues.

The board authorized a public outreach program to solicit public comment on a proposed increase in fares of between 3 percent and 6 percent. A revision to the 10-trip ticket pricing policy was also made replacing it with five round-trip equivalents.

Although the board continues work to avoid a fare increase, the public outreach process must be completed by Nov. 13 for the potential changes to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010. The agency is facing a forecasted drop of $6.1 million in revenues and increased expenses of $1.8 million during the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2010.

The board also voted to discontinue the 25 percent December monthly pass discount for 2009, but opted to continue operating the Holiday Toy Express this season.

Friends and Family 4-Pack

Metrolink is introducing a new fare called the Friends and Family 4-Pack (FF4P) specifically for weekend service. Full article

Are You Rail Safe?

If you happen to be a regular Metrolink rider, you are around trains almost every day. You are aware of trains arriving and departing, and you stand behind the yellow line on platforms while waiting to board. Full article

Orange Pedestrian Undercrossing Now Open

The new pedestrian undercrossing at the Orange Depot officially opened on August 27. Full article

Improvements on the way for Tustin Metrolink Station

There are two major projects in Tustin that will enhance the station experience for commuters – a new parking structure and the Tustin Wye pedestrian walkway. Full article

Direct Bus Service from Irvine to LAX

The Irvine City Council recently agreed to a licensing agreement that would allow the Los Angeles World Airports' FlyAway direct-route bus service to travel between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Irvine Station. This program could be launched as early as mid-November. Full article

Calendar

Hop on Metrolink and enjoy these upcoming events in Orange County. Go to Calendar