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COMMISSION ADOPTS ITS POLICY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR FY 2010/11 BUDGET
The initial step in the budget process is to develop policy goals and objectives that are consistent with the Commission’s overall strategic direction. For FY 2010/11, the goals and objectives reflect the continuation of the transition related to the completion of projects identified in the 1989 Measure A Expenditure Plan and the commencement of the 2009 Measure A programs and projects. During the next fiscal year, the Commission will focus on advocating for sufficient federal and state funding for Riverside County, promoting mobility, mitigating and addressing the impacts of goods movement, improving system efficiencies including the refinement and enhancement of the Inland Empire 511 traveler information system, fostering environmental stewardship including the development of sustainable and green commuter rail stations, encouraging economic development, and prioritizing public and agency communications. Through its multimodal services department, the Commission will increase awareness of alternate modes of transportation including the provision of specialized transit services for seniors and disabled residents as well as the expansion of the commuter rail system with the start‑up of the Perris Valley Line. A copy of the Commission’s goals and objectives for FY 2010/11 can be found at:
rctc.org/downloads/RCTC_Policy_Procedures.pdf.
The annual adoption of the goals and objectives for the budget provides an opportunity to match the Commission’s spending priorities in a manner that implements the promises made to the residents of the county of Riverside in both Measure A Expenditure Plans. The next step in the budget process is the development of the budget, which will be presented to the Commission at its May meeting through a public hearing process. A copy of the 2009 Measure A Expenditure Plan can be found at:
rctc.org/downloads/RenewedMeasureA_Plan.pdf.
METROLINK’S COMMUTER RAIL SYSTEM RECEIVES NEW RAIL CARS AS PART OF ITS COMPREHENSIVE RAIL SAFETY PROGRAM
 Earlier this month, the Southern California Regional Rail Authority’s (SCRRA) Metrolink commuter rail program received two of 117 crash energy management (CEM) enabled cars that will replace most of the older cars in its fleet. Total cost of the CEM fleet is estimated at $229 million.
 Two of RCTC’s Commissioners — Daryl Busch from the city of Perris and Greg Pettis from Cathedral City — attended the rail car unveiling event; both serve on the SCRRA Metrolink Board. “Metrolink is the first commuter rail system in the nation to adopt this state of the art fleet featuring a unique collision absorption technology that greatly enhances the safety of the commuter rail program,” said Busch.
The cars arrived at the Port of Long Beach from South Korea and will be placed into service later this year after a rigorous testing program that will be conducted at Metrolink’s eastern maintenance facility in the city of Colton. It’s anticipated that 50 to 60 jobs will be created to assemble the new vehicle fleet.
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