Meeting_Body
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
DECEMBER 3, 2020
Preamble
Motion by:
DIRECTORS BARGER, NAJARIAN, GARCETTI, KREKORIAN, AND HAHN
Related to Item 35: 2021 Legislative Program
Legislative & Funding Priorities for New Rail Vehicle Technologies
At the July 2019 board meeting, the Metro Board of Directors unanimously approved motion 5.1, by Directors Barger, Najarian, Krekorian and Solis, prioritizing the implementation of a suite of capital projects along the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line (AVL) to increase regular, bi-directional service capacity.
Motion 5.1 also supported implementation of a rail multiple unit (RMU) train pilot program on the AVL and directed the CEO to coordinate with Metrolink in the pursuit of grant funding opportunities that focus on the offsetting of mobile source pollution in order to implement the pilot program. Earlier this year, the state awarded $107,050,000 in Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grant funds for the joint Metro/Metrolink AVL capital projects and RMU application.
The AVL will provide an excellent testbed for new RMU technology given its variation in topography, grades and climate. Through the RMU pilot, the intent is to test innovative, flexible and potentially lower-cost equipment that can deliver frequent service and lower the agency’s carbon footprint. While the pilot is currently limited to the AVL, the technology could have much more broad application throughout the county’s transportation system.
Given Metro’s position as an industry leader in cutting carbon emissions, and its efforts to bring transportation industry manufacturing into Los Angeles County, it makes sense that the agency should be at the forefront of promoting and supporting legislative and funding opportunities that accelerate the testing, certification, and delivery of new clean rail technologies.
Subject
SUBJECT: LEGISLATIVE & FUNDING PRIORITIES FOR NEW RAIL VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
APPROVE Motion by Directors Barger, Najarian, Garcetti, Krekorian, and Hahn that the 2021 Federal and State Legislative Program Goals be amended to include the following:
Support legislation and funding programs that promote the accelerated certification of new rail vehicle technologies, prioritizing zero emission propulsion, and pilot programs which test their viability, and pursue funding opportunities to deploy such technology whenever and wherever they become available.