Carmageddon II: Off the rails

Hot off of last week's incredibly overhyped "Carmageddon," the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) Blue Line light rail system will not be running in my city this weekend because some trees along the line need to be trimmed.

OCTA CEO: Speeding up projects, maximizing environmental benefits

Orange County’s environmental community, state and federal wildlife agencies, and OCTA’s Measure M2 program partnered to preserve about 900 acres of land. This effort protects the county’s natural resources while keeping the promise made to voters to implement 13 freeway projects as part of M2, a half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements approved in 2006.

OCTA CEO: Public employees get the job done even under fire

There has been significant media attention given in recent months to the salaries and benefits that government workers receive. Too often, the focus shifts to an unwarranted judgment on the worth of public employees. I am honored and privileged to serve the people of Orange County and I am surrounded on a daily basis by 1,600 other OCTA employees who feel very much the same way.

Hide-and-seek behind bus mirrors and A-pillars

Bus operators should never drive solely for the moment, but also for what's ahead in their future. As professionals, they are responsible for conducting a SAFE turn, consisting of a safe approach, entry and exit of an intersection.

OCTA CEO: Transportation funding facing a changing landscape

President Dwight D. Eisenhower's Federal Aid Highway Act, signed in 1956, marked the first time in U.S. history the federal government assumed a greater role in providing transportation infrastructure to the nation. Since then, the devolving role of the federal and state government has resulted in local governments stepping up to maintain and expand our transportation infrastructure.

OCTA CEO: Sales tax program delivers success to voters and transit

Orange County Transportation Authority delivered on its promise to voters, through Measure M, to reduce freeway congestion, improve local streets and invest in transit. March 31 marks the final day that the half-cent sales tax will be collected to go toward Measure M. It represents the sunset of a successful program that has helped keep this county moving with more than $4 billion invested in transportation improvements.

OCTA CEO: The coveted 'quiet zone'

This month in Orange County, Calif., one of the nation’s most comprehensive rail safety enhancement programs ushers in a new era of silence around our railroad tracks. The program is in direct response to the concerns of residents who have been experiencing an increase in rail traffic and the corresponding noise that comes from federal safety requirements.

OCTA CEO: Strategic Thinking in 2011

Thankfully, one of the most financially challenging years in the recent past is now in our rearview mirror. At Orange County Transportation Authority, we are planning for 2011 to be a year in which we sharpen our vision for the future and set into motion a strategic plan that will aid our efforts to deliver transportation projects and programs.