Orange County Grand Jury
• 2016-2017
Light Rail: is Orange County on the Right Track?
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 5 findings
F1
The lack of development of second-generation light rail in Orange County can be closely linked to the reality of different transit priorities for the thirty-four diverse cities in the county.
F2
Orange County would benefit from the examples of Los Angeles and San Diego Counties with their history of promoting centrally organized and run light rail systems. As a result, these counties were well-positioned to plan for and develop second generation light rail systems expansion in the 1980’s. 2015-2016 Orange County Grand Jury Light Rail: Is Orange County on the Right Track?
F3
Approval of OCTA as implementer and owner/operator of the OC Streetcar Project, and as subsequent grantee for the Federal New Starts Program, has created the basis for enabling further light rail development in Orange County to include public outreach and marketing/promotion efforts.
F4
Creation by OCTA of a draft light rail Master Plan for Orange County that includes both intra and inter county transit connectivity options would be of considerable value to the public.
F5
The long project times associated with light rail system establishment require not only careful planning and coordination by OCTA, but also consistent efforts to inform the public by those Orange County cities involved in development or possible development of light rail projects. RECOMMENDATIONS In accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the 2015-2016 Grand Jury requires responses from each agency affected by the recommendations presented in this section. The responses are to be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Based on its investigation titled “Light Rail: Is Orange County on the Right Track?” the 2015- 2016 Orange County Grand Jury makes the following eight recommendations:
Recommendations 5
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R1OCTA should initiate another “Go Local” effort in FY 16/17 encouraging more Orange County cities to advocate for light rail or other transit connections to assist Metrolink ridership. (F.1., F.3.)
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R2OCTA should organize and lead focus groups during FY 16/17 to gauge public reaction to transportation options for Orange County that will be affected by the changes in working and population centers forecast for the next 20 years. (F.1., F.3.)
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R3OCTA should use multi-lingual (English, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese) Web and printed marketing materials to highlight Metrolink Transportation Center and light rail connectivity efforts in Orange County. (F.1., F.3.)
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R4OCTA should create a draft phased light rail Master Plan during FY 16/17 that links the County’s high density urban areas and connects with Metrolink and Los Angeles County’s Metro light rail system. (F.4.)
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R5OCTA should publish this Master Plan on its Website once it is created and provide a Website progress update every six months. (F.4.) 2015-2016 Orange County Grand Jury Light Rail: Is Orange County on the Right Track?
Commendations 1
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CM1The Grand Jury would like to commend the employees of OCTA and the cities interviewed in the course of this investigation for their hard work and dedication to advancing light rail and other transit options in Orange County. Each seeks to promote the public good and economic growth in their communities and within Orange County based on their understanding of the benefits of various public transportation options. The Grand Jury also commends each for recognizing the need for a longer term County Transportation Master Plan that could help create an intra-county network of light rail and other transit options, as well as additional rail links with Los Angeles County.
Agency Responses 2
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.