OCTA values the importance of strengthening relationships with external partners to better address the transportation needs of the region. Last month, several members of the OCTA executive team attended the Orange County Council of Governments’ (OCCOG) 2023 General Assembly, which brings together Orange County's elected leaders, as well as OCCOG members’ staff, partners, and the consultant community for education and collaboration to focus on five infrastructure policy areas including energy, transportation/mobility, water, air quality and land use/housing.
Representing OCTA were Deputy CEO Jennifer L. Bergener, Chairman Gene Hernandez, Director/Metrolink Vice Chair Doug Chaffee, and Director/Caltrans District 12 Director Ryan Chamberlain.
In his remarks, Chairman Hernandez outlined the OCTA Board initiatives adopted earlier this year to deliver a balanced, innovative and sustainable transportation system that improves quality of life in Orange County. Among other topics, he emphasized the importance of strong input from local jurisdictions and stakeholders regarding the future of transportation in Orange County, including the Long Range Transportation Plan that looks at ways to improve mobility throughout Orange County through 2045 and beyond.
Speaking in his role as Metrolink Vice Chair, OCTA Director Chaffee provided an overview of Metrolink and highlighted collaborative efforts such as Metrolink/Pacific Surfliner partnerships to increase ridership and collaboration among local and state officials and the California Transportation Commission to approve emergency allocations to fund construction to stabilize tracks south of San Clemente.