On Saturday, March 19 Chair Richard Katz provided opening comments for the 4th Annual Steel Wheels in California conference hosted by RailPAC and NARP. Over 200 rail professionals gathered in the L.A. Metro board room for a conference providing information and education to “opinion formers and decision makers” and grass roots supporters of the rail industry. Chairman Katz spoke about Metrolink’s commitment to safety, specifically as it applies to insisting that the 2015 federal mandate for PTC implemented not be extended.

CEO John Fenton gave a presentation on Metrolink’s journey to become Southern California’s commute of choice. He covered Metrolink’s core values – safety, people, quality, efficiency and growth – and the ways Metrolink is working to add value to the region, such as introducing a pilot program of new express trains on the Antelope Valley and San Bernardino lines.

At the conference, Metrolink’s Guardian fleet was on display for the conference attendees. Operations staff was also on-hand to provide information about the cars and answer any questions.