21st October, 2026
Via email to James.Hacker@CalSTA.ca.gov
Mr. Toks Omishakin
Secretary
California State Transportation Agency
400 Capitol Mall, Suite 2340
Sacramento, CA 95814
RailPAC supports Metrolink’s $20 Million Flexible State Rail Assistance Request
Dear Secretary Omishakin:
On behalf of the Rail Passenger Association of California and Nevada, I am writing to express our strong support for the Southern California Regional Rail Authority’s (Metrolink) application seeking $20 million in Cycle 2 Flexible State Rail Assistance (SRA) funding over the next two fiscal years. This funding is urgently needed to avert imminent Metrolink service cuts planned for November 2026 and additional reductions that would otherwise be required in Fiscal Year 2027–28.
In the short term Metrolink needs bridging funding to continue to provide a viable service. Without it the millions of dollars of prior public investment of the past three decades will be wasted as Metrolink descends into a doom loop of reduced revenue and ridership followed by further service cuts. However, the existing governance system, with three separate organizations with sometimes conflicting policies and objectives, and significant duplication of functions, is thoroughly broken, and does not provide good value for taxpayers’ money. Thus, in addition to this short term emergency funding; Calsta must take on the task of reform of the ownership of the assets and unifying governance of ALL passenger rail service in Southern California.
If California is serious about reducing road traffic and constructing a true alternative on the Swiss model for example, then we need regional governance; a single organization above the County level, with State funding, to manage Intercity and Regional rail, and facilitate integration with bus services.
Since 1979 RailPAC, a dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom are industry experts, has consistently supported integrated value for money regional rail for Southern California.
Yours sincerely,
SIGNED
Paul J. Dyson
Vice President, Government Affairs. pdyson@railpac.org
