Executive Director's Report

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STEVE HEMINGER’S REPORT TO THE
COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 22, 2011

SUMMARY OF EVENTS:

High Speed Rail Conference
San Francisco, June 3

I was the luncheon speaker at this conference co-sponsored by the California High Speed Rail Authority and the Spanish Ministry of Transport. In my remarks, I tried to re-frame the case for high speed rail investment in light of recent events in California and elsewhere in the U.S.

• Presentation: High-Speed Rail — American Style (PowerPoint)
  
  

Government-to-Government Consultation
Santa Rosa, June 9

Commissioner Mackenzie joined staff from both MTC and ABAG in a meeting with representatives of several of the region’s Native American tribes to consult on several housing and transportation issues in Plan Bay Area.

BART Clipper Compliance
Oakland, June 14

Because BART has not met its Clipper transition dates outlined in MTC Resolution No. 3866, I sent a letter to interim general manager Sherwood Wakeman notifying him that possible funding sanctions might be imposed unless BART develops a corrective action plan to transition its high value discount and senior/youth fare media to Clipper. The BART board of directors is scheduled to act on that plan tomorrow.

California Transportation Foundation Award
Sacramento, June 15

The California Transportation Foundation (CTF) announced their 2010 Transportation Award winners at their annual luncheon last week. The award for Sustainable Transportation Study or Program of the Year went to MTC’s Climate Initiatives Program. The CTF Transportation Awards recognize excellence in transportation projects throughout California.

Governor Vetoes State Budget
Sacramento, June 16

Governor Brown quickly vetoed a majority-vote budget that had been approved only the day before by the Democratic members of the State Senate and Assembly. We have definitely entered uncharted territory in California’s nearly decade-long budget conflict.

NACO Large Urban County Caucus
Berkeley, June 16

At the invitation of Commissioner Haggerty, who also serves as vice chairman of the Large Urban County Caucus for the National Association of Counties, I made a presentation on the importance of transportation investment to metropolitan economies.

TSP Steering Committee
Oakland, June 20

I chaired the most recent meeting of the Steering Committee for the Transit Sustainability Project (TSP), where we heard our first in-depth presentation on the service delivery issues in the TSP work plan.

More Comings and Goings

It was announced last week that Nat Ford will be leaving his position as executive director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) on June 30th. If his permanent successor isn’t named by then, SFMTA deputy director Carter Rohan is expected to serve as interim chief. If so, the Bay Area’s three largest public transit agencies – S.F. Muni, BART, and AC Transit – all will be led simultaneously by acting directors for the first time in my memory.

Map of the Month

The map of the month shows the daily total number of express bus trips along the Bay area regional freeway corridors. The map also shows the region's evolving express lane network development plan, with some high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes being converted to express lanes.

• Express Bus Service Level on Regional Express Lanes (PDF)

MTC Operational Statistics

The monthly report on the performance of MTC’s operating programs:

• MTC Operational Statistics (PDF)

Upcoming Events

June 24 — Commonwealth Club Presentation, San Francisco
July 11 — Steel Fabrication Close-Out Ceremonies, Shanghai