CC Resolution 2002-074RESOLUTION NO. 2002-74
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, IN SUPPORT OF PRIORITY TREATMENT OF
METROLINK'S RIVERSIDE LINE BY THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
COMPANY
WHEREAS, Metrolink train service has become a valuable and effective form of
transportation for thousands of Riverside County residents who commute to Los
Angeles or Orange Counties; and
WHEREAS, Metrolink trains improve overall mobility by giving commuters an
alternative to driving alone; and
WHEREAS, the Riverside County Transportation Commission and Metrolink lease
track rights from Union Pacific Railroad for the operation of commuter rail service from
Riverside to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles; and
WHEREAS, the Riverside County Transportation Commission and Metrolink paid
more than $71 million to Union Pacific for capital improvements and operating rights
to accommodate 12 daily passenger trains; and
WHEREAS, the agreement between Metrolink and Union Pacific requires that
priority be given to the operation of passenger trains; and
WHEREAS, in apparent violation of the agreement, Union Pacific has given
priority to its own freight operations; and
WHEREAS, Riverside County passengers routinely experience delays of more
than 30 minutes during their commute; and
WHEREAS, on -time performance on the Riverside Line is the worst among the
five -county Metrolink system; and
WHEREAS, on -time performance has suffered primarily because of Union
Pacific's insistence to value its freight customers over passenger rail uses; and
WHEREAS, the Riverside County Transportation Commission and Metrolink are
seeking to enhance and improve Metrolink service but are unable to do so without the
cooperation of Union Pacific; and
— WHEREAS, the Metrolink Board of Directors recently issued a "Letter to Cure"
to Union Pacific seeking an immediate improvement toward operating conditions on
the Riverside Line; and
Resolution No. 2v02-74
Support of Priority Treatment
Metrolink's Riverside Line
Adopted: May 21, 2002
Page 2
WHEREAS, the issuance of a "Letter to Cure" legally starts the clock on what
could lead to a costly and time-consuming arbitration process.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of La Quinta does hereby
RESOLVE as follows:
1. The City of La Quinta does hereby endorse and support the efforts of the
Riverside County Transportation Commission and Metrolink in continued
and strengthened efforts to ensure the enforcement of priority treatment
contained in the Riverside Operating Agreement with the Union Pacific
Railroad Company.
2. That this resolution will be transmitted to the Inland Empire's legislative
delegations in Washington D.C. and Sacramento.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La Quinta City
Council, held this 21" day of May, 2002 by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pena
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
JOHN J. (P�NA, M#o�
City of La-,
,uinta, 0alifornia
ATTEST:
JUNE . G EK, CMC, Cit rk
City of La Quinta, California
(Seal)
Resolution No. 2002-74
Support of Priority Treatment
Metrolink's Riverside Line
Adopted: May 21, 2002
Page 3
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
M. KATHERINE JENSity Atto
City of La Quinta, Cal' rnia