2012 Budget Book.indd - Metra

and are designed to improve operational safety and
to prevent the type of head-on collision experienced
by Metrolink in southern California in 2008. PTC is a
federally unfunded mandate.
Also, technological investments necessary to replace
Metra’s nancial systems are programmed for $12
million in 2012. Auditors found many of the existing
systems to be outdated. Management is developing a
request for proposals (RFP) to replace current nancial
systems. The new systems will increase process
e ciency, improve sharing of information and enable
Metra’s management team to develop metrics that
drive performance and e ciency.
At current funding levels, approximately $55 million
remains for the 2012 capital program to address
needs across all asset categories. Metra has, therefore,
pushed more than $100 million of 2012 projects into
future program years. No federal capital-eligible dollars
for preventive maintenance will be transferred to
operations in 2012.
Additional Challenges
In July 2011, Governor Pat Quinn signed Illinois Public
Act 97-0085, requiring the RTA, Metra, CTA and Pace
to develop and implement the following:
• A universal fare payment system that will allow
credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards to pay
for all the region’s xed-route transit services by
January 1, 2015. The RTA, Metra, CTA and Pace
are required to report to the Governor annually
on their progress in developing a universal fare
system beginning in 2012. This system is an unfunded
mandate by the State of Illinois.
• Web-based, real-time vehicle arrival information
must be made available for use by all riders as of
July 1, 2012. This represents an unfunded mandate
by the State of Illinois.
• A study prepared and submitted to the Governor
and the General Assembly on the feasibility
of providing wireless Internet services (WiFi) on
all service operated by Metra, CTA and Pace by
January 1, 2012. Metra is required to install WiFi on
trains by January 1, 2012 but only if a no-cost to
Metra option can be identi ed.
• Metra is required to conduct a study of the feasibility
of installation of automated external de brillators
on all its trains by no later than July 2012,
and is committed to begin installing at least two
de brillators per train starting in 2012.
It was estimated in 2009 that Metra will need $7.37
billion from 2010 through 2020 to keep our railroad
in a good state of repair. Optimistically Metra might
receive a little over $2 billion over the same period
from federal formula funds and approved state bond
funds. That leaves a funding gap of over $5 billion.
Reauthorization of federal transportation legislation
and future state bond programs are essential funding
mechanisms for Metra to maintain a state of good
repair, meet legislative and regulatory mandates to
incorporate new technologies and expand service
to meet the region’s future transportation needs.
Metra sta will continue to work with local, state and
national leaders to pursue additional capital funding
sources. We will also actively pursue grant opportunities
where applicable.
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