Emergency Funds for Metrolink Run Out
Federal funding for emergency Metrolink service to Oxnard and Camarillo has run out a month early, leaving Ventura County responsible for an additional $50,000 in costs to run the trains during September.
But the county may not have to come up with the funds if efforts to renegotiate the cost of the service are successful, said Ginger Gherardi, director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission.
The commission secured up to $1.2 million in federal emergency funds for temporary Metrolink service to Oxnard and Camarillo after the Jan. 17 earthquake damaged freeways and increased roadway congestion.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency agreed to pay for service to the two stations until the Simi Valley Freeway was repaired, or until Oct. 1, whichever came first. The repairs were completed Sept. 3.
“We actually don’t expect any additional cost” to the county, Gherardi said. “We are working with (Metrolink) to come up with additional budget reductions,” which would eliminate the $50,000 fee for September.
Meanwhile, the commission has agreed to pay the cost of continuing the service to the two stations until at least June.
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