August 9: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

1991:  The Southern California Regional Rail Authority is created.

The five-county joint powers authority oversees the commuter rail services for  Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties.

Within moments of its official birth, the Authority approves the name “Metrolink” for its commuter rail program.

The name reflects commuter rail’s connection with the light and heavy rail (subway) lines of Los Angeles County’s Metro Rail system.

The name, car design and logo are created by a 25-year old student from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena who submitted proposals as part of a class project.

The rail service is later launched October 26, 1992.
 
 
2000:  Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan leads bicyclists on the inaugural ride of the newly opened 1.3-mile segment of the Los Angeles River Trail — a bikeway and pedestrian path largely funded by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

More information can be found in the August 11, 2000 issue of the MyMetro employee news digest.
 
 
2004:  The California State Senate recognizes the lifetime achievement of Arthur Winston.

The 98-year old service attendant is celebrated for his 70 years of service at Metro and predecessor transit agencies after being featured on the front page of the Los Angeles Times in February.  Winston began working for Los Angeles Railway on January 24, 1924.  More information can be found in the August 11, 2004 issue of the MyMetro employee news digest.

He retires two years later, the day before his 100th birthday.