The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) in Orange, CA, opened a new, 823-space Metrolink parking structure at the Tustin Metrolink Station in mid-October. The station serves approximately 800 daily passengers and previously provided 300 parking spaces.

“Increased ridership shows that Orange County residents are commuting to their jobs more than ever before,” said OCTA Director Jerry Amante, also mayor of Tustin. “Taking alternative forms of transportation is a great way to reduce congestion on the streets. I hope Tustinites can use the parking structure and ride the train in place of a commute as I do a few times a month. Riding frees me up to be productive: reading the newspaper, going through work papers, writing e-mails, or just enjoying a book!“

OCTA designed the five-level parking structure with energy-efficient features such as LED lighting and solar panels on the roof to power the facility. Electronic signage at the entrance displays where parking spots are available. The project, which came in under budget for a total cost of $15.4 million, received funding under OCTA’s Measure M and from the state.