I was at the Metrolink (SCRRA) Board Meeting when this was proposed last month. They were asked to come back with a modified response. Amtrak wants to takeover dispatching, as well. ML is not interested in going back to outside dispatching.

Right now ML is looking to go in-house with crewing. Veolia-Connex contracting has been deemed a failed experiment by by ML and the current contractor, and Connex does not want to renew its option on the current ML contract.

ML has to act now to have this in place within a year. Unless some major breakthrough is achieved with Amtrak, they will go in-house. ML would also go in-house with supervisory, rule instruction, and testing staff, with three positions.