The article is typical of Weikel's unique style (the world was on the verge of destruction and all was lost until a savior appeared is a little too melodramatic for my tastes to be coming from a supposedly serious journalist?), but some parts of the story are certainly true.

Unfortunately, many of the maladies were not entirely of management;s making at ML, like ridership drops resulting from 12% unemployment. And, $4 gas, not necessarily improved management, has put a lot of people back on the trains. Fenton is pretty good and does seem to care about being more innovative, but he doesn't control the economy or world oil markets.

Certainly, some ML watchers might think that neglect by political leaders and management at the agencies funding Metrolink, the local CTC's, had a bit to do with Metrolink's somewaht aimless direction over the last few years?

Fenton has done a reasonably good job and seems to be making sound decisions with much more support from the real power brokers: key agencies like MTA and OCTA. The active involvement of several MTA Board Members like Richard Katz have also done quite a bit to put this agencies relationships with the CTC's which fund Metrolink in better standing. But, Weikel's bestowing "Sainthood" might be premature, or even a bit of a curse, as there are a number of critical issues and needs still facting Metrolink. Some of these will be the ones that require serious money and commitment from the State and the CTC's, not simply a frugal or caring management style.

Their is real leadership being shown on issues such as LOSSAN and with a revitalized ML by the the regional CTC's. And, it makes one wonder what would be happening with HSR, had those funds gone through the normal regional rail project funding channels into well vetted and truly shovel ready projects for the Capitol's, LOSSAN, San Joaquin's, or our regional rail commuter systems, instead of to the mismanaged and clearly unready CHSRA?