Metrolink/SCRRA

Why Metrolink/SCRRA IS A MOST LOVED WORKPLACE®

Systemic Collaboration

EMPLOYEES COLLABORATE THROUGHOUT OUR COMPANY BY …

Our employees take pride in being part of the 3rd largest commuter rail system in the country. Our CEO, Darren Kettle, holds a weekly virtual "coffee break" where all staff are invited and encouraged to join and engage with other staff on any topic they want - it doesn't have to be work related. Darren recognizes new staff at the beginning, our staff can talk about life events, sports, music, hobbies and, while it doesn't have to be work related, they are encouraged to "shout out" a team member for their support on a project or question. Once a month, we choose a staff member to do a presentation about themselves so that we get to know each other more. Small but mighty!

Positive Vision of the Future

EMPLOYEES AT OUR COMPANY HAVE A POSITIVE VISION FOR THE FUTURE BECAUSE …

This is an exciting time at Metrolink. On Monday, April 4th, we restored 24 of the most in-demand trains and added two new trains since the pandemic. Through the pandemic, we provided full remote work for all staff who were not in "safety sensitive" or public-facing positions. We had no layoffs despite a loss in ridership and revenue.

We recently introduced the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains which are highly efficient, low emission trains. In 2023, a new hydrogen-based technology is expected to replace the removable diesel power packs, making us the first passenger rail system in North America to use zero-emission multiple units (ZEMUs). Our staff can see our future as we work toward clean air and community engagement. They are part of the change every day. Their voices and the work that they do every day create our successes.

Company Respect

WE SHOW RESPECT AND ENSURE THAT ALL VOICES ARE HEARD AND IDEAS ARE VALUED THROUGHOUT THE COMPANY BY …

At Metrolink, we celebrate employees, their diverse backgrounds and their experiences. We have teams that work on various projects, celebrating diversity, equity, inclusion and accommodation, our "Green Team," our relationship with Tierra del Sol, a local organization that serves individuals with disabilities, the Wiley Center, another local organization that services individuals with autism and Job Corps. Through these three organizations, we hire staff to temporary Metrolink positions where they can learn and grow to a regular position with the agency in positions with dignity and respect.

Company Support / Killer Outcomes

WE SUPPORT OUR EMPLOYEES IN ACHIEVING THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GOALS BY …

We provide tuition reimbursement, free trainings on over 120 different options, from basic business skills to cyber-security, leadership skills, communication skills, health and safety, etc. In addition, we hold “lunch and learn” trainings on a regular basis to assist staff in understanding financial planning, health and wellness initiatives,

Alignment of Values

OUR COMPANY’S VALUES ARE ALIGNED WITH OUR EMPLOYEES BECAUSE …

There's a difference in being told "we have an open door policy" and actually having one. Our CEO takes direct calls and meetings from staff as all of our Chiefs do the same. So, if an employee has an idea or a concern, there's no "requirement" that they go through their chain of command. Employees are always encouraged to bring new ideas forward, whether it's process change or an idea for a company event. Now that we are moving post-pandemic, we are working on employee engagement ideas like a golf outing, a trip to a Dodgers game and other fun activities.

We also have amazing benefits, including a state pension plan, a 24/7 EAP program, PTO, holidays, state health insurance plans, the opportunity to buy into supplemental AFLAC plans and more. We work toward individualizing each employee's experience with benefit options.

Company Practices / Love

PROGRAMS AND PRACTICES WE GIVE TO OUR EMPLOYEES THAT CREATE A LOVED WORKPLACE ARE …

We give our staff a voice. We give our staff the ability to interact with each other on a daily basis. Nobody at Metrolink is simply a number or a "warm body." And, we encourage staff have a say in the agency as a whole. There are no stupid questions or ideas.

We provide numerous opportunities for staff to learn new skills and to put them to use.

CEO Strengths

OUR CEO SERVES AS A MODEL OF OUR COMPANY VALUES BY …

Our CEO, Darren Kettle, has been with us for a little less than a year (at this writing in May 2022.) He came in while we were still in the middle of the pandemic and when the majority of staff were still working remotely. Darren has established himself as a trusted and transparent leader. He models expectations and while he does not micromanage, he makes sure that all staff have the tools they need to be successful in their roles. He encourages people to bring their best to work each day and he calls them out to thank them.

In addition, when someone resigns or retires from the agency, they have their exit interview directly with the CEO, so he keeps his hand on the pulse and is able to share with the leadership team any concerns or issues that need to be addressed.

Benefits

EXAMPLES OF UNIQUE BENEFITS, BONUS, OR COMPENSATION WE PROVIDE ARE …

As a public sector employer, our staff get a CA State pension with 5 years vesting, state health benefits, a 457 plan option, vision, no-cost dental, flex spending account, DoorDash, ADP LifeMart benefits, a 9/80 work option, a flexible telecommuting option with 3 days in and 2 days remote, free transportation on our trains, 10 holidays, and anywhere from 25-42 PTO days depending on the employee's years of service. In addition to the starting rate of 25 PTO days, if a new employee has prior public service years of experience, the CEO can provide more PTO at the start of employment to match the prior years of public service.

We also offer the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac:
• Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out of pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations and lacerations.
• Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant.
• Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out of pocket costs associated with a hospital stay including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit.
• Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off of work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

Our Certifications

See what we've been awarded.

Certified Company
Certified
2022

About the Company

Metrolink is proud to serve as the LINK between six Southern California counties with safe, seamless and reliable transportation and connectivity. By reducing 9.2 million car trips annually, Metrolink has proven to be an effective solution, taking pressure off freeways and reducing gridlock. Our mission is to provide safe, efficient, dependable and on-time transportation service that offers outstanding customer experience and enhances quality of life. Our vision is to be Southern California’s preferred transportation system built upon safety, reliability, customer service, leading-edge technology and seamless connectivity.

Company Headquarters

Headquarters location:

900 Wilshire Boulevard
15th Floor
Los Angeles, CA

Company Headquarters

Industry:

Transportation/Trucking/Railroad


Company Headquarters

Company CEO's name:

Darren Kettle

Company Headquarters

Number of employees:

0 - 1000