swift action to assist the victims of the
train collision. At a special meeting on
Sept. 17, the Board unanimously approved
creation of the Metrolink 111 Assistance
Fund, which was established to help
victims and their families with expenses
incurred as a result of the collision. The
fund was officially launched on Oct. 7 at
an event hosted by the San Fernando
where Metrolink made an appeal to the
general public, businesses and community
leaders to donate to the fund. The agency
partnered with the San Fernando Valley
Community Foundation (a division of the
the funds.
$200,000 to allow for faster payment to families so they could cover costs, like funeral expenses,
incurred by victims and their immediate families. "A mechanism to provide immediate assistance and
cut through red tape was needed to help families now," said then Board Chairman Ron Roberts. "The
Temporary Assistance Fund gives us a way to help people now when they really need the help."
expedite compensation, Metrolink took a leadership role in creating a $200 million fund to compensate
victims as soon as possible. This action allowed victims to receive the largest amount allowed by the
Amtrak Reform and Liability Act, which sets the liability limit to avoid a lengthy legal process. Victims
accepted the funds and the case was finalized in July 2011. Payments to victims were divided by Judge
Peter D. Lichtman.
federally established liability limit for railroad-related accidents.
Union Station in honor of those who lost their lives during the Chatsworth collision. The
plaque was also dedicated to the victims' families and friends, as well as first responders.