With Measure R passed, what happens next?

With Measure R now likely passed (because the vote was so close there is a slim chance that the county's automatic recount process could change the result if there was a miscount) here are some key future points, from Roger Snoble, the MTA chief.

-The tax will start to be collected in July of next year. Cities will see their first serious infusions of cash about this time next year.

-The Gold Line's construction authority will be receiving cash allotments immediately, and will be able to begin construction as soon as it is able. The line will likely go no further than Azusa/Glendora, as Snoble said before the election in interviews (though on the ballot Measure R proponents claimed somewhat deceptively it would go to Claremont- it is permitted to go to Claremont, but the money is likely not enough to get it anywhere close.)

-Snoble does not think looking for federal money to get the Gold Line beyond Azusa is a good idea, since there are other county projects seeking federal money. He continues to advocate a Metrolink connection to Claremont or some other solution. The fight will go on, as angry Measure R San Gabriel Valley opponents will be looking for some way to get money for the rest of the project.

-The agency will freeze fare prices in place until 2010, avoiding an expected fare raise in 2009. It also is holding student, senior, and disabled discount fare prices in place until 2013.

-The agency will now defend a lawsuit from South Pasadena and La Canada Flintridge about its decision to put $780 million in funding for a 710 tunnel extension in the measure. If MTA loses, the money will go to other San Gabriel Valley road projects, said Snoble. There is some possibility the money could go to the Gold Line, he added, but rules about transferring money between road projects and transit projects that are written into the measure might prevent that from happening.