I am disappointed by the ruling of the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, but it is not appropriate for me to comment in specifics regarding the ruling pending further review by Metro counsel.

The Metro has greatly improved bus service and continues to do so.  Since March 1999, the Metro has taken delivery of more than 1,000 new buses, more than 400 of which have been received this year alone.  Moreover, since July 1997, the Metro has added 262 extra buses into service, and I believe the Metro has achieved and maintained substantial compliance with the Consent Decree.

After a full briefing, probably next week, the Board of Directors will determine our next course of action.