SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A committee of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority on Thursday voted against a proposed extension of LA Metro’s light rail Gold Line into the county, indicating instead its desire to pursue an extension of Metrolink service to connect with the light rail system.
The proposal supported by an 8-3 vote of the authority’s Transit Committee orders the authority’s staff to work with LA Metro and Metrolink to create service between Pomona and Montclair, using diesel multiple unit trainsets operating on an existing Metrolink route.
The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports that those supporting the proposal say it would save money — costing an estimated $55 million for trainsets and infrastructure upgrades, compared to $97.4 million San Bernardino County’s share of the light rail extension from Pomona to Montclair. But Montclair officials oppose the move, noting the city has invested $500 million in housing, retail, and office developments near the proposed Montclair light rail station.
Montclair City Manager Edward Starr said the new proposal would be less convenient, cost more for riders, and won’t attract as many riders as the 5,800 per day projected to use the Gold Line. The new proposal calls for trains every 30 minutes, while light rail trains run every 6 to 10 minutes during peak periods.
The committee will revisit the proposal in December. A final decision will require approval by the authority’s full board.
