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.
Anna,
Maybe San Bernardino County wants to apply the same hydrogen powered “DMU”s for which they have received a grant to design and build on the future San Bernardino to Redlands service?
Mister Blaubach:
What gets my spidey-sense up is that this is happening at the county line. Claremont is in Los Angeles County, and Montclair (adjacent) is in San Bernardino County. As I understand it, what is (currently) the Metro Gold Line is to go to the Clareville station and from there to Montclair. Where in Montclair I am not sure, but if it follows the old Arrow Highway alignment as far in as Mountain Avenue, it will be advantageously sited for access to the Montclair Plaza (or whatever they are calling themselves these days, it is a shopping centre).
If the Metro follows the old Pasadena Sub it will end up at the San Bernardino transit centre, in the old ATSF terminal. However, that also parallels a Metrolink line.
Looking at Google Earth, there is no existing link between Montclair and Pomona. One would have to be built. Pomona is in Los Angeles County, however this does not mean the link could not be built from Metrolink ROW to Montclair entirely withing San Bernardino County. But this presupposes an identified traffic flow between Pomona and Montclair.
Metro (not Metrolink but Metro) is a Los Angeles County based entity. LA County and San Bernardino County have an … uneasy … history and often do not play well with others. This is the cause of my concern.
The above comments are generic in nature and do not form the basis for an attorney/client relationship. They do not constitute legal advice. I am not your attorney. I am your Little Old Whine Maker from either Anaheim, Azusa, or Cucamonga …
Now, is this turf hustling or an attempt to provide the best possible service for the patrons?
The above remarks are generic in nature and do not form the basis for an attorney/client relationship. They do not constitute legal advice. I am not your attorney. Find your own [censored] lawyer.