LOS ANGELES — Commuter rail operator Metrolink will receive more than $25 million for a pair of projects — $10 million for projects to improve locomotive fuel efficiency and $15.5 million for double tracking of a route in Riverside County — under state funding awarded Monday.
The funding, announced by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, come from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program administrered by the California State Transportation Agency. The Riverside County project was pursued jointly by Metrolink and the Riverside County Transportation Committee.
“These commitments are essential toward Metrolink’s ongoing mission of providing reliable, safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation for everyone,” Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said in a press release, “and we appreciate the state’s continued support in making that possible.”
The locomotive project is projected to see fuel savings of 8% to 20% through a combination of maintenance strategies and operator training and coaching, with Metrolink saying an 8% reduction could result in savings of $2.6 million, as well as reduced emissions.
The double-track project, estimated to cost $31 million, will add a second main for most of a 9.2-mile stretch between Moreno Valley and Perris, better accommodating service at speeds up up to 79 mph and helping Metrolink realize its goal of service every 30 minutes. The project, described in more detail here, could see construction begin in mid-2024 if full funding is obtained.
