The following article appeared in the University of La Verne Campus Times on April 24, 2015.
Gold Line connects counties – University of La Verne Campus Times
By Brooke Grasso
April 24, 2015
The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension, a new 23-mile extension to Metro’s light rail system, will soon connect areas such as La Verne, Pomona and Claremont to the existing Gold Line stations that expands from Downtown Los Angeles to Pasadena.
La Verne students and residents can expect a station on the corner of E Street and Arrow Highway that will have the ability to transport them past Chinatown and as far as the East Los Angeles Civic Center.
“The biggest benefits are cost and convenience,” said Albert Ho, media relation expert of Foothill Gold Line.
The extension project consists of two phrases, with the first phrase traveling from Sierra Madre Villa Station in Pasadena to Azusa, with new stations at Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte/ City of Hope, Irwindale, Downtown Azusa and Azusa Pacific University/ Citrus College. The Pasadena to Azusa segment is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in late September. It is projected to be opening in 2016.
Once phrase one is completed, the second extension phrase will begin construction and extend the Gold Line from Azusa to Montclair, adding new stations at Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, Claremont and Montclair.
The rail will allow transportation without having to use gas money and experience the usual traffic of driving on the freeway.
Students are notorious for being in debt and having little spending money, the Gold Line offers a less expensive source of travel.
“We can spend more money on doing things in L.A. rather than spending it on the gas to get there,” said freshman business major Jimmy Lim.
The rail will also open up opportunities for those who do not have their license or cars to transport them to and from work, internships or fun activities.
Being able to get out of town for the weekend is also very difficult for those who do not drive.
“Students appreciate the freedom that a light rail line can provide,” said Lisa Levy Buch, director of public affairs for Gold Line.
Environmental issues were also taken into account for the design of the rail.
The Gold Line runs on electric power and according to the Federal Transit Administration, light rail trains produce 62 percent fewer carbon emissions per passenger.
Each rail station also has a station artist, who is responsible for reflecting the individuality of each city.
Blue McRight is the station artist for La Verne and she has focused on La Verne’s citrus background to represent the city.
The design is based on the form of a citrus ladder and a zig zag pattern, which is an ancient symbol for water.
The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension project is estimated to cost $1.18 billion.
A new tax measure, or an extension of an existing measure for transportation improvements may be the source of funding.
The project has received widespread support.
“No one is trying to stop it,” Ho said. “The community is excited and anxious.”
University students were a large part of the concept for the rail.
Once completed, the Gold Line will connect schools such as Azusa Pacific, University of La Verne, the Claremont Colleges and Chaffey College.
“It has been nicknamed ‘the brain train’ because it is connecting some of the brightest minds in Southern California,” Ho said.
Open houses are held in the various cities of future stations to inform the community on the latest advancements. The station artist for each specific station will be at open house to discuss his or her ideas.
The next open house will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Alexander Hughes Community Center in Claremont.
For updates and information on how to get involved, visit iwillride.org.