The following excerpt appeared in Streetsblog LA on July 17, 2020. To read the full article, click here.

Report: Gold Line Extension to Montclair Projects to Increase Metro, Metrolink Ridership by 35, 50 percent – Streetsblog LA

By Kristopher Fortin

July 17, 2020

[excerpt]:

The Metro Regional Rail Task Force is finalizing a report detailing a rosy picture for both Metro and Metrolink ridership upon the completion of the future Gold Line extension to Montclair.

The report projects that the Gold Line extension to Pomona, which is expected to be completed by 2025, anticipates adding nearly 20,000 daily Metro boardings and 5,700 Metrolink boardings, a more than 35 and 50 percent increase respectively. If the extension to Montclair is completed, more than 28,100 daily Metro boardings would be added.

In January 2018, the Metro board of directors directed staff to create a staff-level task force to look at ways the Metrolink San Bernardino Line and future Gold Line extension could coexist. The study was initiated after concerns were raised that riders would abandon Metrolink in favor of the Gold Line, which would affect Metrolink ridership, farebox revenue, and agency subsidies.

The report is nearing completion at a time when the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority began major construction on the 9.1-mile, four-station Foothill Gold Line extension from Glendora to Pomona. Construction began on July 10 and is expected to be completed by 2025.

To read the full article, click here.