The following excerpt appeared in the print edition of the Los Angeles Daily News, Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and San Bernardino Sun on September 2, 2021. To read the full editorial in the online print edition (requires subscription), click here.

Editorial: Fund Gold Line out to Montclair station – Los Angeles Daily News, Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and San Bernardino Sun

By The Editorial Board

September 2, 2021

[excerpt]:

Currently, the Gold Line is funded in its ongoing extension work to build out only to Pomona, adding nine miles and four stations to the east from its current Glendora terminus.

But the commuter line, with its promise of reducing congestion on the horribly gridlocked 210 Freeway, has always made the most sense by including the college town of Claremont at L.A. County’s far east and getting as far as possible toward the Inland Empire and Ontario Airport. That’s why the authority is right now seeking $540 million in available surplus funds from the state budget to complete the route to Montclair by early 2026.

…

We have long been a backer of the Gold Line — Metro is trying to redub it the L Line, a name that has yet to catch on — and continue to believe it can play a significant part in Southern California transit in the years to come. Analysts predict that getting to Montclair would mean an immediate increase of more than 8,100 daily boardings. And getting quickly to Claremont and San Bernardino County will surely spur the new housing and business development that always follows a light rail line connected to Downtown Los Angeles.

We urge the Legislature to swiftly approve this funding and the governor to sign it.

To read the full editorial in the online print edition (requires subscription), click here.