The LA Metro A Line has officially opened its extension to Pomona, allowing riders to travel to the eastern edge of Los Angeles County. This significant project adds approximately nine miles to the light-rail line, connecting communities and expanding transit options for thousands of daily commuters and travelers.
Festivities marked the opening of the new extension on Friday. LA Metro welcomed passengers with various events, food, and celebrations across the four new stations. These stations are located between the previous terminus in Azusa and the new end-of-the-line in Pomona. The expansion represents a major step in regional public transportation development.
Key Takeaways
- LA Metro A Line extended by nine miles to Pomona.
- Four new stations opened in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona.
- The project cost approximately $1.5 billion.
- The A Line is now over 57 miles long, connecting Long Beach to Pomona.
- Future expansion to Montclair remains uncertain due to ongoing disputes.
A Major Expansion for Regional Transit
The newly opened segment of the A Line extends the world's longest light-rail line. It now spans more than 57 miles in total. The line connects Long Beach on the coast to Pomona in the east. Passengers can ride the entire length for a single fare of $1.75. This makes public transit a cost-effective option for long-distance travel within the county.
The Foothill Gold Line extension, as it was known during construction, involved a substantial investment. The estimated cost to complete this phase was $1.5 billion. Primary construction work began in July 2020. The project has been a long-term goal for regional planners.
Project Fast Facts
- Length Added: Approximately 9 miles
- Total A Line Length: Over 57 miles
- Total Cost: Estimated $1.5 billion
- Construction Start: July 2020
- New Stations: Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona
New Stations and Infrastructure
The extension includes four new stations. These are located in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona. These stations are designed to serve growing communities in these areas. They provide new access points to the LA Metro system.
Beyond the stations, the project also required extensive infrastructure work. This included building 19 new bridges. It also involved creating 21 new street crossings to ensure smooth traffic flow. New parking facilities were also developed at the stations. More than 10 miles of sound-resistant walls were constructed using recycled tires. This helps reduce noise for nearby residents.
"This extension marks a new era for public transit in Los Angeles County. It connects more communities and offers a sustainable travel option for residents and visitors alike," an LA Metro spokesperson stated.
Funding and Historical Context
The funding for this significant expansion came from several sources. The primary source was L.A. County’s Measure M, a half-cent sales tax. This measure was approved by voters to fund transportation projects. State grants and Measure R funds also contributed to the project's budget. This multi-source funding model highlights the regional commitment to improving public transit.
The idea of extending the LA Metro line to this region has been discussed for over 25 years. The line first reached Pasadena in 2003. Construction then began in 2010 to extend the then-Gold Line from Pasadena to Azusa. This latest segment is known as Phase 2B1 of the Foothill Gold Line extension project.
Evolution of the A Line
The A Line, formerly known as the Gold Line, has undergone several expansions over two decades. Each phase has progressively moved the line further east, connecting more suburban areas with downtown Los Angeles. This long-term vision aims to create a comprehensive regional transit network.
Future Plans and Remaining Challenges
While Phase 2B1 is complete, a final extension to Montclair, known as Phase 2B2, faces uncertainty. This segment is currently stalled due to ongoing disputes. The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority, and LA Metro are involved in these disagreements. These issues need resolution before further construction can proceed.
It is possible that the extension might ultimately stop at Claremont. This would mean it would come just short of San Bernardino County. The outcome depends on negotiations and agreements between the involved agencies. The goal remains to further expand transit options, but challenges persist.
Other Recent Transit Developments
The A Line extension is one of several major transit projects recently completed or nearing completion in Los Angeles. In June, the LAX Metro Transit Center station opened. This station provides the first direct rail connection to Southern California’s busiest airport. This is a crucial step for improving access to Los Angeles International Airport.
Another anticipated project is the automated people mover (APM) at LAX. This system has faced multiple delays over several years. It is now expected to open in early 2026. The APM will further streamline travel within the airport complex, connecting terminals to the new transit center.
- LAX Metro Transit Center Station: Opened in June, providing direct rail access to LAX.
- LAX Automated People Mover (APM): Expected to open in early 2026 after multiple delays.
- Metro D Line Subway Extension (Phase 1): Tentatively scheduled to begin service in fall, reaching Miracle Mile and Beverly Hills.
- Metro D Line Subway Extension (Phase 2): Will extend to Century City by 2026 and Westwood by 2027.
Crews are also continuing work on the Metro D Line subway extension project in West Los Angeles. Phase 1 of this underground line is tentatively set to begin service this fall. It will reach Miracle Mile and Beverly Hills. An exact opening date has not yet been released. This extension will continue into Century City by 2026. It will then reach the L.A. Veterans Administration complex in Westwood by 2027. These ongoing projects demonstrate a broad commitment to enhancing Los Angeles's public transportation network.
