The California State Transportation Agency announced it is awarding Metrolink and Southern California regional rail state grants totaling USD 1.175 billion.
Metrolink will receive USD 875 million from the State’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). Nearly half of that grant will be used to extend run-through tracks at Los Angeles Union Station south across the US 101 Freeway so trains don’t have to enter and exit from the north. This project could save up to 20 minutes in travel time for riders.
USD 300 million will be allotted for the construction of a new station in Santa Clarita, grade crossing separations in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties and a passenger rail line extension to Redlands, all of which benefit Metrolink service. The grant programmes help meet the State’s climate and air quality goals and are funded by Senate Bill 1 state gas tax and Cap and Trade proceeds.
Metrolink developed the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) plan in partnership with freight and intercity rail operators as a roadmap to increased rail service to accommodate expected population and job growth in advance of 2028, when Los Angeles will host the Olympics.
“This is the largest single award of grant funds Metrolink has ever received and, when leveraged with federal and other funding, will transform regional passenger rail service to serve more riders and get cars off our crowded freeways. This is an exciting first step in funding our SCORE vision for commuter rail in Southern California,” Metrolink CEO Art Leahy said.
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