infrastructure
Amtrak Invests in the Future
Newly released visuals offer a glimpse into state-of-the-art trains
WASHINGTON – Built for the future, visuals of Amtrak’s newest trains reveal a modern customer experience. The new trains, Amtrak AiroTM, will start debuting in 2026 and operate on routes throughout the country. Routes include the Amtrak Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express and Adirondack.
“As we invest in the future, Amtrak is leading the way with a new era of rail,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “Our new trains will transform the Amtrak experience with significant environmental benefits, a progressive design and world-class amenities.”
The new trains will elevate the journey with a focus on comfort and efficiency. Amtrak Airo will provide even more advantages to traveling by rail, including:
- Elevated Experience: With its modern, spacious interior and panoramic windows, customers have an improved view of the best sights in the country while connecting to the passing landscape.
- A Greener Impact: The new trains are more fuel efficient and produce 90% less particulate emissions in diesel operations.
- Reduced Travel Times: The new trains will operate at speeds up to 125 mph and offer near seamless transition between power sources where time-consuming locomotive changes were previously required.
- Redesigned Café Car: More contemporary food service provides self-service options.
- Wayfinding: Signage creates a cleaner, more evident and accessible way to identify and differentiate cabins – both on the exterior and interior through a color-coded system.
- Spacious Seating:Each spacious seat prioritizes ergonomics, offers enhanced comfort with plenty of legroom, bigger and sturdier tray tables, moveable headrests and a dedicated cup and seatback tablet-holder.
- Business Class: Choice of double and single seats offer customers greater flexibility.
- Amenities: Features enhanced lighting, improved technology with digital customer information systems and touchless restroom controls, dedicated individual outlets, USB ports and onboard Wi-Fi.
“Americans deserve modern, safe, reliable passenger rail service, and introducing brand new rail cars is a major step towards improving the daily experience of commuters and travelers who depend on Amtrak,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “This year, FRA provided nearly $4.3 billion in annual funding to support these improvements, and with President Biden’s historic investments in Amtrak, we’re poised to make intercity passenger rail an even more efficient, convenient and accessible mode of travel for Americans.”
In response to strong customer demand, the new trains are part of a larger transformation that will revolutionize the Amtrak experience, including the new Acela trains. Amtrak’s move to the future also includes major infrastructure projects, service expansion, station upgrades, modernization efforts and improved track capacity along the Northeast Corridor.
A share of Amtrak’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding will support the procurement of Amtrak Airo, which will be manufactured by Siemens in California.
For more information about Amtrak Airo please visit amtrak.com/amtrak-airo and access the latest visuals at media.amtrak.com/introducing-amtrak-airo/. Procurement details can be found here.
SUPPORTED QUOTES
Senator Chuck Schumer
“I fought to include over $21 billion for Amtrak in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and I secured over $2.3 billion for Amtrak in FY22 appropriations, so that initiatives that benefit passengers like these new trains and improved cabins could go forward. I am thrilled to see Amtrak stepping up its game for customers with the new Amtrak Airo trains, which will benefit customers throughout the country, including on more than half a dozen New York lines.”
Senator Leahy
“I am pleased to hear that Amtrak will continue to make meaningful investments in improving their passenger rail service. This service has connected Vermonters with the broader region for more than 50 years and will continue to be pivotal in our transition to a clean energy economy. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have proudly supported strong funding for Amtrak, including securing over $150 million throughout my tenure for rail improvements across Vermont that Amtrak Airo will utilize when its service begins in 2026.”
Senator Susan M. Collins
“From large cities to rural towns, Amtrak provides an important transportation option that connects communities across the country. Since it first began service more than twenty years ago, the Downeaster in Maine has provided service to millions of passengers and acts as an economic engine to towns along the way, earning the reputation as ‘America’s favorite train.’ This investment in new rail cars on routes like the Downeaster will enhance the overall experience and safety for riders as well as help promote the continued success of Amtrak in the years to come.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was passed in order to modernize our transportation systems so they can meet the needs of the 21st century. It is great to see Amtrak investing in these new trains using the law’s funding, and I look forward to continuing my work with Amtrak to make sure that New Yorkers have access to a sustainable, fuel efficient and reliable passenger rail network.”
Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR-04), House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair
“To meet the demands of travelers and address the threat of climate change, we need trains that are accessible, reliable, and environmentally friendly. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $7.3 billion investment in Amtrak Airo equipment will reduce the environmental impact of the transportation sector while improving the passenger experience. Amtrak Airo will produce less air pollution than current models and will provide an enhanced level of comfort that will attract riders. I look forward to their debut in 2026 and congratulate Amtrak on today’s announcement.”
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ-10), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
“I am proud to see Amtrak use the funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade their trains and service. I helped secure $41.5 billion for Amtrak in that law to help them improve efficiency and reliability nationwide. I look forward to riding these new trains during my frequent travels between my district and Washington, D.C.”
Congressman David Price (D-NC), Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee (T-HUD)
“With an eye towards future generations, Amtrak is taking substantial steps to modernize our nation’s rail infrastructure and incorporate the need for climate resiliency with their new fleet of Amtrak Airo trainsets. Thanks to the Biden Administration’s leadership, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and sustained investments through the annual appropriations process, transformative investments to our nation’s transportation infrastructure are now underway. These investments will create good, union jobs, while connecting communities across the country with efficient, safe and environmentally responsible transit options.”
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01)
“Amtrak provides efficient, essential and affordable transportation for millions throughout the United States. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has provided a historic opportunity to make critical improvements to our intercity passenger rail infrastructure, including for the train cars and engines that allow Americans to seamlessly travel and commute each day. I am proud to see these advancements in Amtrak’s Amtrak Airo equipment announced today and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our partners at Amtrak as we continue to improve the Northeast Corridor for generations to come.”
Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH-01)
“The benefits our communities see from upgrading our transportation infrastructure will continue for years to come. This vital investment will update our rail system ensuring it can better serve communities across New Hampshire in a reliable fashion, address the growing transportation needs of the Northeast, and reduce carbon emissions. I also applaud Amtrak’s decision to invest in our economy and help create good-paying jobs by purchasing equipment made in America. I will continue to support clean transportation, investments in American manufacturing, and projects like this one that meet the needs of Granite Staters.”
Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08)
“It is welcome news that Amtrak’s 29 new Amtrak Airo equipment will be serving the Greater Boston area. Amtrak Airo will be better for our environment and produce less air pollution and operate with greater fuel efficiency than Amtrak’s existing equipment. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am grateful for Amtrak’s commitment to helping create a greener transportation system, which was made possible by funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These new investments and equipment will make the customer transportation experience much more comfortable and enjoyable and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the Northeast Corridor.”
Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12)
“As New Jersey’s sole congressional appropriator and a member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, I’ve made it a priority to secure infrastructure funding for Central Jersey and communities across the country. Supported by a historic investment from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this funding will bring Amtrak trains into the 21st century, create jobs, and keep our communities connected. I’m grateful for President Biden’s leadership and for the hard work of my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee who helped make the modernization of ‘America’s Railroad’ possible.”
Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY-20)
“For decades, we have put investments in critical infrastructure on the backburner, leaving communities unequipped to deal with crumbling roads and bridges and insufficient public transit. Thanks to the advancement of our bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, these needs are at long last being addressed. I’m delighted by this investment that will ensure Amtrak trains meet passenger needs, whether one is traveling to work, home to see family and loved ones, or to a new destination, all while reducing air pollution.”
Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-07)
“I’m thrilled that Amtrak’s new fleet of trains will be manufactured in Sacramento County by Siemens. Siemens has been an integral part of the Sacramento community for the past three decades and I am excited for the rest of the country to experience their state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly trains. This project will help modernize our nation’s rail infrastructure and support thousands of good paying jobs in our region.”
DJ Stadtler, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Executive Director
“Service from the Commonwealth and destinations from DC to Boston will be faster and more enjoyable with Amtrak’s new dual-powered locomotives and equipment designed with the passenger in mind. Amtrak’s investment in this new top-of-the-line equipment mirrors our plans to provide our passengers with the most exceptional state-supported rail service possible.”
Ron Pate, Washington State Department of Transportation Director of Rail, Freight and Ports Division
“Amtrak Cascades is eager to welcome new trains to our scenic 18-city route linking Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. Our eight new trainsets and two new locomotives are scheduled for delivery in 2026. Featuring an evergreen and mocha color scheme representative of the Pacific Northwest, they will mimic the historic branding of previous Amtrak Cascades trains, but with a new look and feel that will carry us into the future.”
Marie Therese Dominguez, New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner
“If anybody still wonders if the best days of passenger rail are ahead of us, they now have the visual proof and can rest assured. The best is yet to come, thanks to a focus on enhancing passenger amenities and employing greener technologies. Here in New York State, we are already making historic investments to improve connectivity, service reliability and safety. We are grateful for the partnership of Amtrak Chair Anthony Coscia and CEO Stephen Gardner, and we look forward to working with them and our federal partners in Washington to bring to life these immaculate trainsets that will define the passenger rail experience of the twenty-first century.”
Andy Batson, PennDOT Acting Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation
“PennDOT is a proud supporter of intercity passenger rail and promotes mobility options for all Pennsylvanians. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Amtrak to provide high-quality transportation in Pennsylvania.”
Eric Boyette, N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary
“With a record-breaking year of ridership, North Carolina is thrilled to enhance our travelers’ experience with new trains in the coming years.”
Joe Flynn, State of Vermont Secretary of Transportation
“Vermont is enthusiastic about the new trainsets, which will replace the aging Amfleet railcars and transform our Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express services into state-of-the art, fuel-efficient services with increased reliability and passenger comfort and amenities. These trainsets will support and complement Vermont’s significant investments in passenger rail services, including the recent extension of the Ethan Allen Express service to Burlington and our efforts to extend the Vermonter service into Montreal. Vermont wishes to express sincere gratitude to its Congressional Delegation for providing the federal funding essential to bringing these new trainsets to Vermont.”
Joe Giulietti, Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner
“The Connecticut Department of Transportation is excited and supportive of the planned purchase of new trainsets for Amtrak’s New England Regional and Northeast Corridor Services. Our customers have spoken and they desire a modern railroad experience that includes updated features and amenities on trains, which encourages an alternative to highway vehicle travel. This new equipment, along with Connecticut’s planned purchase of new coaches and locomotives, will be able to take advantage of the substantial infrastructure investments the State of Connecticut has already made and is currently planning along the Northeast Corridor and Hartford Line.”
Michael Cahill, Siemens Mobility Rolling Stock in North America President
“Our new trainsets are a key part of helping Amtrak transform rail travel for Americans. Passengers want a reliable, comfortable, and sustainable experience once on-board. Our 2,500 team members in Sacramento and hundreds of suppliers in the U.S. are proud to help Amtrak deliver the next generation of travel.”
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Lifestyle
Biden helped bring science out of the lab and into the community − emphasizing research focused on solutions
Arthur Daemmrich, Arizona State University
President Joe Biden was inaugurated in January 2021 amid a devastating pandemic, with over 24 million COVID-19 cases and more than 400,000 deaths in the U.S. recorded at that point.
Operation Warp Speed, initiated by the Trump administration in May 2020, meant an effective vaccine was becoming available. Biden quickly announced a plan to immunize 100 million Americans over the next three months. By the end of April 2021, 145 million Americans – nearly half the population – had received one vaccine dose, and 103 million were considered fully vaccinated. Science and technology policymakers celebrated this coordination across science, industry and government to address a real-world crisis as a 21st-century Manhattan Project.
From my perspective as a scholar of science and technology policy, Biden’s legacy includes structural, institutional and practical changes to how science is conducted. Building on approaches developed over the course of many years, the administration elevated the status of science in the government and fostered community participation in research.
Raising science’s profile in government
The U.S. has no single ministry of science and technology. Instead, agencies and offices across the executive branch carry out scientific research at several national labs and fund research by other institutions. By elevating the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to a Cabinet-level organization for the first time in its history, Biden gave the agency greater influence in federal decision-making and coordination.
Formally established in 1976, the agency provides the president and senior staff with scientific and technical advice, bringing science to bear on executive policies. Biden’s inclusion of the agency’s director in his Cabinet was a strong signal about the elevated role science and technology would play in the administration’s solutions to major societal challenges.
Under Biden, the Office of Science and Technology Policy established guidelines that agencies across the government would follow as they implemented major legislation. This included developing technologies that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to address climate change, rebuilding America’s chip industry, and managing the rollout of AI technologies.
Instead of treating the ethical and societal dimensions of scientific and technological change as separate from research and development, the agency advocated for a more integrated approach. This was reflected in the appointment of social scientist Alondra Nelson as the agency’s first deputy director for science and society, and science policy expert Kei Koizumi as principal deputy director for policy. Ethical and societal considerations were added as evaluation criteria for grants. And initiatives such as the AI bill of rights and frameworks for research integrity and open science further encouraged all federal agencies to consider the social effects of their research.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy also introduced new ways for agencies to consult with communities, including Native Nations, rural Americans and people of color, in order to avoid known biases in science and technology research. For example, the agency issued government-wide guidance to recognize and include Indigenous knowledge in federal programs. Agencies such as the Department of Energy have incorporated public perspectives while rolling out atmospheric carbon dioxide removal technologies and building new hydrogen hubs.
Use-inspired research
A long-standing criticism of U.S. science funding is that it often fails to answer questions of societal importance. Members of Congress and policy analysts have argued that funded projects instead overly emphasize basic research in areas that advance the careers of researchers.
In response, the Biden administration established the technology, innovation and partnerships directorate at the National Science Foundation in March 2022.
The directorate uses social science approaches to help focus scientific research and technology on their potential uses and effects on society. For example, engineers developing future energy technologies could start by consulting with the community about local needs and opportunities, rather than pitching their preferred solution after years of laboratory work. Genetic researchers could share both knowledge and financial benefits with the communities that provided the researchers with data.
Fundamentally, “use-inspired” research aims to reconnect scientists and engineers with the people and communities their work ultimately affects, going beyond publication in a journal accessible only to academics.
The technology, innovation and partnerships directorate established initiatives to support regional projects and multidisciplinary partnerships bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs and community organizations. These programs, such as the regional innovation engines and convergence accelerator, seek to balance the traditional process of grant proposals written and evaluated by academics with broader societal demand for affordable health and environmental solutions. This work is particularly key to parts of the country that have not yet seen visible gains from decades of federally sponsored research, such as regions encompassing western North Carolina, northern South Carolina, eastern Tennessee and southwest Virginia.
Community-based scientific research
The Biden administration also worked to involve communities in science not just as research consultants but also as active participants.
Scientific research and technology-based innovation are often considered the exclusive domain of experts from elite universities or national labs. Yet, many communities are eager to conduct research, and they have insights to contribute. There is a decades-long history of citizen science initiatives, such as birdwatchers contributing data to national environmental surveys and community groups collecting industrial emissions data that officials can use to make regulations more cost effective.
Going further, the Biden administration carried out experiments to create research projects in a way that involved community members, local colleges and federal agencies as more equal partners.
For example, the Justice40 initiative asked people from across the country, including rural and small-town Americans, to identify local environmental justice issues and potential solutions.
The National Institutes of Health’s ComPASS program funded community organizations to test and scale successful health interventions, such as identifying pregnant women with complex medical needs and connecting them to specialized care.
And the National Science Foundation’s Civic Innovation Challenge required academic researchers to work with local organizations to address local concerns, improving the community’s technical skills and knowledge.
Frontiers of science and technology policy
Researchers often cite the 1945 report Science: The Endless Frontier, written by former Office of Scientific Research and Development head Vannevar Bush, to describe the core rationales for using American taxpayer money to fund basic science. Under this model, funding science would lead to three key outcomes: a secure national defense, improved health, and economic prosperity. The report, however, says little about how to go from basic science to desired societal outcomes. It also makes no mention of scientists sharing responsibility for the direction and impact of their work.
The 80th anniversary of Bush’s report in 2025 offers an opportunity to move science out into society. At present, major government initiatives are following a technology push model that focuses efforts on only one or a few products and involves little consideration of consumer and market demand. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that consumer or societal pull, which attracts development of products that enhance quality of life, is key to successful uptake of new technologies and their longevity.
Future administrations can further advance science and address major societal challenges by considering how ready society is to take up new technologies and increasing collaboration between government and civil society.
Arthur Daemmrich, Professor of Practice in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
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News
California High-Speed Rail: Progress Amid Challenges in the Central Valley
The California high-speed rail project, a bold vision aimed at transforming transportation across the state, is making strides in the Central Valley, despite facing a rocky road filled with challenges and delays. On January 6, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom joined California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri to celebrate a significant milestone in the construction of the railhead—a staging area for laying down tracks for the future bullet-train route that will connect cities from Merced to Bakersfield.
What’s Happening at the Railhead?
Located between Wasco and Shafter in Kern County, the new railhead site marks the beginning of laying down steel rails for high-speed trains. This pivotal area will serve as the operational hub for transporting materials necessary for track installation, indicating a promising step towards making the high-speed rail a reality.
“Finally, we’re at the point where we’re going to start laying down this track in the next couple of years,” remarked Newsom, emphasizing the significance of this development. The railhead is not just another construction site; it symbolizes the persistent efforts to change the face of transportation in California.
A Journey Full of Hurdles
The high-speed rail project has been no stranger to controversy and challenges. First conceived to provide swift travel across California, the project’s history tells a tale of fluctuating timelines and ballooning costs. Originally initiated in 2013, the construction has continuously faced delays, with the anticipated completion date pushed from 2018 to 2026 for the first segments alone.
In a significant contrast to initial expectations, the financial requirements have surged, with costs for construction packages skyrocketing from a combined estimate of well under $2 billion to an updated total that now exceeds $8 billion across various contracts. This upward shift in expenditure has raised eyebrows and concerns, prompting scrutiny from both political figures and members of the public.
For instance, the first construction package, stretching from north of Madera to Fresno, originally bid at under $1 billion, now faces an anticipated completion at a staggering value of over $3.7 billion. Such changes have led to questions surrounding the project’s management and efficiency.
The Political Landscape
Adding complexity to the situation is the shifting political terrain as federal support has been uncertain. With President-elect Donald Trump slated to take office soon, there is apprehension regarding the potential withdrawal of federal funding that has supported California’s ambitious plans. Historical context reigns as the Federal Railroad Administration canceled nearly $1 billion in previously awarded grants during Trump’s first administration. However, the recent Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed in 2021, has provided a glimmer of hope by funneling additional funds towards the project.
State leaders, including Governor Newsom, maintain an optimistic outlook despite the political uncertainties. “We are in a very different place at this sacred moment,” he stated, reminding stakeholders of the project’s momentum.
Looking Ahead
The road ahead remains both exciting and uncertain. The California High-Speed Rail Authority is on the cusp of awarding contracts for track installation, alongside contracts for the purchase of trainsets set for testing operations. The goal is to have the Merced-Bakersfield line operational between 2030 and 2033, a target that promises to reshape commuting experiences in California.
As we move closer to achieving this transformative project, it’s essential to keep in mind that progress in such a complex endeavor requires not only engineering feats but also perseverance amid bureaucratic and fiscal challenges. The upcoming years will undoubtedly be pivotal in determining whether this bold vision of high-speed travel will reach its destination, but for now, California is laying the tracks for a new transit future—one spike at a time.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the California high-speed rail project through its journey from ambitious dream to infrastructural reality!
California High-speed Rail Related Links:
California high-speed rail California High-Speed Rail Update ( Fresno Bee) https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/high-speed-rail/article298078633.html
HSR official website: https://hsr.ca.gov/
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world. https://stmdailynews.com/
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The A Line Light-Rail Extension from Azusa to Pomona: A Significant Milestone for Public Transportation
After a long-awaited journey, the extension of the A Line from Azusa to Pomona is officially complete and set to usher in a new era of public transportation in the San Gabriel Valley. This extensive 9.1-mile extension, which has taken over five years to construct, is positioned to enhance connectivity and mobility for residents and commuters alike.
The A Line extension is set to open to the public this summer!
A Monumental Achievement
As reported in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on January 3, 2025, the $1.5 billion project was officially handed over to LA Metro last week. This extension includes four new stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona. The construction involved overcoming significant challenges, including health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of unusual weather patterns. Despite these obstacles, the project was completed within its scheduled timeline, showcasing the dedication of the construction teams from Kiewit-Parsons (KPJV) under the oversight of the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority.
Improving Accessibility
This extension not only connects the existing light-rail system but also extends the A Line’s total length to a noteworthy 60.8 miles, solidifying its status as the longest light-rail line in the world. Current ridership estimates suggest that the extension could lead to over 11,000 additional weekday boardings, significantly contributing to the overall ridership numbers. As of November 2024, the A Line saw an average of 70,425 daily boardings—a notable increase from the previous year.
City officials and transit advocates view this development as an important asset for the region. “This extension will solidify Los Angeles’ public transit system, providing a viable alternative to those stuck in traffic,” said Eli Lipmen, executive director of Move LA.
A Step Towards Greater Connectivity
The Pomona extension is strategically significant, as it brings the A Line closer to San Bernardino County. While not quite reaching the county line, the Pomona station is sufficiently close for many residents from western San Bernardino cities like Montclair, Ontario, Upland, and Chino to benefit from this light-rail alternative. Many of these residents will find it convenient to park at the Pomona station and travel to key job and entertainment destinations in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and beyond.
Montclair City Councilmember Bill Ruh emphasized the importance of this link, noting how it enables residents to access transportation services more seamlessly than ever before. The extension is paving the way for expanded public transit options, which are essential for families in the Inland Empire.
A New Transportation Hub
The Pomona Station holds particular significance as it will also connect with the Metrolink San Bernardino line, creating a crucial interchange for travelers. This synergy between the two systems is expected to elevate passenger traffic on Metrolink, catering to an approximate increase of over 2,000 daily passengers.
“Connecting these lines gives people more options for accessibility and commuting,” said Habib Balian, CEO of the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority. “It allows for a travel experience that wasn’t available before.”
Future Prospects
Notably, this extension is just the beginning. Plans are already underway for an additional 3.2-mile extension from Pomona to Claremont and Montclair, anticipated to be completed by 2030. This initiative will broaden the A Line’s reach further into San Bernardino County and provide a meaningful alternative for commuters navigating the busy 210, 10, and 60 freeways.
As residents begin to utilize the new service, the Pomona extension will likely drive demand for additional transit options in the Inland Empire. Bart Reed, executive director of The Transit Coalition, noted the anticipated ripple effect in transportation services in the region.
The upcoming opening of the A Line extension from Azusa to Pomona marks an important step forward for public transportation in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. By enhancing connectivity, providing more options for commuters, and anticipating future growth, this extension promises to offer significant benefits for communities in the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. As we prepare for the service to commence later this summer, residents can look forward to a more integrated, efficient public transit system that supports their daily travel needs.
Related Links:
Foothill Gold Line from Glendora to Pomona Reaches Substantial Completion The $1.5 Billion Four-Station Light Rail Project is Completed On Time and On Budget Press Release(PDF)
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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