Metrolink’s SCORE program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize Southern California’s rail system in preparation for the highly anticipated 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With a staggering budget of $10 billion, this ambitious program encompasses a wide range of upgrades, including enhancements to grade crossings, stations, signals, tracks, and other essential components.

Accelerating Towards a Zero-Emissions Future:
One of the paramount goals of the SCORE program is to expedite progress towards Metrolink’s vision of a zero-emissions future. As the population of Southern California continues to soar, it is crucial to bolster transportation infrastructure to meet the rising demand while concurrently reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a consequence of these improvements, certain cities will become eligible to apply for quiet zones, further enhancing residents’ quality of life.

Construction Projects and Safety Enhancement:
Scheduled to commence in 2023, the construction projects under the SCORE program aim to complete all improvements prior to the commencement of the 2028 Olympic Games. Safety enhancements are at the forefront of this endeavor, ensuring that commuters and travelers can rely on a safer and more efficient rail system. Additionally, both peak and off-peak rail services will be expanded, granting improved access to job centers and affordable housing, subsequently fostering economic development and providing enhanced opportunities for individuals across the region.

Connectivity and Economic Growth:
An exceptional advantage offered by the SCORE program is the elevated connectivity it will afford other rail providers. Seamlessly integrating with different modes of transportation will enhance the overall travel experience, allowing commuters to effortlessly reach their intended destinations. This heightened connectivity will not only facilitate economic growth but also generate employment prospects and attract further investment to the area, promoting regional prosperity.

Promoting a Healthier Environment:
The SCORE program not only concentrates on transportation improvements but also actively contributes to creating a healthier environment. By transitioning towards zero-emission technology, emissions will be significantly reduced, leading to cleaner air for all Southern California residents. This eco-conscious approach will have long-term benefits for the region’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Assessing the Impact:
The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) conducted a thorough study to evaluate the impact of the SCORE program. The findings indicate that the construction investments associated with the program will enhance the region’s appeal to millions of visitors expected for the 2028 Olympics while creating sustained prosperity for years beyond the Games.

Specific Projects and Their Objectives:
The SCORE program encompasses several significant projects tailored to address specific needs and improve the efficiency and safety of Metrolink’s rail system. Noteworthy projects include the Simi Valley Double Track, Burbank Junction Speed Improvements, Chatsworth Station Improvements, Marengo Siding Extension Project, El Monte Siding Extension Project, Rancho Cucamonga Siding Extension Project, and Serra Siding Extension Project.

The SCORE program represents an indispensable stride towards revamping Southern California’s rail infrastructure to cater to the region’s burgeoning population and ambitious sustainability goals. Through safety enhancements, increased services, improved connectivity, and the generation of economic opportunities, the program will not only benefit commuters but also contribute to a brighter and healthier future for all residents. As the countdown to 2028 commences, the SCORE program sets the stage for an exceptional rail system that will endure as a legacy long after the Games conclude.

https://metrolinktrains.com/score

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism

About Metrolink

Metrolink (reporting mark SCAX) is a commuter rail system in Southern California, serving Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties, as well as to Oceanside in San Diego County.^[8][9] The system consists of eight lines and 69 stations operating on 545.6 miles (878.1 km) of track.^[7] Arrow is operated under a contract with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA).^[6]

In 2023, the system had a ridership of 4,861,000, or about 17,100 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2023.

Metrolink connects with Los Angeles County’s Metro Rail and Metro Busway systems, San Diego County’s Coaster commuter rail and Sprinter hybrid rail services, and with Amtrak‘s Pacific Surfliner, Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, and Texas Eagle inter-city rail services.^[10] Metrolink owns several hundred miles of track; however, it also shares track with freight railroads.

The system, founded in 1991 as the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) and adopting “Metrolink” as its moniker,^[11] started operation in 1992. Average weekday ridership was 42,928 as of 2017.^[12] It is operated by Amtrak under contract with the SCRRA. (Wikipedia)

In a groundbreaking event on April 22, 2024, Brightline West officially started the construction of America’s first true high-speed rail system. This monumental project will connect Las Vegas to Southern California, covering a distance of 218 miles. The vision behind Brightline West is to provide a transportation solution for city pairs that are too short to fly and too far to drive. This innovative rail system will run fully electric, zero-emission trains capable of reaching speeds of 200 miles per hour, making it the greenest form of transportation in the world.

The significance of Brightline West goes beyond its environmental benefits. It is a watershed project that will establish the foundation for a new industry and supply chain in high-speed rail in America. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill has provided $3 billion in funding for this project, with the remaining cost of $3.5 billion being privately funded through allocated private activity bonds from the USDOT.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by esteemed officials and public figures, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Brightline Founder Wes Edens, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, and several senators and representatives from California and Nevada. Over 600 people, including union representatives, project supporters, and state and local officials, were present to celebrate this historic moment.

Construction of Brightline West will take place within the median of the I-15 highway, with zero grade crossings. The rail system will include stops in Las Vegas, Victor Valley, Hesperia, and Rancho Cucamonga. The project will use an impressive amount of materials, such as 700,000 concrete rail ties, 2.2 million tons of ballast, and 63,000 tons of 100% American steel rail. Over 160 structures, including viaducts and bridges, will be built, covering more than 3.4 million square feet with retaining walls. The entire project will be fully Buy America Compliant.

Brightline West aims to revolutionize travel between Southern California and Las Vegas. The rail system will reduce travel time to just two hours, nearly half of the time it takes to drive. The Las Vegas Station will be conveniently located near the iconic Las Vegas Strip, providing easy access to the Harry Reid International Airport, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium. The other stations, including Victor Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, and Hesperia, will offer seamless connectivity to various locations in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties.

The economic and environmental benefits of Brightline West are significant. The $12 billion investment in infrastructure will generate over $10 billion in economic impact for Nevada and California and create more than 35,000 jobs, including 10,000 direct union construction roles and 1,000 permanent operations and maintenance positions. The rail system will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by over 400,000 tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to reducing vehicle miles traveled by more than 700 million each year and eliminating the need for 16,000 short-haul flights. Additionally, Brightline West will construct three wildlife overpasses to ensure the safe passage of native species, particularly the bighorn sheep.

The success of Brightline West builds upon Brightline’s existing rail system in Florida, which connects Miami to Orlando. With plans to expand further to Tampa, the Space Coast, and the Treasure Coast, Brightline is spearheading the development of high-speed rail in the United States.

The groundbreaking of Brightline West is a historic step towards transforming transportation in America. This ambitious project brings us closer to fulfilling the dream of high-speed rail and sets an example for future city pairs in the country. As we witness the start of construction, we eagerly anticipate the day when Brightline West connects Las Vegas and Southern California, providing a faster, greener, and more efficient mode of transportation for millions of travelers.

Source: Brightline West

https://www.brightlinewest.com/media/press-releases/2024/brightline-west-breaks-ground-on-americas-first-high-speed-rail-project-connecting-las-vegas-to-southern-california

ABOUT BRIGHTLINE WEST

Brightline is the only private provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity passenger rail service in America – offering a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road by connecting city pairs and congested corridors that are too short to fly and too long to drive. Brightline West will connect Las Vegas and Southern California with the first true high-speed passenger rail system in the nation. The 218-mile, all-electric rail service will include a flagship station in Las Vegas, with additional stations in Victor Valley and Rancho Cucamonga. At speeds up to 200 miles per hour, trains will take passengers from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga in about two hours, twice as fast as the normal drive time.

Brightline is currently operating its first passenger rail system connecting Central and South Florida with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, with future stations coming to Stuart and Cocoa. For more information, visit www.brightlinewest.com and follow on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook.

QUOTE SHEET

“Through this visionary partnership, we are going to create thousands of jobs, bring critical transportation infrastructure to the West, and create an innovative, fast, and sustainable transportation solution. Nevada looks forward to partnering with Brightline on this historic project.” – Governor Joe Lombardo, Nevada

“Today, not only are we breaking ground on a historic high-speed rail project here in Nevada, we are breaking ground on thousands of good paying American jobs, union jobs.” – Steve Benjamin, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement

“For decades, Nevadans heard about the promise of high-speed rail in our state, and I’m proud to have led the charge to secure the funding to make it a reality. Today’s groundbreaking is the beginning of a new era for southern Nevada — creating thousands of good-paying union jobs, bringing in billions of dollars of economic development, enhancing tourism to the state, reducing traffic, and creating a more efficient and cleaner way to travel. This is a monumental step, and I’m glad to have worked across the aisle to make this project come true.” – Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

“Having high-speed rail in Las Vegas will electrify our economy in Southern Nevada, and I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone today. This project is on track to create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs while cutting down traffic on I-15, and I’ll keep working with the Biden Administration to get this done as quickly as possible and continue delivering easier and cleaner transportation options for everyone in Nevada.” – Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)

“Today’s groundbreaking is a historic step in modernizing rail service in the United States. Californians driving between the Los Angeles region and Las Vegas often face heavy traffic, causing emissions that pollute the air in surrounding communities. The Brightline West Project will provide travelers with more options—helping Californians and visitors alike get to their final destination without facing gridlock on the road.” – Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

“High-speed rail in the Southwest has been a dream as far back as the nineties when Governor Bob Miller appointed me to the California-Nevada Super Speed Train Commission. As a senior Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I am honored to have helped write the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and secure $3 billion to turn that dream into a reality which will generate millions of dollars in tax revenue, reduce carbon emissions by easing traffic on Interstate 15, and create thousands of good-paying union jobs. I am proud to stand with advocates and transportation leaders as we break ground on the Brightline West project and look forward to welcoming high-speed passenger rail to Southern Nevada.” – Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1)

“For decades, high-speed rail was just a dream in southern Nevada – but now, I’m beyond proud that we finally made it a reality. I worked across the aisle to help negotiate, craft, and ultimately pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because I knew it would kickstart transformative projects like Brightline West that will stand the test of time. Together, we’re cutting down on traffic, boosting our tourism economy, and creating thousands of good-paying union jobs.” – Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-3)

“I am proud to join Brightline West for the groundbreaking of this monumental project for Southern Nevada and the southwestern United States. By connecting Las Vegas to Southern California via high-speed rail, we will boost tourism, reduce congestion on the I-15 corridor, and create jobs. The impact on our local economy and the people of the Silver State will be tremendous. In my conversations with Secretary Buttigieg, Brightline West, and our Nevada labor leaders, I know that local workers and our Nevada small businesses will benefit from this transformational investment. This will be the nation’s first true high-speed rail system, blazing a new path forward for our nation’s rail infrastructure, and we hope it will serve as a blueprint for fostering greater regional connections for many other cities across the country. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-4)

“Brightline West’s groundbreaking today marks the construction of a dynamic high-speed rail system that will link Las Vegas, Hesperia, and Apple Valley to Rancho Cucamonga’s Metrolink Station, creating new jobs and fostering economic growth in California’s 23rd Congressional District. This convenient alternative to driving will reduce the number of cars on the road, decreasing emissions and reducing congestion in our High Desert communities. This is an exciting step and I look forward to the completion of this project.” – Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23)

“Today’s groundbreaking on the Brightline West high-speed rail project marks an incredible milestone in the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to fulfilling the promise of high-speed rail and emissions-free transportation across the country. As a longtime supporter of this project, I helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has already invested over $3 billion to support the completion of this project. By increasing transportation options, spurring job creation and new economic opportunities, and improving our environment through cutting over 400,000 tons of carbon pollution each year, this project will be transformative to my district and all of Southern California for generations—particularly in and around the last stop in Rancho Cucamonga. With the goal of being operational in time for Los Angeles to host the Summer Olympic Games in 2028, I look forward to Brightline West facilitating travel for the millions visiting our region and elevating our 21st-century connectivity on the global stage.” – Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28)

“As the Member of Congress that represents the City of Rancho Cucamonga and a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, it is my honor to participate in breaking ground on one of the most highly anticipated high-speed rail projects in the country. We gathered today thanks to the Biden Administration’s leadership, which enacted the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to fund vital projects like this and transform our economy. The Brightline project is a stellar illustration of the power of successful public-private partnerships. Thanks to all the labor unions, Tribes, and wildlife advocates for their hard work, which brought this project to life. The bright line is fully electric and has zero emissions, which is excellent for our environment. I am eagerly anticipating the completion of this project in my district and look forward to seeing everyone there.” – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35)

In a world where representation matters, Louis Gossett Jr’s contributions to the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. As the first black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, his impact and talent have left an indelible mark on the film industry. With his passing at the age of 87, we take a moment to honor and remember the legacy of this trailblazing actor and activist.

Rising to Prominence
Born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, Gossett Jr’s journey to success began on the stage. Early on, he showcased his acting skills in school productions and made his Broadway debut in the play “Take A Giant Step” at just 16 years old. His talent and dedication eventually led him to study at New York University, where he found himself among the likes of Hollywood icons James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Steve McQueen.

Breaking Barriers
Gossett Jr’s breakthrough came in 1977 when he portrayed the memorable character Fiddler in the groundbreaking TV miniseries “Roots.” The series explored the horrors of slavery, and Gossett Jr’s moving performance earned him an Emmy Award. This pivotal role opened doors for future opportunities and established him as a respected and versatile actor.

Academy Award Success
In 1982, Gossett Jr’s outstanding portrayal of the formidable Marine drill instructor in “An Officer and a Gentleman” opposite Richard Gere and Debra Winger earned him the prestigious Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This achievement made him the first black man to receive this honor, cementing his place in Hollywood history. Gossett Jr’s Oscar win enabled him to choose a variety of compelling roles, including those in “Enemy Mine,” “Sadat,” and “Iron Eagle.”

Advocacy and Overcoming Challenges
As a vocal advocate for racial equality, Gossett Jr faced his fair share of challenges throughout his career. From enduring racism to shaping his own narrative, he consistently exhibited strength and resilience. His personal experiences motivated him to establish the Eracism Foundation, an organization dedicated to eradicating racism and promoting inclusion and understanding.

Legacy and Lasting Impact
Beyond his groundbreaking achievements on screen, Gossett Jr will be remembered for his warmth, creativity, and dedication to his craft. From his unforgettable performances to his influential activism, he opened doors for aspiring actors and contributed to a more inclusive and diverse industry. Gossett Jr’s legacy serves as a reminder that talent and determination can transcend barriers and inspire generations to come.

Louis Gossett Jr’s passing is a loss felt deeply by the entertainment industry and beyond. He will forever be remembered as a pioneer, breaking barriers and inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams. With gratitude, we honor his contributions and celebrate his rich legacy. As we bid farewell to a remarkable talent, we are reminded of the immense impact one person can have on the world. Rest in peace, Louis Gossett Jr.

Enemy Mine

“Enemy Mine” is a captivating science fiction, action and drama movie that was released in 1985. The talented Wolfgang Petersen directed the movie, and it was written by the skilled Edward Khmara. The film is based on an intriguing novella written by Barry B. Longyear. The storyline follows a human soldier and an alien soldier who get stranded on a hostile planet, and must work together to survive. Despite their differences and mutual distrust, they learn to cooperate and develop a bond of trust. Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr. deliver outstanding performances in the lead roles, bringing the characters to life with their exceptional acting skills.

“Enemy Mine” is an international co-production between the United States, the United Kingdom, and West Germany. The filming began in Budapest in April 1984, under the direction of Richard Loncraine. However, the director had creative differences with producer Stephen Friedman and executives at 20th Century Fox, leading to the project’s shutdown after only a week of shooting. Wolfgang Petersen then took over as director and reshot Loncraine’s scenes after moving the production to Munich.

The original budget of the film was $17 million, but the cost rose to more than $40 million after accounting for marketing expenses. Unfortunately, the film was a box office failure, earning just over $12 million during the 1985 holiday season. However, the film was a success in the former Soviet Union, as it was the first Western sci-fi film to be shown in theaters. Over time, it gained a significant cult following. (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enemy_Mine_(film)

https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/