LA light rail reaches Pomona

The Los Angeles light rail line A was extended east by 9.1 miles (14.6km) from APU/Citrus College station to Pomona North on 19 September after a ceremony at noon, followed by a weekend of free rides. The extension is on the right-of-way of the former Acheson Topeka & Santa Fe Pasadena District railroad that was used by Amtrak’s Southwest Chief Chicago–LA passenger train until 1993/4. Pomona North creates a new interchange with Metrolink San Bernardino commuter rail service, previously possible only at Los Angeles Union station. There are three new intermediate stations: Glendora, San Dimas, and La Verne/Fairplex (slated for use during the 2028 Olympic Games). 

 

The cost of the project was USD 1.5bn, completed on time and within budget by the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority. Pomona North to downtown Los Angeles can now be accomplished in 58 minutes at a cost of USD 1.75 (there is a USD 5 daily cap for tap-and-go customers). 

 

Line A is now 57.6 miles long (92km), running through to Long Beach, making it the longest light rail service in the world. There is an eight-minute peak headway, with service from 04.00 to 24.00. Ground-breaking for the project was in 2019 and construction was completed in January 2025.