Light Rail to Be Extended East of Los Angeles Again

The longest rail line in the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority system will be extended again, and could eventually cross county lines.

1 minute read

August 13, 2019, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Foothill Gold Line Light Rail Extension

The Gold Line extension as planned at the end of 2018. The new plan, approved for funding last week, will forego the transit station in La Verne. | Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority via Metro / Foothill Gold Line Light Rail Extension

The Metro Gold Line light rail line will reach Pomona, on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County, and potentially beyond, under a funding plan approved last week.

"After a tense debate, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Governing Board voted Thursday, Aug. 8, to give up $126 million in discretionary transportation dollars to fully fund the Gold Line foothill extension to Pomona," reports Steve Scauzillo.

The Gold Line Construction Authority will be tasked with spending the money after awarding a design-build contract this week.

"The money allows the Construction Authority to extend the 31-mile light-rail into Pomona and not stop at La Verne, as was previously agreed due to budget constraints. Also, it allows for an option to continue the line to Claremont and Montclair if additional funding is granted within two years," adds Scauzillo. The extension into those San Bernardino County cities would require another $500 million.

The plan overcame setbacks over the winter, when funding came up short for the original plan and project opponents called for the entire plan to be scrapped. "Metro pushed for the cities to use their discretionary funds to build it to Pomona," according to Scauzillo, to get the project across last week's finish line. 

Thursday, August 8, 2019 in Daily Bulletin

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Close-up of rear car bumper in traffic on freeway.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving

A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

March 23, 2025 - Road Capacity as a Fundamental Determinant of Vehicle Travel

Aerial view of Grants Pass, Oregon with fall foliage and hills in background with a cloudy sky.

Judge Halts Enforcement of Anti-Homeless Laws in Grants Pass

The Oregon city will be barred from enforcing two ordinances that prosecute unhoused residents until it increases capacity and accessibility at designated camping sites.

March 31 - Street Roots

Colorful murals on exterior of Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, California against night sky.

Advancing Sustainability in Los Angeles County Schools

The Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Green Schools Symposium brings together educators, students, and experts to advance sustainability in schools through innovative design, climate resilience strategies, and collaborative learning.

March 31 - Los Angeles County Office of Education

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31 - Pennsylvania State University