2026 Mobility

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES TIMES. Supplement did not involve the editorial or reporting staff of the Los Angeles Times. MOBILITY MARCH 2026

Gas Tax vs. Mileage Tax L ike most people, I don’t enjoy paying taxes, yet taxes remain the financial foundation of a functioning and

A mileage-based user fee — often called a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) tax — directly charges drivers per mile driven, regardless of fuel type. Economically, it more precisely aligns payment with actual road usage and captures revenue from electric vehicles. However, it introduces administrative complexity, higher implementation costs, and legitimate privacy concerns related to mileage tracking. In the near term, fuel taxes remain the simpler and more

prosperous society. Transportation infrastructure is a clear example: highways, bridges, and transit systems exist because users collectively fund them. The most defensible taxes align cost with benefit — those who use a service help pay for it. Gas taxes reflect this principle. Levied per gallon, they operate as a user fee: drivers who consume more fuel typically drive more miles and place greater wear on the road system. Revenue flows through the federal Highway Trust Fund, alongside state fuel excise taxes that support local priorities. Collection is efficient, embedded at the pump, and historically has provided a stable funding stream for transportation capital needs. The structural challenge is technological change. Vehicles are becoming more fuel-efficient, and electric vehicle adoption continues to rise. Fuel consumption declines even as total vehicle miles traveled remains steady or increases. The result is erosion of the tax base and growing long-term revenue instability.

practical mechanism. Over the long term, a mileage- based system offers greater

sustainability. The most prudent course may be a phased transition that protects stable infrastructure funding while adapting to evolving vehicle technology.

Chris Lancaster , Publisher

Publisher

Chris Lancaster Elizabeth Smilor Scott Pasewalk

Executive Editor

Art Director

Chief Strategist and Consultant

Mary Lou Echternach

Government Affairs Consultant

Cathleen Galgiani Steven Georges

Photographer Videographer

Mik Milman Multi-Media Journalist Julia Deng Contributor Amy Bentley Cover photo courtesy of LA Metro

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T hirty-five years ago in February, the nascent Metro Blue Line light rail train reached the downtown Los Angeles 7th Street station from Long Beach. For the first time in nearly 30 years the two downtowns were connected by rail. Today that line, now named the Metro A Line, is the world’s longest modern light rail line at 57.6 miles — connecting Long Beach via downtown LA to Pomona. “The overwhelming positive public response demonstrates to us that people in Long Beach, Los Angeles and cities along the 22-mile corridor are willing to leave their cars at home and ride these fast, smooth, air-conditioned trains,” said RTD Board President Nick Patsaouras, following the July 14, 1990, opening of the trunk line (from Pico Boulevard/Flower Street in LA to the Willow Street station in Long Beach) that was soon followed by the opening of the Long Beach loop and the downtown LA 7 th Street extension. “The overwhelming positive public response demonstrates to us that people in Long Beach, Los Angeles and cities along the 22-mile corridor are willing to leave their cars at home and ride these fast, smooth, air-conditioned trains,” said RTD Board President Nick Patsaouras, following the July 14, 1990, opening of the trunk line (from Pico Boulevard/Flower Street in LA to the Willow Street station in Long Beach) that was soon followed by the opening of the Long Beach loop and the downtown LA 7th

Street extension. At the opening ceremonies, then LA Mayor Tom Bradley called it “the beginning of a new and happy journey” for commuters. He and Patsaouras were among many dignitaries there including: Los Angeles County supervisors Ed Edelman and Kenneth Hahn; Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (LACTC) members Christine Reed and Jacki Bacharach; and California Lt. Gov. Leo

McCarthy. Joining the dignitaries and initial riders were the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in a marketing bid to draw young passengers. “Nobody believes we’re doing this. Los Angeles has been talking about rail for so long, we couldn’t get people’s attention,” Bacharach said. “It introduces a whole new alternative. It sets the tone for rail.”

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“The 2028 Games are an opportunity to showcase the best Los Angeles and the United States have to offer our guests from around the world,” said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and City of Whittier Council Member.” LA Metro’s progress reflects its commitment to a more

At the Blue Line groundbreaking in 1985, LA County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn declared, “Let’s build, build, build to the year 2000.” During the 1990s, the Red and Green lines also opened. Over the past four decades, four light rail and two heavy rail lines, now designated by letters, have opened to connect much of the

T he 2025 World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers have a unique link to the transportation world. In early 1900s, the baseball team based in Brooklyn went through a few names before landing on the Brooklyn Dodgers, shortened from the nickname “trolley dodgers” — a designation given to pedestrians who dodged streetcars in the New York metropolis. The team moved to Los Angeles after the 1957 season. The Dodger Stadium Express, Metro’s free shuttle service to Dodger Stadium for ticketholders, saw record single-game ridership out of Union Station during the 2025 World Series, twice surpassing last year’s record of 6,601 boardings. Total Dodger Stadium Express ridership for the series, which includes both Union Station and South Bay service for all three home games, reached 22,525 total passenger trips. connected and vibrant future and a legacy that will serve our communities long after the Olympic flame has been extinguished.” Metro has reached several connectivity milestones including: The opening of the Regional Connector downtown and the LAX/ Metro Transit Center Station; the A Line Foothill Extension to Pomona; and the K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Line) service. This year, phase 1 of the D Line (Purple) Subway Extension Project to Westwood is schedule to open. Target completion of Phases 2 and 3 is in 2027. The three-phase project adds nine miles of new subway service to Metro’s rail network, with seven new stations between Koreatown and Westwood. Metro is also enhancing freeway, bus and pedestrian mobility ahead of the Games to link venues and neighborhoods through a variety of transit options. “The improvements we’re making now are not just for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, they’re investments that ensure that the momentum we’ve built will continue long after the closing ceremonies,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins upon marking 1,000 days until the Olympics in October 2025. Angelenos have supported transit development since the

vast Los Angeles County region. There are 112 stations and over 400 rail cars with more than 300 million boardings annually. Last September, Metro reached a milestone 1 million weekday riders. “The Metro Blue Line ranks right up there with my greatest accomplishments,” said Kenneth Hahn to the Signal Hill Tribune at the time. His daughter, LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Janice Hahn celebrated the opening of the Regional Connector in 2023 that created transfer-free rides between Long Beach and Azusa on the A Line, and from Santa Monica to East LA on the E Line. Since 2023, the A Line transfer- free ride has been extended east to Pomona. “For the first time since the Blue (A) Line opened in 1990, it will now offer a single-seat ride from Long Beach to Union Station,” she said. “The Regional Connector will mean that jobs and education opportunities, which used to require 2-3 transfers for residents in my district, will now be just one train ride away.” The development continues with Metro’s Twenty-Eight by ’28 initiative, a comprehensive plan to enhance the region’s transit infrastructure in time for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

FUN FACT:

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first voter-approved ½-cent sales tax (Proposition A) in 1980 that was followed by Propositions B, R and M in 1990, 2008 and 2016, respectively. In just over 40 years, that investment has gone from the 22- mile original Blue Line to hundreds of miles of transportation options across LA County. Looking to the future, Metro will continue to “build, build, build… .” The 2025 Short Range Transportation Plan (SRTP), a roadmap for the next 15 years, lists and explains $220 billion worth of countywide transportation investments through 2039. This includes nearly $50 billion for rail and transitway projects, $11 billion for bus projects, $50 billion for highways and streets projects, and over $75 billion for transit operations and paratransit. For details of the 2025 SRTP, read the full plan.read the full plan. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries a million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 117 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Photos courtesy of Metro

Above, the Blue Line sits above a retired streetcar at the 1990 opening, and a promotional poster that commemorated the event. At left, fans board the Dodger Stadium Express in 2025, LA Mayor Tom Bradley breaks ground for the Blue Line in 1985, and Metro Chair Fernando Dutra and Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins attend the A Line Pomona Station opening last September.

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The newly formed Puente Hills Auto Center is here to serve our community with everything you need for the road ahead. From a massive selection of new and pre- owned vehicles across multiple brands, to expert service, maintenance, and parts you can rely on, we’re dedicated to providing top-quality automotive care close to home. Whether you’re shopping, servicing, or just exploring your options, Puente Hills Auto Center brings together trusted dealerships and friendly professionals—all committed to making your experience easy, convenient, and tailored to the needs of our local community.

José Mota MLB ANNOUNCER

17070 Gale Ave, City of Industry | (626) 737-0115 www.phautocenter.com

Construction Authority Awards First of Two Contracts for Light Rail Extension to Claremont

T he Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority (Construction Authority) reached a major milestone in January for the next phase of the Metro A Line. The board of directors awarded the design and engineering services contract for the Claremont Extension of the light rail system to the engineering firm of Parsons Transportation Group, Inc. (Parsons) “While we evaluated three highly qualified teams, Parsons distinguished themselves as the clear leader for the Claremont Extension,” said Foothill Gold Line Board Chair and Claremont Vice Mayor Ed Reece. “Their deep experience designing light rail projects, including with previous phases of the Foothill Gold Line, ensures they possess the specialized expertise needed to deliver this critical phase, bringing us one step closer to fulfilling our 25-station mandate and

enhancing regional mobility, quality of life, and the environment.” The six-year, $60 million design and engineering services contract is the first of two major contracts to be awarded as part of the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method that was adopted by the Construction Authority for the project last year. The contract will include designing all elements of the 2.3-mile light rail extension from its current design level of approximately 30% to “Approved for Construction” drawings, as well as supporting the project with any needed design services during construction. “Parsons has led design teams for each phase of this project for the past 25 years, and we are excited to once again be selected to continue that

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significant progress for the Foothill Gold Line. It began with the on-time, on-budget 9-mile, four-station Glendora to Pomona project reaching substantial completion in January 2025 and culminated in the four new stations opening for passenger service on Sept. 19. “The Kiewit-Parsons team did an outstanding job designing and constructing the light rail project, despite significant and unprecedented challenges,” said Construction Authority CEO Habib F. Balian. “It is unusual for a large infrastructure project to come in on time and on budget, but KPJV was partners with the Construction Authority from the start and found ways to innovate and keep the project moving through the Covid-19 Pandemic, historic heatwaves and historic rains.”

legacy,” said Mark Fialkowski, president, Infrastructure North America for Parsons. “Extending light rail options opens access to neighborhoods that were once limited for commuters. The A Line expansion will improve commuter and visitor access between downtown Los Angeles and the eastern portion of Los Angeles County.” In January, the Construction Authority board also approved a Request for Proposals for the second of the two contracts, the construction manager contract, that is expected to be awarded in May. Assuming a successful bid for the construction work, it is expected that major construction would begin in late- 2027/early-2028 and take approximately four years to complete.

Funding for the Claremont Extension is coming from State Senate Bill 125, after the Metro board named the project the county’s top priority for state funding and awarded $798 million to the project in October 2024. Looking Back on a Historic 2025 Leading up to the milestone start of 2026, was a year of

The design-build contract for the Foothill Gold Line from Glendora to Pomona was executed in October 2019, and major construction on the project began in July 2020 after several months of final design work. LA County’s Measure M half- cent sales tax provided the majority of funding for the project, along with nearly $100 million of residual funds from the Measure R half-cent sales tax not used to complete

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Summer 2025 was filled with station dedications leading up to the opening day ceremony in September. Watch recap videos for the station dedications for Glendora and San Dimas and for La Verne and Pomona. The Construction Authority also released a series of videos that highlight the stories behind the public artwork at the new stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne and Pomona, featuring the artists themselves as they narrate the journey of their art. the earlier project segment from Pasadena to Azusa that was completed on time and under budget in 2015. Additionally, the project was awarded a nearly $300 million grant through CalSTA’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) in 2018. With these four new stations now complete, the Construction Authority - an independent transportation planning and construction agency created in 1998 by the California State Legislature to plan, design and build the Metro A Line system from Union Station to Montclair - has delivered more than 34 miles of light rail and 23 of the agency’s 25-station system on time and on budget, bringing passenger rail back to more of the San Gabriel Valley after nearly three-quarters of a century.

Glendora Station Art: “Glendora Home: A Slice of Sunshine”

San Dimas Station Art: “A Sense of Place”

La Verne/Fairplex Station Art: “Connectivity”

Pomona North Station Art: “The Power of Pomona is People”

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“We are proud to partner with the Metropolitan Water District on this critically important water resource project to diversify Southern California’s water supply and improve climate resiliency in the Southwest for decades to come.”

From left: Metropolitan Board Chair Adán Ortega Jr. and LACSD General Manager Robert Ferrante

Robert Ferrante, Sanitation Districts Chief Engineer and General Manager

Milestone Votes Move Pure Water Southern California Forward LACSD and Metropolitan Advance Major Infrastructure Project

By Elizabeth Smilor Special Sections Writer T wo recent votes have advanced the potential Water District of Southern California and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts are jointly planning the Carson- based infrastructure project, which would purify and reuse cleaned wastewater currently discharged to the ocean. On Feb. 10, the Metropolitan Board of Directors unanimously voted to certify the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Pure Water Southern California – marking a major step toward the potential development of what would be one of the world’s largest water recycling programs. “Recognizing that climate change presents serious development of the Pure Water Southern California large-scale recycled water project. The Metropolitan challenges to our imported water supply, Metropolitan began development of Pure Water Southern California more than

a decade ago as a drought-resistant sustainable local supply of water,” said Vice Chair Nancy Sutley. “Completion of the environmental review is a major milestone that will allow our board to evaluate next steps to advance the program.” The board action formally completes the project’s environmental analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), clearing the way for future decisions on the project’s implementation, including phasing, funding, design, and construction. The board is expected to consider whether to move forward with Pure Water Southern California as part of its Climate Adaptation Master Plan for Water evaluation process and its biennial budget. Prior to Metropolitan’s vote, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the State Legislature certified the project under SB 149, the CEQA judicial streamlining process. This certification means that if Pure Water’s final EIR faces any legal challenges, it will benefit from expedited judicial review.

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Civic Publications, Inc. and Civic Digital spoke with diverse advocates of Pure Water Southern California in July 2025, months ahead of the upcoming vote to advance this proposed project. Their reasons for supporting this infrastructure investment remain unchanged as states across the western United States face heightened water sourcing, delivery and storage challenges in 2026 and beyond.

“We are proud to partner with the Metropolitan Water District on this critically important water resource project to diversify Southern California’s water supply and improve

climate resiliency in the Southwest for decades to come,” said Robert Ferrante,

Sanitation Districts Chief Engineer and General Manager. “We greatly appreciate Gov. Newsom and the State Legislature’s recognition of the significant environmental and economic benefits that this innovative project will provide the region and the state.” SB 149 is a 2023 law designed to help critical infrastructure projects move forward without lengthy court delays, while maintaining CEQA’s environmental standards. The project’s EIR, a requirement under state environmental laws, identifies potential impacts associated with the program’s construction and long-term operation, including both purification facilities in Carson and the distribution pipelines across the region. The report evaluates potential impacts, including land use and planning, noise, and air quality, and describes measures to address impacts where feasible. Pure Water would purify cleaned wastewater produced at the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility and distribute that water across the region, primarily for groundwater replenishment. At full capacity, the program would provide enough water for 1.5 million people and more than double the amount of water recycled by the Sanitation Districts. “From our perspective, Pure Water represents a critical

step toward creating a new, reliable, climate-resilient regional water supply that benefits Metropolitan’s entire service area,” said Matt Litchfield, Three Valleys Municipal Water District General Manager and Chief Engineer. “Advancing this project responsibly requires a strong and defensible environmental foundation, and the final EIR provides exactly that.” At the Metropolitan board meeting, public support of the certification was voiced by water agencies, business and labor organizations as well as environmental groups such as Sierra Club. All agreed it was a vital next step in the planning process. “I want to thank the Metropolitan Board of Directors for their deliberation and for taking the appropriate action of certifying the final EIR,” said Tom Love, Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper Water) General Manager. “Six million people in the Metropolitan service area are wholly dependent on water from the State Water Project (SWP). Pure Water will reduce the demand on the SWP supplies by 90,000 acre-feet a year. That water can be stored in the SWP system for delivery during dry years.” In addition to Upper Water and Three Valleys, water industry representatives speaking in support of the final EIR included the Southern California Water Coalition, the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster and The Secure Water Alliance.

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During the 61-day public comment period for the project’s draft EIR, which included three public meetings, Metropolitan received 39 comments regarding the report’s adequacy. Those comments have been considered and addressed in the production of the final EIR. “Under the leadership of Metropolitan Board Chair Adán Ortega, Pure Water Southern California has been grounded in strong partnerships and consensus,” said Metropolitan General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh. “From the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, groundwater basin managers and our member agencies to the Central Arizona Project and Southern Nevada Water Authority, this project has been sustained by the support of partners who see the promise in

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Environmental groups in favor of the Metropolitan vote included LA Waterkeeper, Sierra Club and San Diego Coastkeeper. “This is the one project that Metropolitan actually controls,” said LA Waterkeeper Executive Director Bruce Resnick. “It is the most reliable, drought-proof source that we can develop locally.” Representatives from business groups including Los Angeles BizFed and the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership recognize the economic benefits of the project. “Pure Water Southern California is exactly the kind of investment we need,” said SGV Economic Partnership Director of Public Policy Matthew Lyons. “The project delivers substantial economic benefits, supporting more than 75,000 jobs and generating over $15 billion in economic activity during construction and operation.”

a resilient local supply of recycled water.” The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provides water for 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs. The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts are a regional agency consisting of 24 independent special districts serving over 5.6 million people in 78 cities and unincorporated territory within Los Angeles County. The Sanitation Districts protect public health and the environment through innovative and cost-effective wastewater and solid waste management and, in doing so, convert waste into resources such as recycled water, energy and recycled materials.

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Disinfecting wipes, “flushable” wipes, paper towels, baby wipes and facial tissue do not belong in the toilet! These items should always go in the trash because they do not readily break down. If flushed, these items can clog the sewer lines in your home and street and result in a sewage overflow. Remember, only the 3 P’s—pee, poo, and (toilet) paper—belong in the toilet. Let’s all do our part to keep our sewers from clogging!

 LACSD  SanDistricts  SanitationDistrictsLACounty  LosAngelesCountySanitationDistricts  www.lacsd.org/wipesclogpipes

City of Industry Road Improvements Improve Safety and Accessibility City-Led and Funded Public Works Projects Improve Infrastructure for Commuters, Businesses and Residents By Amy Bentley Special Sections Writer A s part of its ongoing commitment to regional infrastructure investment, the City of Industry continues to modernize and

safety, accessibility, and long-term durability and reliability across its many streets. “These projects are part of our broader effort to support commuters, residents, and local businesses by keeping our infrastructure modern and reliable,” said Mat Hudson, Public Works Director for the City of Industry. “Investing in well-maintained, accessible roads is essential for our community’s

improve key transportation corridors through a number of major road improvement projects. This year’s Annual Pavement Rehabilitation project is underway. This $6 million project consists of resurfacing various streets throughout the City and the reconstruction of Bonelli Street.

safety and economic vitality.” Fullerton Road, north of the Grade Separation : Improvements on Fullerton Road were focused on enhancing safety for pedestrians and improving commute quality for drivers. Upgrades included new concrete pavement, upgraded sidewalks and ADA- compliant ramps, and enhanced pedestrian features. The City invested $1.7 million on this project and it was completed under budget.

The work consists mainly of installing new pavement; repairing broken curbs, gutters, driveways and sidewalks; upgrading curb ramps to current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; adjusting existing utilities to finish grade; and installing pavement markers, markings and striping, and repainting red curbs throughout. Meanwhile, several recently completed road improvement projects are the latest examples of the City’s work to enhance

Mayor Cory Moss The intersection at Nelson Avenue & Sunset Avenue after improvements.

The intersection at Nelson Avenue & Puente Avenue after improvements.

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Gale Avenue, between Fieldgate and Azusa avenues: This comprehensive, $2.16 million resurfacing project spanned one mile and encompassed a variety of improvements, including rebuilding 18 curb ramps, 12,000 square feet of new sidewalk and driveway repairs, and upgraded bus stops at six locations. Another completed project funded by City of Industry – even though portions of this project are outside of City limits – was the widening of the intersections at Nelson Avenue & Puente Avenue and Nelson Avenue & Sunset Avenue. This project consisted of a new right turn lane from Nelson Avenue onto Puente Avenue and Sunset Avenue, and new left turn lanes on Nelson Avenue. There is new concrete pavement in the intersection, new traffic signals, and curb widening for better truck turning. The City of Industry also completed the Annual Slurry Seal project at a cost of $370,250. Work included preparing the pavement surface by crack sealing; removing existing raised pavement markers; applying surface treatment; and installing pavement striping and pavement markers. The streets included in this project were Vineland Avenue, Mason Way, Orange Avenue, Wilson Way, Phoenix Drive, Robin Way, Kearn Creek Court, Cheryl Lane, Brea Canyon Road, Old Ranch Road, Waddingham Way, Grand Avenue East Ramp, Grand Avenue West Ramp, and Spanish Lane. The City of Industry is committed to reinvesting in the infrastructure that keeps its industrial base strong and supports efficient transportation of goods and people. These projects reflect that mission and demonstrate how local investments can deliver long-term community impact.

ABOUT 1 MILE OF NEW ASPHALT PAVEMENT

RECONSTRUCTION OF 18 CURB RAMPS

REPAIR AND RECONSTRUCTION OF 12,000 SF OF SIDEWALK AND DRIVEWAYS FOR BUSINESSES

UPGRADED BUS STOPS AT 6 LOCATIONS

CITY INVESTMENT OF $2.16M FOR THE PROJECT

City of Industry City Council | email: COICouncil@cityofindustry.org | phone: (626) 333-2211

Mayor Cory Moss

Mayor Pro Tem Michael Greubel

Council Member Mark Radecki

Council Member Newell W. Ruggles

Council Member Steve Marcucci

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Montclair TRANSIT UPDATE CITY OF

Off Track Will Metro’s A Line Reach Its Planned Terminus In Our City?

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Off the Rails: The Tale of Transit in Montclair

F or decades San Bernardino County taxpayers have invested in transit development, including a plan to bring the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) A Line (aka the Gold Line) across the County line to Montclair. Voters extended a one-half cent sales tax in 2004, and our City management has committed a significant share of time and taxpayer dollars toward developing a transit district in North Montclair. Why have we made this investment? The answer is simple: Extending the A Line into San Bernardino County will generate significant tax revenue, and improve quality of life by reducing air pollutants and expanding job access. In other words, the benefits outweigh the costs, especially for our City. Last September, Montclair’s vision to further develop its transit district was abruptly undermined when the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Board of Directors, by a vote of 15-11, made the decision to terminate plans to extend the A Line light rail system to the Montclair Transit Center. This decision counters the vote of San Bernardino County residents 21 years ago when they approved a 40-year extension to Measure I, a one-half cent sale tax for transportation and transit projects, with 8% of all Measure I revenue dedicated to transit projects. Every sales tax-related purchase made in Montclair contributes toward Measure I’s revenue earnings. The Expenditure Plan included in Measure I commits to extending light rail to the Montclair Transit Center, which is designated by state law (AB 1600) as the A Line’s eastern terminus. We have all made the investment into the arrival of Metro’s A Line in Montclair. This publication reviews the history of this development as well as the vibrant importance of both the A Line in our region and rail transportation throughout California. We invite you on this journey with us!

Edward C. Starr City Manager City of Montclair

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M any significant milestones were reached recently on Metro’s A Line. Four new stations opened in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona — the first day of passenger fare operations was Sept.19. According to Metro, Claremont and Montclair are in line for the next two A Line stations, with scheduled openings in 2031. However, the SBCTA Board of Directors vote against the extension across the San Bernardino County line puts this at risk. Over the past 21 years, Montclair’s management team has spent a lot of their time as well as City and taxpayer dollars toward developing a transit district in North Montclair and pursuing the objectives of the North Montclair Downtown Specific Plan — a form-based code that provides guidance in development of Montclair’s transit-oriented district. The housing developments residents, business operators, and visitors see near and around the Montclair Transit Center represent this extensive effort. What Is the A Line and Why Is It Important to Montclair? The A Line is a public light-rail (non- polluting, all-electric) transit system that runs 57.6 miles between the cities of Pomona and Long Beach, with 48 station stops. Passengers The Path Forward

Proposed configuration of A Line platform and redesign of Montclair Transit Center

The A Line not only achieves the need to provide low-cost transit services, its connection to communities and other rail systems is unmatched, giving the region’s residents the enviable ability to travel both far and wide to access all that Southern California offers. Extending the A Line to the Montclair Transit Center would add an additional 3.2 miles of track to the system; add station stops in Claremont and Montclair; improve transit accessibility and regional connectivity; and, for the first time, introduce a light rail station in San Bernardino County, as directed by voters in their approval of Measure I. In 2004, the voters of San Bernardino County approved a 40-year extension to Measure I, a one-half cent sale tax for transportation and transit projects, with 8% of all Measure I revenue dedicated to transit projects. Every sales tax-related purchase made in Montclair contributes toward Measure I’s revenue earnings. The Expenditure Plan included in Measure I commits to extending light rail to the Montclair Transit Center, which is designated by state law (AB 1600) as the A Line’s eastern terminus. How the A Line Benefits Montclair: Based on the commitment by San Bernardino County voters

can board the A Line, operated by Metro, every 8 to 10 minutes at each of its station stops, from 4 a.m. to midnight each weekday, and disembark or reboard at any point along the line. During late evening hours the A Line may operate up to every 20 minutes. The A Line is the busiest rail system in Metro’s transit network, carrying over 15 million passengers in 2023, and is arguably Metro’s most successful and important rail line. The general passenger fare, per trip, is $1.75, with transfers to other systems in the Metro system included. Metro also offers the following discount programs:

■ The Life Program offers free or discounted rides to eligible low-income individuals and families. ■ The Senior TAP Pass Program offers reduced fare pricing for riders 62 and older. ■ K-12 students at participating schools can ride with a GoPass at no cost. ■ For full-time college students, Metro makes available discounted fares through the U-Pass and GoPass programs.

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■ For San Bernardino County, extension of the A Line would generate new and ongoing tax revenue that far exceeds the cost for constructing, maintaining and operating the A Line’s half-mile extension across the Los Angeles County border. ■ For Montclair, extension of the A Line would generate additional new development in North Montclair, including housing; commercial, office, education, and medical office spaces; restaurant and entertainment venues; and a new hotel. Montclair would also realize improved property values; increased sales and property tax revenue; access to a wider range of state and federal grants; improvements to the environment through reductions in both vehicle miles travelled and emission of pollutants. Overall, Montclair residents would realize significant quality-of- life opportunities that include inexpensive and expanded access and connectivity to jobs and centers of health, education, adventure,

entertainment, culture and shopping — all for a $1.75, or less, per trip on the A Line. Neighboring cities would also realize shared benefits associated with extension of the A Line to the Montclair Transit Center.

and the continued support of the SBCTA to extend light rail to the Montclair Transit Center, Montclair has also developed a Master Site Plan to develop the Transit Center parking fields into a transit village that will include (i) a multi-level 1,600± space parking structure, (ii) passenger terminal serving ground transit operators (bus services) and the Metrolink and A Line station platforms, and (iii) affordable and market rate housing, with a mix of commercial services. CIM Group, owners of Montclair Place, the City’s regional shopping center, in cooperation with Montclair, has also developed a specific plan (the Montclair Place District Specific Plan) designed to capitalize on, and promote transit-oriented development that includes a phased approach to introduce new retail and residential development projects onsite, as well as a new central downtown core that includes an expansive rambla-style boulevard — a broad avenue lined with trees, shops and cafes that would serve as a gathering place for outdoor entertainment and events. A market study conducted by a private research firm demonstrates that extension of the A Line to the Transit Center represents positive economic news for Montclair, surrounding communities and San Bernardino County.

Extending the A Line into San Bernardino County would offer an array of economic and quality-of-life benefits to both residents and government agencies. Why SBCTA Voted Against the Extension: The SBCTA Board’s decision centered around the following issues: 1. Structural Framework. Several Directors expressed frustration that construction and management of the Montclair extension rests with Los Angeles County agencies, including Metro and the Foothill Gold Line Extension Construction Authority (Construction Authority) — agencies that Directors argued should have no primary role in relation to building and operating the A Line one-half mile into San Bernardino County without SBCTA’s direct control and oversight. In fact, the Construction Authority is a State of California entity, not a creature of LA County, charged by the State, via AB 1600, to build the light rail system in both Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. Further, AB 1600 also charges Metro with the duty and

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a cooperative agreement to extend the A Line to the Montclair Transit Center, the Construction Authority agreed to support legislation granting SBCTA a voting seat on the Construction Authority Board of Directors. 3. Length of Time the Project Has Been on the Books. The light rail extension to Montclair has been an SBCTA project since at least 2004, when voters of San Bernardino County overwhelmingly approved the A Line extension to Montclair as part of Measure I’s Expenditure Plan. During the 21 years after Measure I was adopted the State, Metro, the San Gabriel Valley COG and SBCTA have been the agencies tasked with funding the light rail extension from Pasadena and, ultimately, into San Bernardino County. Concurrently, the Construction Authority has been tasked with project design and construction of the A Line extension. Over the past two decades, SBCTA had not been tasked with any work related to design or construction of the A Line extension through Los Angeles County. Now, with the Construction Authority recently completing the Glendora to Pomona Segment of the A Line, SBCTA was asked in early 2025 to become involved with various construction and funding approvals for the Montclair Segment. SBCTA staff asked for a cooperative agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) and controlling oversight for project design and construction. Ultimately, the Construction Authority and SBCTA were unable to come to terms on levels of responsibility, leading to a lack of resolution on the cooperative agreement.

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responsibility to operate and maintain each segment of the A Line as they are completed by the Construction Authority; and provides that the Construction Authority shall enter into cooperative construction and funding agreements with respective governing agencies. Extension of Southern California’s expansive rail network across political borders always requires the commitment of private companies and State and local governing agencies working together to achieve inter-agency cooperation to see projects through to completion. 2. Construction Authority Board Representation. Directors objected to the lack of a voting seat for SBCTA on the Construction Authority’s Board of Directors. In fact, in 2018, Montclair sponsored a bill, AB 2417 (2018) , authored by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, that would introduce a change to membership on the Construction Authority Board by granting Montclair a voting seat, thus giving San Bernardino County two out of six voting seats — one voting seat is currently held by the City of Ontario. SBCTA stated opposition to the bill unless it was amended to give the agency its own voting seat. However, at that time, State legislators were unwilling to support legislation granting three voting seats to San Bernardino County when it was then unclear when the light rail system would be extended into San Bernardino County. During recent negotiations for

A Line train at new Pomona North Station

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4. Parallel Running of Metrolink and A Line from Pomona to Montclair. Several SBCTA Directors consider extension of the A Line from Pomona to Montclair a redundancy because the Metrolink San Bernardino Line already runs between Pomona and Montclair, and that parallel running of the two rail lines would ultimately harm farebox recovery for both systems, and cost additional dollars in ongoing maintenance and operations. Metro studies demonstrate that between Claremont and Montclair, the A Line is projected to add up 7,800 additional daily boardings, and Metrolink would pick up 2,500 to 5,000 additional daily boardings. These estimates are supported by an independent market analysis demonstrating that an estimated 33,000 San Bernardino County residents who work in A Line corridor cities live in and around Montclair including in the cities of Upland, Ontario and Chino; and 24,000 Los Angeles County residents living in cities along the A Line corridor work in the Montclair area, including in the cities of Upland, Ontario and Chino. These cross-county workers represent a pool of potential riders for the A Line into and out of the Montclair Transit Center — riders who would contribute greatly to improving the farebox recovery ratio, resulting in reduced maintenance and operation costs for SBCTA, if not actually produce profitability for light rail services in San Bernardino County. The independent market analysis also demonstrates that San Bernardino County could annually expect to gain $1.4 million for

every $1 million they invest in construction of the Montclair A Line extension, and $3.5 million for every $1 million they invest in operation of the line. These benefits are in addition to the jobs and labor income associated with activities both during and after construction of the A Line extension to the Montclair Transit Center. The independent market study estimates do not include the positive economic impacts for Montclair stemming from planned and anticipated transit-oriented developments in and around the future Montclair A Line station. Montclair anticipates that a separate economic analysis related to future development projects in Montclair will be completed soon. Parallel running of the A Line and Metrolink systems between Pomona and Montclair has also been identified as an advantage because Metrolink will absorb A Line ridership demand that exceeds passenger capacity. The A Line currently operates at capacity, and Metro has determined that the A Line must add additional train cars or increase operating headways from 8 minutes to every 5 minutes in order to meet growth in ridership demand. The four new A Line stations in Glendora, La Verne, San Dimas and Pomona, alone, are projected to add 11,400 additional riders each day; Claremont and Montclair stations are projected to add 7,800 additional daily riders. Growth in A Line ridership demand necessitates a combination of solutions that include additional A Line train cars, improved headways, and parallel operations between Metrolink and the A Line from Pomona to the Montclair Transit Center — the only transit

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A Line train traveling through Glendora Avenue grade crossing in Glendora

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station outside of Union Station that has the size, parking capacity and ground transit services (Omnitrans, Foothill Transit, Riverside Transportation Agency, and Greyhound) capable of meeting the growing demand for regional transit services. The parallel running of transportation services is not unique. Southern California is known for its network of freeways and roadways that run in multiple and parallel directions. Ground transit services also overlap, particularly as the number of competitors increases. Further, the argument against parallel rail services loses merit when it is apparent that SBCTA does not oppose other transportation projects that operate in parallel and share the same passenger pool—for example, there appears to be no SBCTA opposition to the proposed Brightline West high-speed rail cars and ONT airline services competing to attract from the same potential passenger pool bound for Las Vegas, Nevada. 5. Funding Gap. A February 2025 bid on the Montclair Segment pushed the price tag from $93 million to somewhere between $145 million to $240 million, requiring an additional $66 million to $166 million in funding. The Construction Authority, displeased with the bid estimate, rescinded the design-build delivery method and opted, instead, to rebid under a construction management at risk delivery method that is expected to bring down the overall cost of the project. That bid is not expected to be received until February 2026. In any event, Montclair is confident that, in contributing toward the $4 billion to extend the A Line east from Union Station to Claremont, the State of California would agree to fund the additional cost to build the A Line to the Montclair Transit Center. Alternatively, Montclair would work with its transportation agency partners to secure federal funding for the project.

A Line Glendora Station

A Line train at San Dimas Station

THE PATH FORWARD While it appears that SBCTA’s vote is terminal, Montclair will continue to work toward solutions that bring A Line light rail services to the Montclair Transit Center. The SBCTA Board of Directors’ vote does, however, most certainly delay progress for construction of the A Line to the Montclair Transit Center to a date outside the current procurement effort to extend the A Line from Pomona to Claremont. The delay will also make the extension from Claremont to Montclair a standalone project, resulting in significantly higher costs should the extension proceed to the Montclair Transit Center at a future date. Take Action: Residents are encouraged to contact their State representatives to express their concerns and opinions on the extension of the A Line light rail to the Montclair Transit Center.

53rd Assembly District Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez District Office: 13160 7th St. Chino, CA 91710 Phone: (909) 902-9606

22nd Senate District Senator Susan Rubio District Office: 1520E N. Mountain Ave. Building E, Suite 201 Ontario, CA 91762 Phone: (909) 460-6064

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Union Station Waiting Room Gallery

A Line

Discovering the

F rom its Pomona North Station to the Long Beach Station , LA Metro’s A Line is one long ride. At 57.6 miles, the A Line is the longest light rail line in the world, with a travel time of 2 hours and 11 minutes. From the Pomona North Station to Union Station in Los Angeles, the travel time is 1 hour and 6 minutes. For the estimated 33,000 residents in and around Montclair, Upland, Ontario and Chino that work in A Line-corridor cities along the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, and the 24,000 residents living in those foothill cities that work in and around Montclair, Upland, Ontario and Chino an A Line extension to Montclair would represent a tremendous, inexpensive opportunity to commute by rail to work. For the day adventurer, however, a trip on the A Line between the Pomona North Station and Union Station offers a lot to see, do and enjoy. The trip to Long Beach, and the station stops in between, also offer many sights. Here is a day tour of adventures from Union Station to Pomona: Union Station. Use Union Station as your platform to discover the heart of Los Angeles. From here you can use Metro’s subway system to explore all that makes Los Angeles a world-class city. Union Station (800 North Alameda St.) itself offers a multitude of treats. The iconic 1930 landmark serves as a vibrant symbol of the downtown area. Conceived on a “grand scale,” Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States, and is often regarded as the “Last of the Great Railway Stations” built in the U.S. The structure, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, combines Art Deco, Mission Revival, and Streamline

Moderne style. Today, Union Station is Southern California’s major transportation hub, serving approximately 110,000 passengers each day — making it the busiest railroad station in the Western U.S. Union Station hosts a rotating collection of unique events, cutting-edge performances, concerts, art exhibitions, and thought- provoking cultural programming showcasing the diversity of entertainers, artists and innovators in the Los Angeles region. Union Station events include the Rare Books LA Antiquarian Book Fair ; the Annual Boonion Station! (a family friendly Halloween Haunt); THE MAZE Halloween (where you lose yourself in a labyrinth of sound, shadows, and surprise twists); LA on the Move Exhibit (brings attention to the region’s remarkable biodiversity and the role urban species play in maintaining balance; e.g., this year’s exhibit in the Waiting Room Gallery spotlights five wildlife species — the coyote, mountain lion, red-tailed hawk, monarch butterfly and California kingsnake as they navigate neighborhoods in search of food, shelter and safety). Journeys Continued is another Union Station exhibit that features local artists. The exhibit sees L.A. communities Through the Eyes of Artists — the exhibition focuses on neighborhoods and cities in Los Angeles County). Local artists capture the look and feel of each community featured, highlighting special and surprising or lesser-known facets of their subject community. The artworks are part of an award-winning series presented originally as posters of communities served by Metro. The artwork series started in 2003, rotates year-to-year, and is on exhibit in the Union Station Passageway . The full online gallery can be viewed on the Metro Art website .

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