What’s Inside:
On the Cover: Artist Rendering of Montclair Transit Center A Line Station COURTESY OF FOOTHILL GOLD LINE CONSTRUCTION AUTHORITY.
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. In 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! Off the Rails: The Tale of Transit in Montclair
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Off Track:
For several decades Montclair’s city management team, with taxpayer dollars, has spearheaded the development of a vibrant community surrounding the Montclair Transit Center in anticipation of becoming the terminus of Metro’s A Line. Now, this final piece of the project is in jeopardy. Read what happened and why it matters.
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Metro’s A Line runs 57.6 miles from Long Beach to Pomona, the longest light rail line in the world, with 48 station stops. It is a vital link for commuters, but also an adventure for day- trippers. Come with us on a ride from Downtown Los Angeles’ Union Station to Pomona to discover the unique sights. Take a Ride on the A Line:
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From Los Angeles’ growing Metro system to the regional Metrolink to high-speed train development, rail transit in California is growing. Nationwide, Amtrak had its largest ridership on record in 2024. Catch up on the latest rail transit projects in California and across the nation. The Future of Rail:
Edward C. Starr City Manager City of Montclair
www.cityofmontclair.org
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