The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Board of Directors has approved the next major step toward improving Metrolink service in our region. With this action, more than $37 million will now move toward a project that will boost train frequency between the Pomona-North and Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink stations. This funding allows staff to begin detailed study and design work, and it also shows the county’s strong commitment as we pursue future state and federal grants.
The goal of the Enhanced Metrolink Service Project is simple: give riders faster, more reliable train options. Metrolink is already planning 30-minute service through the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion program. By adding a dedicated shuttle that runs every 30 minutes between Pomona-North and Rancho Cucamonga, trains in this busy stretch could arrive as often as every 15 minutes. That kind of frequency makes it easier for people to choose transit for work, school, and daily trips.
To make these improvements possible, the project will include several upgrades along the rail corridor. Early planning shows the need for new turnaround tracks near both Pomona-North and Rancho Cucamonga, about 4.6 miles of additional double track, and updates to a dozen roadway crossings. The project may also require a new bridge over Cucamonga Creek and upgrades at the Upland Station. These improvements will help the line handle more trains safely and keep service running on schedule.
While the full project is expected to cost about $150 million and take several years to complete, this early funding is an important step. It allows engineers to begin preparing the Project Study Report, which will shape the final design and confirm environmental needs. Most importantly, it moves our region closer to a future where Metrolink is more frequent, more convenient, and better able to serve the growing travel needs of San Bernardino County.