Track improvements between Los Angeles and Fullerton are on the fast track thanks to a recent $91.2 million Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grant awarded to Metrolink to kickstart work on the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Program. SCORE is a $10 billion plan to build infrastructure enabling regional passenger rail service frequency to at least 30 minutes systemwide. Other benefits of SCORE include better connections with other transit providers.
In all, through a multi-year grant agreement approved by the California Transportation Commission (CTC), Metrolink will receive a total of $875.7 million over six years.
SCORE funds more frequent, reliable and faster Metrolink and Amtrak service providing an alternative to crowded freeways and helps reduce air pollution. Included in SCORE are targeted investments for capacity improvements at Los Angeles Union Station and on tracks between Los Angeles and Fullerton, one of the busiest freight corridors in the region.
“As our state’s economy and population continue to grow, adding more capacity for passenger and freight rail is a critical component in preventing a future mobility crisis, and ensuring continued prosperity to our region,” said California Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, who represents Fullerton. “California is a world leader in innovation and technology. As such, we should continue to invest in public modes of transportation like this, which is economically sound for our working families and students into the future.”
Other mobility benefits include safety, signal and track upgrades that enable more “Quiet Zones” where trains do not routinely sound their horns when approaching at-grade crossings.
In addition to Fullerton and Los Angeles, the most recent allocations will fund projects in El Monte, Simi Valley, Burbank, Rancho Cucamonga, Chatsworth and other areas throughout the region.