Southern California’s mobility network is supported by two main passenger rail operators Metrolink and Amtrak.
SCAG’s passenger rail program provides support and analysis for the region’s passenger rail planning efforts, including the Metrolink Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program, the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor, and Southern California sections of the California High-Speed Rail project. SCAG continues to promote the integration of passenger rail, transit-oriented development, and economic development strategies to support implementation of the Connect SoCal Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy and regional goals for mobility, sustainability, and economic growth.
Staff Contact
Priscilla Freduah-Agyemang
(213) 236-1973
agyemang@scag.ca.gov
Related Resources & Links
California High-Speed Rail Authority Reports
Integrated Passenger and Freight Rail Forecast Study
The SCAG region is home to the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, together driving substantial volumes of imports and exports as the largest port complex in the Western Hemisphere. The region also includes the two largest Class I railroads in North America, BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad Corporation, which facilitate the movement of goods for local and national distribution and consumption. The rail and port systems are supported by extensive intermodal facilities, freight corridors, and access roads that connect with the largest industrial warehouse and distribution cluster in the United States. At the same time, the SCAG region provides an extensive commuter passenger rail system.
The SCAG “Integrated Passenger and Freight Rail Forecast Study” served as an initial approach for the region to comprehensively assess freight and passenger rail in the region. The study evaluated existing and future rail volumes, identified infrastructure needs, and prepared a strategic vision for implementation strategies in the region. The study was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and considered current assumptions about rail shipments and passenger service levels. The study provides recommendations on service expansion and capital improvements and positions the region for rail-related funding opportunities, aligning with the core principles of SCAG’s Goods Movement Resolution.
Los Angeles-San Bernardino Inter-County Transit and Rail Study
SCAG, in cooperation with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), conducted a transit and rail planning study for the corridor connecting the eastern San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County with the western San Bernardino Valley in San Bernardino County.
Several significant transportation improvements have been, or are currently being, planned in this corridor, including Metro A Line light rail transit, Metrolink San Bernardino Line commuter rail, hybrid rail, express bus, bus rapid transit, and Interstate 10 high-occupancy vehicle lanes and ExpressLanes. The study sought to develop a coordinated transit and rail strategy that best serves the transportation needs of the residents, workers, and businesses that rely on this corridor.
Study Objectives
- Understand the market for transit and rail travel in the corridor, including travel to and from Ontario International Airport (ONT).
- Estimate the potential benefits and costs associated with different transit and rail improvement options for the corridor.
- Recommend a path forward for cost-effective transit and rail improvements, focusing on coordinating plans for the Metro A Line, Metrolink, and access to ONT.
Downloads
Study Area
The study corridor area includes portions of the cities of Claremont, La Verne, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland and focuses on the Metro A Line Foothill Extension, the Metrolink San Bernardino Line, and the San Bernardino (I-10) freeway.
