In the last installment of this series, we learned about how political choices by specific counties are driving a $30M shortfall that threatens service cuts. These cuts are part of broader flaws in Metrolink governance that have stymied a more ambitious vision since its founding, and threaten to curtail Metrolink’s Read more…
Metrolink is in a dire situation in 2026. Dozens of trains across the system have been permanently cut due to equipment issues stemming from deferred maintenance – and more cuts could be coming in October thanks to a $30M operating budget deficit. While Metrolink had ambitious plans for service improvements, Read more…
A wide body of academic research suggests that bringing project delivery in-house results in more cost-effective transit capital projects. But how does this play out on a project-level? In this blog post we investigate how overreliance on consultants, coupled with lack of oversight, is inflating costs and reducing scope and Read more…
New whitepaper outlines how to transform Southern California rail through electrification, level boarding, and through-running. Southern California is a megaregion, with jobs, homes, and destinations spread across an area as large as some countries. Population has grown fastest far from city centers, leading to worsening traffic and the US’s dirtiest Read more…
Southern California is falling behind the Bay Area on regional and high speed rail. Sign the petition! Electrification proposal for Southern California regional rail. Metrolink needs to make it happen. The Bay Area’s Caltrain just debuted its first in the state electric service, powered by proven overhead wire technology, Read more…