Electrify Metrolink’s San Bernardino & Antelope Valley Lines

Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line and Antelope Valley Line are among the system’s busiest corridors and serve communities that face some of the worst air quality in California. These lines present the best opportunity for electrification within Metrolink’s network due to their high ridership, long diesel runs through populated areas, and comparatively limited freight conflicts.

Electrification would bring:

Cleaner air for communities along the corridors by eliminating diesel exhaust
Faster acceleration and improved reliability, allowing more frequent service
Lower long-term operating costs compared to diesel traction
Compatibility with California’s climate and transportation goals, including future electric intercity and high-speed rail services
Northern California has already demonstrated the benefits of commuter rail electrification through Caltrain, which achieved faster service and improved performance after electrification. Southern California deserves the same level of investment and modernization.

We recognize that systemwide electrification is complex. That is why we are calling for a phased, corridor-focused approach, beginning with the San Bernardino and Antelope Valley Lines — the most practical and impactful candidates.

We ask Metrolink and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority Board to:

Initiate a formal electrification feasibility study for the San Bernardino and Antelope Valley Lines
Include corridor electrification in Metrolink’s long-range capital planning
Publicly identify a pathway and timeline for transitioning these lines to electric service

Southern California commuters deserve cleaner, faster, and more modern rail service. Electrifying these two lines is a realistic first step.

I currently live in Chino Hills, less than half hour away from Pomona - North station on the San Bernardino Line. I also recognize the importance of the Antelope Valley line given how frequent it runs.