LOS ANGELES COUNTY — The Antelope Valley Line Infrastructure Improvement Strategic Plan was unanimously approved by the MTA Board of Directors Thursday.
The improvements would provide seamless rail service between the Antelope Valley and San Diego, and a Metrolink Station at the Bob Hope Airport, according to a press release issued by MTA First Vice Chair, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.
“This unanimous vote is a step forward in our effort to provide a convenient, fast and cost-effective transit alternative for our residents in the Antelope, Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys who commute to Bob Hope Airport, Downtown Los Angeles and South all the way to San Diego, and from Ventura County to the Coachella Valley,” said Antonovich.
“Palmdale stands poised to become a major rail hub with California High Speed rail moving south from Bakersfield, DesertXpress connecting Las Vegas to Victorville with a feeder line to Palmdale, and the Metrolink system coming north from Southern California,” he added. “Upgrading the Antelope Valley Line between Downtown Los Angeles and Lancaster using $1 billion secured from the High Speed Rail Authority for rail improvements is the top priority.”
Antonovich’s motion directed the MTA CEO to provide a plan to advance segments of the Antelope Valley Line Corridor to preliminary engineering and environmental work and to develop a comprehensive grade crossing and grade separation safety program for Metrolink-operated lines in Los Angeles County.
(Information via press release from Supervisor Michael Antonovich)
Jose says
I cant believe the level of ignorance, what people dont die in car and motorcyle crashes on the FREEWAY. I bet you there are more deaths on freeways then on Metrolink. if the train where to run faster times i can assure the trains would be at capacity but every time ive taken the train it at 30 to 40 percent before it gets all filled up in Santa clarita with its 3 stops. I cant wait for High speed rail or making meterolink faster . If it can make it from Lancaster to LA in under an hour my level and everony elses level of quality would benefit.
lucas says
Those Free riders must be happy with this deal. They get a ticket giving a false name. Metrolink should have more security on the train to protect the Metrolink riders from Lancaster to Union Station and back.
dhunter says
To Mr. Carter: I’ve not heard of the “many deaths and injuries” you speak of. Maybe there is a link or report with this information that others aren’t aware of? If there is an engine design flaw, throwing the baby out with the bath water seems ineffective. I can appreciate your desire to drive yourself around but this option doesn’t work for everyone. Besides, the better our transit system, the fewer people you will encounter, in your way, while you are driving the roads. Personally, I spend time in the SF Bay and I prefer riding the MUNI, Caltrain or BART to driving, parking, and sitting in gridlock. While there are places in the transit system that want improvement, we need to go forward. The great cities of this world have well developed transp;ortation systems, ones that serve the the needs of all the population, old, young, rich poor, mobile, handicapped. The automobile shouldn’t be our only choice, should we wish to travel.
dhunter says
To the post above: given the cost of fuel I suspect many are ready and willing to take their chances on the train. Car wrecks are also far more frequent than the occasional rail mishap.