Californians for Electric Rail

@calelectricrail

Bringing together transit riders, environmentalists, and union members for fast, clean, safe catenary electric regional, intercity, and freight rail in California. #CatenaryNow #ElectrifyMetrolink

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Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· 15d

Regional rail on time and under budget! Wish this was Metrolink. Unrealistic cost estimates are a widespread problem. But unlike California, NY uses multi-year funding agreements to pay for capital projects, encouraging honest budgeting and better oversight - making it easier to stay under budget.

Under past leadership at the M.T.A., it was common for the agency to underestimate construction costs and timelines because it was politically expedient.

“Everybody knew things would never get done in that time frame or that price,” Mr. Wright said of past projects, such as the Long Island Rail Road extension known as East Side Access, which was completed in 2023, after years of delays and ballooning costs. Mr. Lieber, who officially became head of the agency a year earlier, finished the project.

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· 19d

We now have a timeline for a budget. Staff warn that this could be delayed if member agencies do not cooperate - requiring another temporary funding extension.

Alternative I
August 7 mail out of special board agenda
Aug 14 special board meeting to transmit budget
Sept 11 Special Board Meeting to adopt FY27 budget
Oct 1 goes into effect

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· 26d

3rd party permitting allows big corporations and tiny cities to hold up publicly approved transit projects and extract pricey concessions. To run more trains and electrify rail, we need to fix this.

THE MYTH OF 3RD PARTY 'TRANSIT' PERMITTING
Transit agencies: I consent
Voters: I consent
PG&E, SoCal Gas, Smallville (population 5k) Dept of Roads: I don't
ISN'T THERE SOMEBODY YOU FORGOT TO ASK?

Image shows the meme with a happy couple about to get intimate with Jesus objecting

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· 28d

The value-engineered and de-scoped Rancho Cucamonga double track, needed for reliable 30 minute service on the San Bernardino Line, will not be complete until 2029 - meaning that no Metrolink line will have the promised 30 minute service by 2028. What are we doing?

381 San
Bernardino
San Bernardino County
Transportation
Authority (SBCTA)
SBD239701 4122001 PASSENGER RAIL
EXISTING: DOUBLE TRACKING OF METROLINK SAN BERNARDINO LINE BETWEEN CP LILAC AND CP RANCHO IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
----------------
REVISED: COMPLETE THE FINAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A 0.7-MILE SEGMENT OF DOUBLE TRACK ON METROLINK SAN BERNARDINO LINE (SAN GABRIEL SUBDIVISION) FROM CP LILAC TO JUST WEST OF SYCAMORE AVENUE, NEAR CITY OF RIALTO IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
Completion year: EXISTING: 2025 REVISED: 2029
Cost: EXISTING: $64,971 REVISED: $77,637

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· 28d

Similarly, 4th track in Riverside county essential for more more reliable 91 & IE-OC line service delayed until 2039; Metrolink extension to Hemet delayed til 2050. Meanwhile numerous highway expansions in the area will be complete within 5 years.

111 Riverside RCTC PASSENGER RAIL
EXISTING: 3RD MAIN TRACK FROM RIVERSIDE TO PRADO/COUNTY LINE: ADD A THIRD MAIN TRACK AND SHORT SIDING
SEGMENTS OF A FOURTH TRACK FROM WEST RIVERSIDE (CONTROL POINT ONTARIO) MILE POST (MP) 10.6 TO PRADO DAM MP
29.4 ON BNSF RAILWAY'S (BNSF) SAN BERNARDINO SUBDIVISION THROUGH THE CITIES OF RIVERSIDE AND CORONA,
CALIFORNIA. THE SIDING SEGMENTS WOULD BE LOCATED MAINLY AT THE THREE METROLINK STATION SITES WITHIN THE
PROJECT LIMITS; LA SIERRA (MP 18.50), CORONA NORTH MAIN (MP 24.10), AND CORONA WEST (MP 27.20). INCLUDES BUT NOT
BE LIMITED TO, MAIN AND SECONDARY TRACKWORK, COMMUNICATION/SIGNAL/POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, AT-
GRADE CROSSINGS, PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS, BRIDGES, CULVERTS, CRASH WALLS/PIER PROTECTION, UTILITY RELOCATIONS,
RETAINING WALLS, DRAINAGE CHANNELS, AND STATION RECONFIGURATIONS

REVISED: 3RD/4TH MAIN TRACK FROM RIVERSIDE TO PRADO/COUNTY LINE: ADD A THIRD MAIN TRACK AND SHORT SIDING
SEGMENTS OF A FOURTH TRACK FROM WEST RIVERSIDE (CONTROL POINT ONTARIO) MILE POST (MP) 10.6 TO PRADO DAM MP
29.4 ON BNSF RAILWAY'S (BNSF) SAN BERNARDINO SUBDIVISION THROUGH THE CITIES OF RIVERSIDE AND CORONA,
CALIFORNIA. THE SIDING SEGMENTS WOULD BE LOCATED MAINLY AT THE THREE METROLINK STATION SITES WITHIN THE
PROJECT LIMITS; LA SIERRA (MP 18.50), CORONA NORTH MAIN (MP 24.10), AND CORONA WEST (MP 27.20). INCLUDES BUT NOT
BE LIMITED TO, MAIN AND SECONDARY TRACKWORK, COMMUNICATION/SIGNAL/POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, AT-
GRADE CROSSINGS, PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS, BRIDGES, CULVERTS, CRASH WALLS/PIER PROTECTION, UTILITY RELOCATIONS,
RETAINING WALLS, DRAINAGE CHANNELS, AND STATION RECONFIGURATIONS
EXISTING: 2030
REVISED: 2039
$250,916 NONE SCOPE AND SCHEDULE UPDATE
112 (RCTC) PASSENGER RAIL COMMUTER RAIL CORRIDOR EXTENSION FROM PERRIS TO SAN JACINTO
EXISTING: 2045
REVISED: 2050
EXISTING:
$350,000
REVISED:
$1,000,000
COST INCREASE, SCHEDULE AND COST
UPDATE
113 Riverside LAKE ELSINORE STATE
HIGHWAY EXISTING: WIDEN FROM 2 TO 4 LANES CHANGE FROM 6 LANES…

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· 28d

Brighton to Roxford double track was supposed to be complete in 2025, but now won't be done until 2037. Balboa Double track won't finish until 2039. These SCORE projects needed for 30min service are now 10 years behind. Patchwork funding and patchwork governance are failing Metrolink riders.

Project #: 144 Lead Agency: Los Angeles LOS ANGELES COUNTY
MTA (METRO) LA0G1169 7120010 System: PASSENGER RAIL
Description: BRIGHTON TO ROXFORD DOUBLE TRACK ADDS 11 MILES OF 2ND TRACK BETWEEN BURBANK AND SYLMAR ON METROLINK'S ANTELOPE VALLEY LINE (AVL). PROJECT ELIMINATES CURRENT BOTTLENECK & IMPROVES ON-TIME PERFORMANCE & OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY ON THE AVL. PROJECT IS DESIGNED
TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE POTENTIAL FUTURE HIGH SPEED RAIL ALIGNMENT. PROJECT WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN 4 SEGMENTS. SEG. 1, BRIGHTON TO MCKINLEY ST, IS FUNDED THROUGH CONSTRUCTION. SEGMENTS 2, 3, AND 4 ARE NOT FUNDED FOR DESIGN OR CONSTRUCTION.
Time to completion: EXISTING: 2031 REVISED: 2037
Project cost: $238,000
Project #145 Lead agency: Los Angeles LOS ANGELES COUNTY
MTA (METRO) LA0G1047 1TL204 System: PASSENGER RAIL Project Description: GRADE SEPARATION AT THE INTERSECTION OF ROSECRANS/MARQUARDT IN THE CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS.
Time to completion: EXISTING: 2025
REVISED: 2024
$156,437 NONE COMPLETED
Project Number: 146 Los Angeles
Lead Agency: SOUTHERN CALIF REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY
LA25NOM137 LA25NOM137 System: PASSENGER RAIL
Project Description: BALBOA DESIGNS A SECOND TRACK TO FORM A DOUBLE TRACK SECTION FROM CONTROL POINT BALBOA TO SIERRA HWY ROUGHLY 6336 FT WITH NO IMPACT TO TUNNEL 25. CANYON DESIGNS A SECOND TRACK FROM CONTROL POINT CANYON TO GOLDEN OAK ROAD ROUGHLY 8448 FT AND ADDS A SECOND PLATFORM AT SANTA CLARITA STATION. BRIGHTON TO MCGINLEY DESIGNS A SECOND TRACK TO FORM A DOUBLE TRACK FROM CONTROL POINT BRIGHTON TO MCGINLEY ROUGHLY 15312 FT AND ADDS A SECOND PLATFORM AT BURBANK AIRPORT NORTH AND SUN VALLEY STATIONS.
completion date: 2039 Cost: $20,541 NEW COST NEW PROJECT

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· Jul 7

OCTA's draft Long Range Transportation Plan wants 2024 Metrolink service levels (<hourly) *in 2050* - ignoring Metrolink's service development plan which calls for hourly OCL service by 2029 and half-hourly by 2037, and the State Rail Plan which expects 15 minutes by 2050. OCTA is a rogue agency.

Table showing transit project list as part of the long range transportation plan
Metrolink has October 2024 service: 58 weekly trains
and Placentia Metrolink station, that's it.

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· Jun 23

Promising statement on CA high-speed rail from Becerra here. Looking forward to hearing more about how he would cut through high-speed rail bottlenecks as governor - we've got some ideas. 🧵 www.newsweek.com/california-e...

A Becerra campaign spokesperson told Newsweek: "Nearly 80 miles of guideway are complete. The bridges, viaducts, and overpasses are built. The infrastructure is in the ground, and the track is coming. Secretary Becerra is now focused on making sure nothing slows what comes next—cutting through every bottleneck, every broken approval chain, every delay that has held this project back."

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· Jun 13

OCTA and Metro think that Metrolink is inefficient - but their proposed cuts make efficiency worse. We can get a better value with electrification, all day service, and bringing project delivery in-house- but Metrolink needs money to roll those out. Arbitrary cuts are penny wise and pound foolish.

Example of Crew Efficiency Gains
Under peak-only service, a large share of the crew job is hotel rest and non-revenue trips hauling trains to yards
Under all-day service, most of the crew time is revenue trips.

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· Jun 11

Happy Pride! Electric rail is for everyone. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

trans flag made of Caltrain, Metrolink, and Coaster trains

rainbow flag where the red is Caltrain, orange is a BNSF freight train, yellow is renderings of CAHSR and Brightline West, green is SMART, Metrolink and Coaster, Blue is Surfliner and Capitol Corridor, and Purple is ACE

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· Jun 9

CEO Johnson says that Inland counties' desire for more service and lower per-unit costs "are in direct opposition". FALSE. Metrolink's 2024 schedule adjustment increased service while decreasing subsidy! Impending service cuts will drive ridership down while making costs go up.

Metrolink Subsidy and On-Time Performance
Metrolink Subsidy declines in 3% 2024 following introduction of all-day schedules.

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· Jun 9

Director Henessey worries about a future where fare revenues decline to zero, increasing costs to the agency. In fact, both ridership and farebox recovery are trending upward, though still below pre-pandemic. But service cuts will reverse these trends and jeopardize Metrolink's financial future.

Metrolink weekday ridership by line
Ridership falls off a cliff in 2020 with COVID19, increases steadily since then except for a dip following the 6 week track closure in San Clemente in 2025, then increases again after that.

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· Jun 9

Several commentators asked OCTA to cancel a $19M hydrogen bus refueling project to fund Metrolink. OCTA staff replied that they can't because it's funded by grants - but that's a lie. (also, why are we rebuilding a 5 year old H2 facility for $19M? almost like it's an unreliable technology.)

Description: Reconstruction Santa Ana Hydrogen Fueling Station
Grant funded: not checked.
Phase: construction
Total: $19,000,000

This budget line item request is for reconstruction of the new hydrogen fueling station at Santa Ana bus base (design/build), including all required facility modifications to accommodate operations and maintenance of hydrogen buses. The reconstructed hydrogen station is intended to support 50 hydrogen powered buses.

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· Jun 9

Jung also says that Metrolink funding cuts aren't happening right now, even though CEO Johnson acknowledged minutes before that OCTA plans to reduce support. The $14.5 M continuing resolution approved yesterday also shortchanges Metrolink's $15.8M request. octa.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=...

Total operating expenses for OC Metrolink Service by Funding Source (Millions)
In FY 19 Metrolink required 29.4M in subsidy, which OCTA provided 100% of. In FY 23 Metrolink required 46M in subsidy, of which OCTA provided only 8.9M. The difference was made up in one-time state or federal funds. Every year subsequently required more subsidy than FY23 - in FY 26 Metrolink required 51.9 M in subsidy, of which OCTA provided 24.9M. IN FY 27 Metrolink requires 54.5M in subsidy, but OCTA proposes to fund only 46M - less than Metrolink has needed for the last three years.

Farebox revenue has grown every year since 2021 but is still below FY19

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· Jun 9

Johnson says OCTA can't shift funds from highways to Metrolink. In fact, Measure M has a process to change allocations between categories. But OCTA would rather preserve an arbitrary fixed contribution than put in the work to get funding fitting with service goals. youtu.be/rWCWy4KKS2I?...

Section 12 amendments
The authority may amend the Ordinance, including the Plan, to provide for the use of additional federal, state, and local funds, to account for unexpected revenue, or to take into consideration unforseen circumstances. The Authority shall notify the board of supervisors and the city council of each city in the county and provide them with a copy of the proposed amendments, and shall hold a public hearing on proposed amendments prior to adoption, which shall require approval by a vote of not less than two thirds of the authority board of directors. Amendments shall become effective forty five days after adoption...

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· Jun 8

About two dozen people are out here at OCTA demanding more funding for Metrolink! 💪 Commenters pushing back on OCTA's misdirection around cost effectiveness, transit dependency for @uaw4811.bsky.social members, Caltrain, and Metrolink's benefits to non-riders. Fund transit, not highways!

long line of people standing in line to comment at OCTA board

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· Jun 5

On Tuesday, us and the CERO coalition showed up calling for BNSF to electrify the Barstow International Gateway mega-railyard. Unfortunately, Barstow unanimously approved the EIR associated with the BIG project with no electrification - cancelling a planned second hearing. But the fight isn't over!

Group of people of varying ages and races pose for a photo. They are wearing shirts that say "From LA to Barstow, Freight Pollution Has Got to GO" and a sign that says "Electrify BIG"

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 27

CAHSR was established without many "super-powers" typical of mega-projects, leaving it under-powered compared to local elites, private utilities, and massive freight railroad corporations. If we want high-speed rail built faster, this needs to be rectified.

Table 3 CHSRA Superpowers relative to the life-cycle of its mandate

Procurement - broad authorities
Human resources/hiring - extra political appointees
Funding/revenue - continuous appropriation
Environmental and permitting - none
Third-party agreements (utilities, cities, etc) none
Eminent Domain - None (less than Caltrans)
Railroad Agreements - none
Constructions - none
regulatory - none
Joint development - broad authorities
fare setting - broad authorities

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 27

CAHSR has a legislative package designed to fight NIMBYs and improve financial certainty, but it faces an uncertain future. The legislature - and our next governor - needs to step up if they want this project built.

CA high-speed rail authority Legislative update
Legislative concept: Stable and Secured Funding $1B appropriated annually through 2045
CEQA Exemptions for Renewable Power Unknown
Streamlined permitting Unknown
Provision of dedicated court resources Unknown
Updates Senate Bill 198 in progress
Third party streamlining Unknown
Station Area Land Use and Value Capture Unknown
Encroachment Permitting In progress

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 23

We had a great time today canvassing about Metrolink cuts! When they hear about what's going on, people are excited to take action. Sign up here to canvass another time: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Five people hold Save Metrolink signs with QR codes in front of a sign that says Amtrak, Metro, Metrolink

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 22

Get connected with the coalition and help save Metrolink tomorrow at 10:45 at Union Station. Join our mega-canvass to get the word out about looming service cuts to Metrolink riders. RSVP here! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Save Metrolink Mega-Canvass. Hear what's going on and talk to riders about the cuts

10:45 AM Saturday May 23rd LA Union Station (meet inside near Alameda St.)

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 21

Metro is spending $400M on capital improvements for Metrolink, while cutting service. Make it make sense!

Highway multimodal development $886 M
Regional rail $415M General Planning and Development $255 Congestion planning and programming

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 21

Metro is increasing the budget for all local transit - including Metro Micro, which moves fewer people in a week than Metrolink does in a day, at a higher cost per rider. But Metrolink is seeing a 3% cut.

Bus Service +2.3% Rail service +3.8% Metro Micro +6.1%

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 18

OCTA CEO says the quiet part out loud: they think Metrolink has *too much* service. If you think that's wrong, contact the OCTA Board before June 8th. www.sbsun.com/2026/05/15/r...

‘Rightsizing’ option

Transportation authorities, however, are divided on the best response to Metrolink’s budget challenges. OCTA questions whether it’s necessary to return to full service, but that sentiment is not universal — Kettle said Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties are asking for increased service.

OCTA’s Johnson believes Metrolink service needs to be “rightsized.”

“Is the product that you’re selling what people want?” Johnson asks. Running 164 trains a day is “probably a bit too many,” he said.

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 16

BNSF will be mitigating visual impacts of the rail yard, while refusing to mitigate the biggest impacts: deadly air pollution from diesel trucks and trains. Don't we love the CEQA process, folks?

Aesthetics
visual changes, lighting, and glare from large scale developments cannot be screened or mitigated over time

BIG presenting motivations including shielding and directional lighting, temporary privacy fencing, use of minimum lighting levels approved by OSHA

Air Quality
Development under the general plan and construction and operation of BIG would generate emissions that exceed thresholds even after applying feasible mitigation

Motivations do not include any zero emissions trucks or trains.

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 16

BNSF announcing new MOU with Mojave and South Coast Air Districts to test Tier 4 line haul and switcher locomotives. But will this test be much like BNSF's test of battery locomotives - announced, then never mentioned again?

BNSF Commitments for BIG
Voluntary replacement of existing switchers at 99% cleaner Tier 4 switchers
MDAQMD MOU for the testing of Tier 4 Hybrid Linehaul locomotives

CARB MOU to explore the feasibility of additional emissions reductions measures

These commitments will be implemented by the Development Agreement, MMTP, Conditions, MOus, and a mdaqmd cooperative agreement

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 16

We're here in Barstow with a big coalition of environmental justice advocates, labor, and residents from the ports to Barstow calling on Barstow to electrify the BIG! Learn more about the project here: calelectricrail.org/the-b-i-g-is...

Barstow Community College of Performing Arts

Group of people holding a sign saying "LA to Barstow Freight Pollution has to go"

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 13

Electrifying the ports to Barstow would not only reduce pollution, it would help transit. The Metrolink 91/Perris Valley & IE-OC Line and future CA High-Speed Rail share tracks with BNSF, and could be electrified with BNSF's consent, as they already have given for LA-Fullerton.

Map showing proposed electrification of ports to Barstow. The 20 mi Alameda corridor segment is built for electrification and publicly owned. LA-Fullerton is owned by BNSF but has an agreement with CAHSR to electrify. Fullerton to San Bernardino is shared with Metrolink and is in the State Rail Plan for electrification, but has no immediate plans. San Bernardino-BIG includes the Cajon pass. An additional short segment beyond the BIG allows for use by Union Pacific and swapping to diesel locomotives away from population centers.

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 13

San Bernardino County has the highest rail emissions in the US, driven by high fuel use on the Cajon Pass with its 2% grades. Electrifying the Cajon Pass would let communities breathe easier while saving BNSF money and reducing their dependence on fossil fuels amidst an energy crisis.

Diesel locomotive spews black exhaust into the sky while going up a hill near some mountains, taken at the Cajon pass. Photo credit Brian Yanity

Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail· May 11

SBCTA's agenda lists other agencies' priorities. Metro wants to maintain Antelope Valley Line service while cutting its funding. Others want to cut funding in LA and OC but maintain service elsewhere - except all routes go through those counties. How can you run a regional transit agency like this?