Quote:
Originally Posted by craigs
I'm all for electrifying those Metrolink lines--if riders don't have to bear the significant financial burden. I have only taken one round-trip on the Antelope Valley Line, and I liked the experience. The trains were clean, the conductor is always moving through the cars, and the other riders were sane and orderly. But Metrolink fares are already high, especially compared with Metro's trains, and I think large fare increases to pay for electrification would significantly depress the system's already-low ridership.
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According to the article, it does say that Metrolink could utilize federal funding or state HSR money (what % of that of the full price tag is unclear), but it's off the table as long as the agency refuses to take it seriously. There is some cost savings built in since Governor Newsom may sign A.B. 2503 this month, which would exempt Metrolink from the frivolous CEQA lawsuits, and CSHRA has already funded environmental impact reports for electrification of the Burbank to Anaheim route, further reducing costs for Metrolink.
It also notes that it will take time to plan, secure funding, and build out the infrastructure for Metrolink, which is why the board needs to show some leadership and commit to electrification now.