Re: Metrolink, new line in 2020? "Metrolink Inland Valley Line Extension"
Author: BNSF Rail Guy
Date: 09-04-2016 - 22:07
First of all, the videos are total crap. No such service has ever been discussed or even considered by Metrolink.
However, such a service is possible with existing track but would require a lot of money and would be difficult to pull off. A train leaving San Bernardino on the San Bernardino Line would stop at Rialto and Fontana. Then it would turn south on the trackage that allows BNSF access to the old Kaiser Steel (now California Steel) mill. Trains could continue south of the trackage UP uses to access the same. A new north to west connection track would be required to get trains heading west on the present day UP Alhambra Sub (this would be expensive as the I-10 Freeway is in the way along with UP's Kaiser Yard.
After reaching the UP Alhambra Sub, trains could go west, passing the north side of the Ontario Airport (only Airport Way and the parking lot would separate a new station and the airport terminal, shuttle buses would connect the two). Then trains would continue west, tieing into the Metrolink Riverside Line at Pomona.
Its an interesting idea, but not going to happen...most likely. Trains running thru a steel mill and expensive freeway modifications would kill this project in all likelihood.