JULY 28 saw the start of revenue services on the 22 km Gold line light rail route linking Los Angeles and Pasadena, following a weekend of free rides. Local politicians and MTA board members participated in a dedication ceremony at Union Station on July 25, including Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn who recalled riding the Pacific Electric Long Beach line on its last day in 1961.
District Manager Doug Duplisea of prime contractor Kiewit-Washington handed over a ceremonial gold key to MTA CEO Roger Snoble (inset), noting that the $859m project had been completed on time and under budget. After the speeches, two trains of Siemens P2000 LRVs rolled into the station, breaking a banner spanning one of the two terminal tracks.
MTA estimates that about 150000 people rode the free service during the weekend, when local community groups held their own celebrations at most of the stations.
- Work is due to start shortly on a $243m project to double-track 24·1 km of BNSF line between Fullerton and Commerce. Shared by Metrolink’s Riverside - Anaheim route, the line currently handles 60 freight and nine passenger trains a day.
