Correction: Previous version of the story contained inaccurate information about the protest. President Donald Trump’s title was corrected. The Clarion apologizes for the error. Story updated at 8:50 a.m. PDT Sep. 22, 2025.
POMONA – For the first time since 1951, passenger rail service has returned to Pomona. The Metro A Line officially opened its four-station extension on Friday, connecting Azusa to Pomona through new stops in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne and Pomona.
Hundreds of community members joined state and local leaders for ceremonies at each station, where the $1.5 billion project was celebrated as a regional milestone. Construction on the line began in 2020 under the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority and finished on schedule and within budget.
Metro officials said the extension creates new transit options for students, commuters and families across the San Gabriel Valley. The A Line, now stretching 48.5 miles, is the longest light rail line in the United States.
Mallory Mead, who works in media relations for Metro, said the project strengthens regional access.
“It’s a long time coming, taking what was already the world’s longest light rail line all the way to Pomona,” Mead said. “We’re really improving the mobility of the community connecting San Gabriel Valley residents to the rest of the county and the rest of the county to the San Gabriel Valley.”
The new line is also expected to serve Olympic visitors in 2028, when the Pomona Fairplex will host several events.
During the press conference, student representation came from Citrus College Student Trustee AJ Hernandez.
“Growing up in this community, I’ve seen how important access to reliable transportation is for families, students, and workers,” Hernandez said in his speech. “For students at Citrus College and across the San Gabriel Valley, this new extension means easier commutes, reduced barriers, and greater possibilities for success.”
Hernandez also noted the personal benefits of the extension. “Now that the Metro connects all the way to Glendora, you’re definitely going to see me riding it more often,” he said. “My gas tank is breathing a sigh of relief already.”
For older riders, programs like Metro’s On the Move are aimed at encouraging seniors to stay active and use the system. Gretchen Anderson, a speaker for the program, said she is eager to see the line open new opportunities.
“I want to stay active, I want to explore, I want to discover new places,” Anderson said. “I want to encourage people to ride Metro and let them know they don’t have to drive, especially as they get older. It makes it easy for them.”
Opening new stations required coordination between Metro and local law enforcement agencies. Robert Gummer, deputy chief of system security for Metro, said outreach was key.
“We did a lot of outreach to every host City Hall, public meetings, local police departments just talking about the resources we have here at Metro and the partnerships we want to build with the local community,” Gummer said. “The challenging part is educating the community on what Metro is, what it will bring, and the work we’ve done to improve security across our system.”
The ceremonies also drew attention from contractors and transit professionals. Gabe Simpson, director of strategic partnerships for Herzog Contracting, said the extension demonstrates persistence despite challenges.
“Our company has been watching this project for a long time,” Simpson said. “Like a lot in the industry, we know there have been challenges with timing and funding, but good projects have a way of finding a way to completion.”
Simpson added that the enthusiasm at the opening reflected the community’s stake in the project. “The energy you have at this event, from a lot of different people in the community, that will use it for work, in school and education, is critical,” he said.
After the press conference, stations hosted live music, DJs and food trucks for attendees. Riders boarded the first trains at noon, greeted by Metro staff and volunteers.
The event was briefly interrupted by a protester who walked near the Pomona station before the press conference and later shouted political slogans during the ceremony. The individual, wearing a Kamala Harris shirt and holding a sign with profanity directed at President Donald Trump, continued to yell during portions of the program.
Despite the disruption, ceremonies moved forward as planned and train service began on schedule.
Funding for the extension came largely from Los Angeles County’s Measure M sales tax, along with state and federal contributions. Officials said planning is underway for the project’s final segment, which would extend the line eastward from Pomona to Montclair.
For many, Friday’s opening was both a celebration of new infrastructure and a reminder of the past. Passenger trains last ran through Pomona more than 70 years ago.
“I’m excited that Metro is able to bring these services to new communities,” Gummer said. “It’s very important that people can come together and celebrate milestones like this.”
Editor’s Note: Reporter Angela Hernandez is the sister of Citrus College Student Trustee AJ Hernandez, who delivered a speech at the event.
