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Montclair officials vow to keep fighting after SBCTA pauses coordination on Gold Line extension
Summary
City staff and council members reacted with disappointment after the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority paused coordination with the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority on extending the Gold Line to the Montclair TransCenter. City staff said they will explore appeals and alternative options and complete a Beacon market analysis expected in November.
Montclair city officials said they will continue to press for the Foothill Gold Line to reach the Montclair TransCenter after the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) moved to stop coordinating with the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority on the extension.
City Manager delivered a lengthy statement saying staff is evaluating potential responses, including a possible appeal under the interagency agreements, and that the city has commissioned a Beacon market analysis due in November to quantify local economic benefits. The manager and council members said the decision could have significant economic consequences, citing prior estimates that the Gold Line arriving at Montclair could remove thousands of daily vehicle trips and spur billions in development activity in North Montclair.
The city manager summarized several ridership and cost figures discussed by regional agencies. He said Los Angeles County Metro projected as many as 6,200 daily riders within a year of a Gold Line terminus at the Montclair TransCenter and that combined regional estimates suggested removing 5,000 to 10,000 vehicles daily from freeways. He recounted historical cost estimates, saying the construction authority's early projection was about $93 million, later internal estimates were around $145 million, and a bid package showed a design-build number near $240 million.
Council members reacted with disappointment and urged continued advocacy. Council Member Mendez described the SBCTA decision as a "sucker punch" for a small city that has worked for decades to prepare for the train, cited local investments made in anticipation of the connection, and urged staff to pursue interim options. Council Member Rue and others stressed the importance of regional coordination and long-term persistence.
City staff said remaining outside the current procurement/design process could increase future costs for Montclair should the city later seek to have the Gold Line extended to its station. The city will continue outreach to SBCTA staff and evaluate next steps.
No formal council action was taken during the meeting; the council moved into closed session later on attorney-recommended items.
