The A Line extension is here, and it’s ready to transform how you navigate the San Gabriel Valley. Opening on September 19, this nine-mile expansion brings new stations to Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona North, offering a convenient alternative to the congested 10 and 210 freeways. For decades, local cities and residents have championed this project, and now, it’s a reality that promises faster, more affordable travel with seamless connections to the broader Metro system.
To celebrate this milestone, Metro is offering free rides on all Metro rail, bus, bike, and Micro systems from 4 a.m. on Friday, September 19, through 3 a.m. on Monday, September 22. Enjoy live music, DJs, and food trucks at the new stations on opening day. This extension not only links key San Gabriel Valley cities but also provides vital connections to Metrolink, opening up new possibilities for regional travel and access to numerous colleges and universities.
This guide provides everything you need to know to ride the A Line Extension, from accessing stations to planning your trips and connecting to other transit options. Welcome aboard! Explore how the A Line extension enhances commutes, connects colleges, and improves access to destinations in the San Gabriel Valley.
Opening Day Celebrations and Free Rides
Mark your calendars! The A Line Extension officially opens on Friday, September 19, at noon, bringing new stations to Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona. To celebrate, Metro is offering free rides on all Metro rail, bus, bike, and Micro systems from 4 a.m. Friday, September 19, through 3 a.m. Monday, September 22. Use code 091925 for free rides on Metro Bike and ALINEEXT for Micro.
Join the festivities at the new stations between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on opening day, featuring deejays, live bands, and food trucks. Pomona North will host seven bands, making it a hub of celebration. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic moment as the San Gabriel Valley welcomes a new era of public transportation.
This celebration is more than just a party; it’s a recognition of decades of support from San Gabriel Valley cities and residents. The extension is expected to ease traffic congestion and provide a faster, more convenient, and affordable way to travel between the Foothill Cities and beyond, with easy connections to the growing Metro system.
A Line: A Congestion-Free Alternative
The A Line Extension offers a much-needed alternative to the frequently congested 10 and 210 freeways. These freeways are known for traffic jams that extend beyond the typical rush hours, making commutes unpredictable and time-consuming. In contrast, the A Line provides a reliable and efficient mode of transport, ensuring you reach your destination on time.
By choosing the A Line, commuters can avoid the stress and uncertainty of freeway traffic, making their daily travel more predictable and enjoyable. The A Line’s speed and convenience make it an attractive option for those seeking a better commuting experience. Its affordability adds another layer of appeal, making it accessible to a wide range of riders.
According to Metro, the A Line is designed to be a fast, convenient, and very affordable way to travel between the Foothill Cities and beyond, with easy connections to the growing Metro system. By choosing the A Line, you are opting for a smoother, more reliable commute that saves you time and reduces stress.
Key Transit System Link
The A Line Extension forms a vital link in the local transit system. In Pomona, riders can transfer to and from Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line, enabling train travel between the San Gabriel Valley’s Foothill Cities and the Inland Empire for the first time since the streetcar era. This connection significantly enhances regional connectivity, providing seamless travel options for commuters and leisure travelers alike.
This integration of the A Line with Metrolink creates new opportunities for accessing destinations across Southern California. Whether you’re heading to downtown Los Angeles or exploring the Inland Empire, the A Line offers a convenient starting point. The connection between Metro and Metrolink is streamlined to ensure easy transfers, reducing travel time and enhancing the overall transit experience.
This project enhances our region’s transit infrastructure for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Fairplex—next to La Verne Station—will host Cricket in 2028, and the A Line will be busy during the Games with service to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for soccer, venues in downtown L.A. and events along the Long Beach waterfront.
Accessing Colleges via the A Line
The San Gabriel Valley boasts a wealth of colleges, many of which are easily accessible via the A Line. Institutions such as Pasadena City College, Caltech, Citrus College, Azusa Pacific University, Cal Poly Pomona, Mt. San Antonio College, the University of La Verne, and the Claremont Colleges are now more connected than ever. Students can save significantly on transportation costs by opting for public transit over driving.
Consider the savings on car payments, gas, parking, and maintenance, which can amount to thousands of dollars annually. Many schools offer discounted or free transit passes through Metro fare programs, further reducing the financial burden on students. By using the A Line, students gain convenient access to their campuses and reduce their environmental impact.
For Claremont Colleges, use Foothill Transit Line 481, which recently added a stop at La Verne Station. Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. San Antonio College are directly serviced by the new Foothill Transit Line 285. The University of La Verne is just one block west of the La Verne Station, and Citrus College and Azusa Pacific University are a short walk from the APU/Citrus Station. With these connections, the A Line makes higher education more accessible and affordable for students throughout the region.
Getting To and From The New Stations
Each of the A Line’s four new stations is designed for easy access, whether you prefer to walk, bike, use transit, or drive. The stations are strategically located near key destinations, making them convenient hubs for various activities.
Glendora Station is a short walk from Glendora Village and is served by Foothill Transit Line 284. San Dimas Station is in downtown San Dimas, served by Foothill Transit Lines 295 and 492. La Verne/Fairplex Station is across Arrow Highway from the Fairplex, adjacent to the University of La Verne and Old Town La Verne, and served by Foothill Transit Lines 197, 291, and 492. Pomona North Station offers easy transfers to Metrolink, with Foothill Transit Lines 291 and 492 providing additional connections to destinations like Pomona Valley Medical Center and downtown Pomona.
Paid parking is available at each station for $3 per 24 hours for Metro riders with a valid TAP card, payable via the Metro Parking mobile app. Parking is free on weekends. Each station also offers bike parking and electric vehicle charging stations. From Pomona North Station, it’s about a 12-minute ride to Glendora, 40 minutes to Old Pasadena, and 64 minutes to Union Station in downtown L.A. The A Line operates daily from about 4 a.m. to 1 a.m. Check the new schedule to plan your trips effectively.
Basics of Riding Metro
After the free fare weekend, a regular adult fare on Metro Rail is $1.75 one-way, including two hours of transfers to other Metro bus and rail lines. Load your fare on a TAP card, available at Metro Rail and Busway stations, or use the TAP app. Metro offers discounted fare programs for low-income riders, those with disabilities, older adults, and students, including the Metro GoPass for free rides to students at participating schools.
Foothill Transit fares are also $1.75, with a 50-cent transfer between Foothill Transit and Metro. Plan your trips using the Transit app, Google Maps, the Moovit app, or the trip planner on metro.net. Metro Ambassadors, in gray jackets and bright green shirts, are available to assist you. For public safety issues, call 888.950.7233 or text via the Transit Watch app. In emergencies, call 911.
Pomona North Station provides a seamless transfer to Metrolink regional rail, which operates seven lines across the five-county region. A transfer to Metro is free with a Metrolink ticket. The new A Line platform is just north of Metrolink’s platform. Metro runs buses and trains in Los Angeles County, while Metrolink trains serve the greater L.A. metropolis.
Conclusion
The A Line Extension marks a significant milestone in enhancing public transit in the San Gabriel Valley. With new stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona North, this expansion provides a faster, more convenient, and affordable alternative to congested freeways. By connecting key cities and offering seamless transfers to Metrolink and Foothill Transit, the A Line Extension opens up new possibilities for regional travel and access to educational institutions.
Take advantage of the free rides from September 19-22 and explore the new stations. Whether you’re a student, commuter, or leisure traveler, the A Line Extension offers a reliable and efficient way to navigate the region. As Metro continues to expand and improve its services, embrace the opportunity to use public transit and reduce your environmental impact.
The A Line Extension is a testament to the power of community support and regional collaboration. As you embark on your first ride, reflect on the decades of planning and dedication that have made this project a reality. Join the celebration and experience the future of transportation in the San Gabriel Valley!
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