SBCTA plans for new Metrolink shuttle train from Pomona to Rancho Cucamonga

According to new documents, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority is planning to launch a new shuttle service, operated by Metrolink, from the Pomona–North station to the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink station.

The move follows SBCTA’s revocation of funding for the A Line Extension to Montclair. The extension was cut short to Claremont last September, when SBCTA pulled $37 million previously committed to the portion of the A Line that would’ve been built in San Bernardino County. In a press release, SBCTA cited a lack of representation and oversight, both during construction and once in operation.

The main alternative proposed by SBCTA since the decision has been to “study opportunities to expand Metrolink service in the same corridor.”1 To reach this goal, the $37 million from the cancelled segment of the A Line Extension is being reallocated for the shuttle service to Montclair.2

Currently, the San Bernardino Line runs 30-minute bidirectional rush-hour service, established during the late 2024 ‘Metrolink Reimagined’ schedule change. The new ‘shuttle’ would interline with existing San Bernardino Line service, also running 30-minute service. Combined, stations between Pomona–North and Rancho Cucamonga will receive 15-minute service at peak hours, and eventually all-day service when SCORE improvement projects are complete.

The proposed shuttle is planned to model SBCTA’s similar Arrow service, which runs between San Bernardino–Downtown and Redlands–University. SBCTA is looking to operate the shuttle “using Multiple Unit trains similar to those used to operate the Arrow service, including Diesel Multiple Units and Zero-Emission Multiple Units.” Longer, standard Metrolink consists are also being considered, with a longer end-to-end travel time.

As part of the project, additional infrastructure improvements would be needed. Some preliminary improvements identified by SBCTA are:

• Turn around tracks close to the Pomona-North Station and the Rancho Cucamonga Station

• Approximately 4.6 miles of double track between Montclair Station and Rancho Cucamonga Station

• Modifications to approximately 12 grade crossings

• New bridge over Cucamonga Creek

• Upland Station crossovers, platform improvements, and possible undercrossing

Source: January 7th, 2026 SBCTA Board Meeting Agenda

The total cost estimate for the shuttle, including all necessary upgrades to the right-of-way, is between $123 and $150 million. In comparison, the A Line Extension is projected to cost between $145 and $285 million, with differing estimates provided by the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority and SBCTA. Note that the A Line Extension would run only between Pomona–North and Montclair, while the shuttle would continue past Montclair to Rancho Cucamonga Station.

The project is planned to connect with both the Montclair Transit Center, a key regional transportation hub serving Foothill Transit buses (including the Silver Streak), Omnitrans buses, and Metrolink, as well as with Rancho Cucamonga station, the departure point for ONT Connect and the future Brightline West high-speed rail project.

Both alternatives aim to be complete by 2031.

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