LA Metro Fortifies Valley Rail After Decade Strong

Metro A Line's Foothill Extension reaches 10-year milestone serving six San Gabriel Valley stations

Metro A Line Marks 10 Years Since Foothill Opening

Riders across the San Gabriel Valley can now reflect on a decade of rail service that transformed how they travel. Metro's A Line celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its Foothill Extension on March 5, connecting Pasadena to Azusa and bringing rail access to Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, and Irwindale for the first time in 2016. The extension, originally part of the Gold Line before rebranding, now stretches all the way to Pomona and has carried millions of passengers over the past decade.

Extension Transformed San Gabriel Valley Transit

The 2016 opening marked a major shift for San Gabriel Valley communities that previously relied solely on bus service for connections to Los Angeles' rail network. Transit officials said the extension integrated six new stations into the regional system, providing direct rail links to downtown Los Angeles, Union Station, and connections to other Metro lines. The project represented years of planning and construction to bring rail service to communities that had long advocated for improved transit options. Officials haven't released specific ridership figures for the extension's first decade of operation.

Six Stations Opened in Original 2016 Launch

The Foothill Extension added stations in Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte/City of Hope, Irwindale, and two stations in Azusa when it opened March 5, 2016. The line was later rebranded from Gold Line to A Line as part of Metro's systemwide color-to-letter naming transition. Service has since been extended further east to Pomona, though officials didn't specify when that additional segment opened. The A Line now connects the eastern San Gabriel Valley to downtown Los Angeles and East Los Angeles, with trains running seven days a week.

Decade of Service Reached March 5 Milestone

The 10-year anniversary fell on March 5, 2026, exactly a decade after the extension's original launch date. Metro acknowledged the milestone through social media channels, reflecting on how the extension has served the region over the past 10 years. Officials didn't announce special commemorative events or service changes tied to the anniversary. The extension continues to operate as part of the A Line's regular service pattern.

Extension Continues Serving Valley Communities

Riders who've relied on the Foothill Extension over the past decade have seen it become an established part of the region's transit network. The stations serve residential neighborhoods, employment centers, and destinations like City of Hope medical center in Duarte. Transit officials said the extension has contributed to Metro's broader goals of expanding rail access across Los Angeles County. Riders can check Moovit for real-time A Line schedules and service updates as the extension enters its second decade of operation.