Metrolink’s new Arrow Line opens between San Bernardino and Redlands
New rail service will begin transporting passengers between San Bernardino and Redlands, Calif., on Oct. 24 as the Arrow, a nine-mile extension of Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line, makes its first runs.
Operations on the line follow a ribbon cutting ceremony that was held on Oct. 21 to mark not only the start of Arrow Line service, but “a new age of commuter transit in Southern California.” Arrow, which has been more than a decade in the making, features new tracks, enhanced street crossings, quiet zones and five stations.
“The launch of the Arrow Line signals the next generation of commuter rail service across our region. This clean-air service will help to improve air quality while providing direct access to the Metrolink system for tens of thousands of additional commuters in one of the fastest-growing population and economic centers in the nation,” said Art Bishop, president of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Board and Mayor pro Tem of the Town of Apple Valley.
Metrolink will operate 22 weekday roundtrip trains between Redlands University and downtown San Bernardino, which will increase to 25 weekday roundtrips once quiet zones are approved for an additional early morning and two late night trains.
New amenities
SBCTA and Metrolink describe the Diesel Multiple Units “state-of-the-art clean-air passenger trains,” which provide a quieter, more energy-efficient ride. In September 2022, SBCTA and Stadler highlighted the FLIRT H2, which will be the first hydrogen-powered train to enter North American rail service. The FLIRT H2 is expected to enter service in 2024 on the Arrow Line.
Arrow trains have capacity for 120 standing passengers, space for up to eight wheelchair passengers, USB chargers at most seats, storage hooks for up to 12 bicycles and level boarding at station platforms.
“The launch of Arrow is monumental for both San Bernardino County and the Southern California region,” Metrolink Board Vice-Chair and SBCTA Board Member Larry McCallon said. “The effort of SBCTA and Metrolink to complete a project of this magnitude is tremendous. By extending passenger rail service to Redlands with new, modern and eco-friendly trains, the agencies are fulfilling commitments to not only provide Southern California residents with greater regional rail connectivity, but also meet California’s aggressive climate-improvement goals.”
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
