Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog LA

Gold Line Foothill Extension Preview Ride from Pasadena to Azusa

xxx
The view from the cab of the Gold Line test train westbound into Downtown Azusa Station. All photos by Joe Linton/Streetsblog L.A.
false

Today, Metro hosted its first press preview for journalists to ride the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension. The 12-mile project includes 6 new stations. It will open on March 5th.

The 12-mile Foothill Gold Line Extension will open March 5, 2016. Image via Metro
Foothill Gold Line Extension map via Metro
false

Overall the ride was smooth. The train departed Pasadena's Sierra Madre Station, stopped very briefly at the intermediate five stations, but did not open doors until it arrived just 20 minutes later at the Azusa Pacific University/Citrus College Station at the eastern edge of Azusa.

After the jump, find a photo and video tour of the Foothill Extension.

xxx
Approaching the Tongva basket bridge over the 210 Freeway
false
xxx
Arcadia Station
false

Gold Line train arriving at Monrovia Station

xxx
Irwindale Station
false

Gold Line train ride through Azusa

xxx
The terminus station of the initial phase of the Foothill Extension is the Azusa Pacific University/Citrus College Station
false
xxx
Metro CEO Phil Washington interviewed at the APU/Citrus station
false
xxx
Industrial brewery in Irwindale viewed from the Gold Line
false
xxx
There are a number of historic station buildings visible from the train. This is the old Monrovia station building.
false

Gold Line train returning westbound through San Gabriel Valley

xxx
The 210 Freeway bridge viewed from the train cab
false
The new Kinkysharyo rail cars have video monitors that display upcoming station stops
The new Kinkysharyo light rail cars have video monitors that display upcoming station stops
false

The grand opening for the new Foothill Extension will take place on March 5. The passenger service timetable [PDF] has been posted online. For a tour of the then-under-construction Gold Line Extension, see the 2014 SBLA series of articles on the rail line, transit-adjacent development, bridges, and maintenance yards.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Last Headlines of 2025

Because even though our analytics tell me almost none of you will read this, two weeks is too long to go without a stack.

December 30, 2025

Year in Review: What Gave Us Hope in a Dark 2025

Yes, this year was tough. Yes: we're still ending it with hope for the future.

December 29, 2025

Scofflaw Manufacturers Could Be The Downfall of E-bikes

If illegal e-motorcycles are the downfall of legitimate e-bikes, manufacturers and retailers should look themselves in the eye, not blame it on their customers.

December 23, 2025

Pre-Holiday Headlines

I kept all the storm headlines out, but spoiler: it's going to rain a lot in the next couple of days. Also, Waymo!

December 23, 2025
See all posts