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

Wednesday’s Headlines

Is that Ralph Vartabedian's music?

March 18, 2026

Opinion: The Federal Railroad Administration’s Proposed Amtrak Restructuring is Worth Considering

The federal push to overhaul Amtrak operations is promising, but it must be done with care.

March 17, 2026

StreetSmart 15: Homes Before Highways

Research from the Greenlining Institute highlights how freeway expansion is quietly shrinking California’s housing supply, as advocates push for policies that prioritize homes over highways.

March 17, 2026

Pasadena Seeks Input for Transit Service Overhaul

Several lines could be condensed on the north side of town, a new line is proposed from Huntington Hospital to JPL, and Dial-A-Ride could give same day service.

March 17, 2026

Caltrain Pauses Large-Bike Ban

After blow-back from advocates and some bad press coverage, the Peninsula's railroad is giving its policy another look.

March 17, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines

Expect more nonsense on the news as legacy media is underfunded except for the ones that are billionaires mouthpieces.

March 17, 2026
See all posts