Santa Clarita and other Southern California cities can expect an economic boost of up to 1.3 million jobs through 2050 as a result of Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Program, according to a new Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) study.

SCORE is a 10-year, $10 billion capital improvement program aiming to upgrade regional rail infrastructure to better serve Southern California residents while improving commute times and air quality in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to a statement from Metrolink.

Improvements include track additions and enhancements to stations, signals and grade crossings to improve safety and allow more frequent service throughout the day, according to Metrolink officials.

“I intend to continue to work with all agencies, federal, state and locally – such as the North County Transportation Coalition JPA, the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments and the Boards of Metro and Metrolink – to maintain focus on funding for necessary infrastructure upgrades for the entire length of the Antelope Valley Line,” said Santa Clarita City Councilmember Marsha McLean. “Obviously the improvements and jobs created will mean a lot to the region. The more alternative modes of transportation available, the more people can leave their cars at home and not have to deal with gridlocked freeways.”

SCORE also plans to accelerate progress toward Metrolink’s zero-emissions future and to provide safety upgrades that would allow some cities to apply for quiet zones, designated stretches of track where safety enhancements have been made to grade crossings so that the routine sounding of train horns is not required.

Related: Santa Clarita City Council To Discuss Central Park Expansion, New Metrolink Station

Economic Impacts

The study predicts that SCORE could create more than 1.3 million jobs through 2050, while the nine-year construction period alone would account for at least 110,000 jobs, paying an average of around $64,000 annually.

The largest benefiting employment sector is predicted to be construction, but other sectors, including administrative and waste services, accommodation and food services and retail trade, are expected to see improvements, according to the SCORE study.

The LAEDC study also forecasted that SCORE could boost Southern California’s economic output by more than $1 trillion.

“Investments from SCORE will not only make the region increasingly attractive for the millions of people expected to arrive in Southern California for the 2028 Games, but the expansion will also be an engine for regional prosperity in the decades to come,” said Tyler Laferriere, LAEDC economist and study co-author.

Metrolink commissioned the LAEDC to assess the impact of construction investment for SCORE and associated effects from forecasted changes in travel, regional labor accessibility and reduced transportation costs from saved time.

“SCORE boosts the regional economy by providing immediate benefits through high-paying construction jobs. The efficient transportation system of the future, enabled by SCORE, will provide future mobility advantages, as well as continued economic stimulus and job creation,” said Metrolink Board Chair Brian Humphrey.

The study indicates that SCORE benefits disadvantaged communities by connecting residents to the rail network, capable of quickly moving them through the five-county region enabling service at least every 30 minutes on all lines throughout the day when demand and funding exist.

Environmental Impacts

SCORE’s environmental benefits include a reduction of 3.4 billion vehicle miles traveled between 2023 and 2078 and an elimination of 515.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in the same period. Additionally, the LAEDC projects SCORE could add around 2.3 million pedestrian trips and 1.3 million bicycle trips each year.

“SCORE’s impact on our region’s health will be positive and long-lasting,” said Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires people choosing to leave their cars at home, and SCORE improvements will make Metrolink an even more attractive alternative to using a car to commute.”

Metrolink is scheduled to break ground on the SCORE program in 2020. Visit the website for more information.

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