This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
12/16/2019
Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program is expected to create 1.3 million jobs and increase the gross regional product by almost $684 billion through 2050, according to a Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. (LAEDC) study presented to Metrolink's board last week.
SCORE is a 10-year, $10 billion capital improvement program to upgrade regional rail infrastructure and improve commute times and air quality in advance of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, Metrolink officials said in a press release.
Rail improvements in the program include track additions and enhancements to stations, signals and grade crossings that will enable more frequent, bi-directional service throughout the day.
The study predicts that SCORE will create more than 1.3 million jobs through 2050, while the nine-year construction period alone will account for at least 110,000 jobs, paying an average of nearly $64,000 annually.
The LAEDC study also forecasted that SCORE will increase wages by $185 billion over three decades and boost the region’s economic output by more than $1 trillion.
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 will add 2.3 million pedestrian trips and 1.3 million bicycle trips each year.
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.