Sacramento agency mulls shutting down light-rail line to cut costs

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is considering suspending Green Line light-rail service indefinitely to save money.

Shutting down the service would save the agency $330,000 per year, according to SacRT's report on potential service changes for next year.

The line currently averages 440 boardings each day.

Photo: Sacramento Regional Transit District

The agency is also considering combining the Green Line with its Gold Line, which would result in an estimated $235,000 in annual savings. This option would save money by reducing the agency's labor requirement since there'd be one fewer train to operate, SacRT's report said.

Additionally, removing standalone Green Line trains could reduce delays to Blue and Gold line trains in downtown Sacramento.

Earlier this year, SacRT officials said the agency faced a projected loss of $19.6 million over the next five fiscal years. In March, the agency's board approved a 10 percent fare increase to help cover the shortfall. The fare hike is scheduled to take effect July 1.