Metrolink Arrow to begin service next week

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) and San Bernardino County Transportation Authority will open the new Arrow rail service on Oct. 24.

More than a decade in the making, Arrow extends Metrolink's San Bernardino Line by 9 miles, featuring four new stations between San Bernardino and Redlands. The new route will also connect riders to the Inland Empire-Orange County lines, Metrolink officials said in a press release.

Arrow features new tracks, enhanced street crossings, quiet zones and clean-air rail technology. The route runs directly to University of Redlands campus.

"By extending passenger-rail service to Redlands with new, modern and eco-friendly trains, the agencies are fulfilling commitments to not only provide Southern California residents with greater regional rail connectivity, but also meet California’s aggressive climate-improvement goals," said Metrolink Vice Chair Larry McCallon.

The diesel multiple unit trains are powered by smaller, lower-emissions diesel engines to increase energy efficiency and reduce noise, Metrolink officials said. Each train has room for 120 standing passengers, wheelchair-accessible seats, USB chargers, storage hooks for bicycles and level boarding at station platforms.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Oct. 21 at the Redlands downtown station.