Groundbreaking ceremony at Iron Point Station on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, which will connect Folsom with 15-minute light rail services. From left to right: SacRT Board Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, Michael Cahill, President of Siemens Mobility in North America, Darren Suen, Chief of Staff for Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen and Elk Grove Councilmember, Mike Kozlowski, SacRT Board Director and Folsom City Councilmember, and SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. Photo courtesy of SacRT

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) recognized a significant milestone on November 8, 2023, with the celebration of the Light Rail Modernization Project and groundbreaking ceremony for Folsom 15-minute light rail service. This groundbreaking marks the beginning of construction for the passing track near Glenn/Robert G. Holderness Station, a pivotal step in enhancing the transit experience for Folsom area riders.

Starting January 2024, construction will require a temporary light rail service disruption between Historic Folsom and Iron Point stations. To minimize inconvenience, SacRT will offer shuttle bus service during this period, ensuring riders can still access the impacted stations. For park-and-ride users, Iron Point Station will serve as the primary boarding point for downtown-bound trains. Construction is expected to last approximately six months. 

Upon completion, the new passing track will allow for 15-minute light rail service frequency, compared to 30-minutes today, for Hazel, Iron Point, Glenn/Robert G. Holderness and Historic Folsom stations. Also, the new low-floor light rail trains will begin service along the Gold Line.

“As we embark on this transformative journey, we recognize the temporary disruptions and inconvenience this may cause our riders,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “We are working diligently to streamline the construction process and provide alternative transit options to mitigate any inconvenience for our valued passengers.”

“This construction project represents a significant leap forward in our efforts to modernize Sacramento’s transit system,” said SacRT Board Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy. “The 15-minute Folsom light rail service will not only reduce travel time but also enhance the overall commuter experience, aligning with our commitment to providing efficient and accessible public transportation.”

“Efficient public transportation is a keystone for economic development, educational opportunities and a healthier future,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “Earlier this year, SacRT was awarded a $45 million federal grant to advance the purchase of new low-floor light rail cars that will greatly improve accessibility and support more frequent service to the last seven miles of the Gold Line. We are excited to see the Light Rail Modernization Program come to fruition.”

“The Sacramento Regional Transit Light Rail Modernization Project extension to Folsom will provide residents with more options to travel through the Capital region, create jobs and boost the local economy, and increase safety by reducing traffic on local highways,” said Congressman Kevin Kiley. “I am glad to support this project that will help residents of the Sacramento area, and I look forward to seeing the completed project in the coming years.”

“We are now on the path to alleviating congestion and creating a more efficient, accessible and sustainable transportation network for our community, thanks in part to the Solutions for Congested Corridors grant from the state in 2018, which secured $20 million for this transformative project,” said Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. “I’m thrilled to see the positive impact it will have on the lives of our residents. Together we are shaping a brighter, more connected future for Sacramento.”

The Light Rail Modernization Project, including the addition of new low-floor trains and station platform modifications, underscores SacRT's commitment to sustainable, state-of-the-art public transportation solutions.

SacRT is testing 17 new low-floor trains built at Siemens Mobility in south Sacramento, modifying station platforms along the Gold Line to meet height requirements. Photo courtesy of SacRT

SacRT is currently in the testing process for 17 new low-floor trains, which were built at Siemens Mobility in south Sacramento. SacRT has an order of 36 trains with the option to purchase up to 76. SacRT has also been actively modifying station platforms along the Gold Line to meet the height requirements of the new low-floor trains. The trains are expected to be in service on the Gold Line by summer 2024. 

For more information on the project and updates on service disruptions, please visit sacrt.com/modernization.