New Blue: Sac Regional Transit officially opens light rail extension to Cosumnes River College

This morning marked the celebration of the grand opening of the Blue Line to Cosumnes River College! The Sacramento Regional Transit is now able to reach those seeking transportation to and from Cosumnes River College. This great milestone was achieved ahead of schedule and approximately $10 million dollars under budget.

We have been waiting years, for this day to arrive. This project is truly an accomplishment for higher education and public transit.” – Mike Wiley, General Manager and CEO of the Sacramento Regional Transit District.

Community members, students, various City Council Members, and many others joined in on this grand celebration as the Valley High marching band performed and cannons of confetti covered the sky.  This was a joyous event to celebrate a project that had been a decade in the works.

Congresswoman Doris Matsui enters the station via light rail

Councilmember Rick Jennings (left) and Council Member Larry Carr (right) excitedly step off the ‘blue’ carpet to the station

A crowd of dignitaries looks in awe as confetti cannons fire in the background

The federal government granted 135 million dollars for the 4.5 mile extension of the light rail and the project itself was able to provide 1,700 jobs. The Blue Line marks a step forward in transforming Sacramento into a city with a fully integrated transportation system.

The light rail project does not stop with the Cosumnes River College extension. Wiley was excited to share that new projects are underway. A few of them include the Blue Line Phase 3, which will reach Elk Grove, and an extension of the light rail to the Sacramento International Airport.

Looking to ride the Blue Line train? Check out the schedule here.

Sacramento City Council Members, current and former, as well as federal staff and Congresswoman Doris Matsui applaud a speaker

Mike Wiley, General Manager & CEO of Sacramento Regional Transit speaks to the crowd