Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle presents a plaque to Metrolink Board Director Larry McCallon in recognition of his tenure as Board Chair from January 2023 to December 2024.
Metrolink Board Director and Highland City Councilmember Larry McCallon has built a career defined by public service. Representing San Bernardino County on the Metrolink Board, Director McCallon brings decades of experience across local government, transportation planning and environmental policy, including his current position as Vice Chair of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, as well as past roles as Chair of the Metrolink Board and President of the Southern California Association of Governments.
During our conversation, Director McCallon shared his perspective on how passenger rail supports economic growth and mobility in the Inland Empire, as well as the importance of maintaining a safe and reliable system for riders. With a background that spans both engineering and civic leadership, he also reflected on how strategic infrastructure investments can strengthen communities and deliver a more connected and sustainable future for Southern California.
- You’ve served in leadership roles across Southern California transportation and environmentally focused agencies. How does this unique perspective shape your work on the Metrolink Board today?
It reinforces the fact that Metrolink's regional rail service is an important and valuable complement to all other transportation/transit agencies in Southern California. Without the Metrolink service, many people would need to travel by car on crowded freeways to get to their jobs, medical appointments, schools and recreational activities.
- As Vice Chair of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, you focus on improving air quality across the region. How do you see Metrolink contributing to cleaner air and a healthier Southern California?
Most of Metrolink’s locomotives operate with Tier 4 diesel engines, which are the cleanest available, thereby significantly reducing NOx and PM 2.5 emissions that pollute the air and cause significant public health issues. Metrolink locomotives also use renewable diesel fuel, further reducing these air pollution emissions. In addition, by introducing the Zero Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU) on the Arrow service, we can look to significant future reductions in air pollution.
- You have twice served as chair of the Metrolink Board. What focus areas do you continue to prioritize as a Board director?
The first and foremost priority has been and is safety! Safety for our riders and the public. Our riders need to feel safe on our trains and our station platforms. We need to continue emphasizing safety at our grade crossings and on the right-of-way to reduce vehicle and trespasser strikes. Next is reliability and on-time performance, so our passengers can rely on Metrolink to get them to their destination on time.
- San Bernardino County continues to grow and evolve. What role does Metrolink play in supporting economic opportunity and mobility for Inland Empire communities?
Projects like the Arrow service using the non-polluting ZEMU and the future Brightline West connection at the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station create more access for Inland Empire (IE) residents to jobs, recreational areas and educational opportunities. It also provides economic opportunities for developers to build projects and for companies to consider relocating their businesses, thus creating more jobs in the IE.
- After decades of civic involvement, from local planning commissions to regional councils, what continues to motivate you to serve?
I began by serving the nation in the United States Air Force for 21 years. When I retired from earning a living, I had the chance to serve my local community. I believe it is important for us to be involved in, and help maintain and improve, the community we live in. I do it for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, so they will have a great place to live, work and play.