View source for Sierra

{{under construction}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name                    = Sierra
|native_name             = 
|native_name_lang        = 
|official_name           = Cidade de Sierra<br/>City of Sierra
|settlement_type         = {{wp|Charter city}}
|image_skyline           = {{multiple image
| border                 = infobox
| total_width            = 290
| image_style            = border:1;
| perrow                 = 1/2/3/2/1
| image1                 = Sierra_skyline.jpg
| image2                 = Royal_exhibition_building_tulips_straight.jpg
| image3                 = Palm_Beach_County_Courthouse_(East_face_2).jpg
| image4                 = Torrecatedralypalmeras.jpg
| image5                 = One_Sydney_Harbour_August_2024.jpg
| image6                 = Australia 108 Southbank Melbourne.jpg
| image7                 = Estadio_Santiago_Bernabéu_39.jpg
| image8                 = Napolo, stacidomo Mergellina, 7.jpeg
| image9                 = Unawatuna Beach panorama 2014.jpg
}}
|imagesize               = 
|image_alt               = 
|image_caption           = '''Top to bottom, left to right:''' Sierra skyline; Imperial Exhibition; Sierra County Superior Court; Cathedral of São Gabriel; Cocos Tower; Morpho 101 building; Estádio Cosmo Valhadoli; Sierra Narciso station; Torino Beach.
|image_flag              = Flag of Sierra, VA.svg
|flag_alt                = 
|image_seal              = Seal of Sierra, Verona.svg
|seal_alt                = 
|image_shield            = 
|shield_alt              = 
|image_blank_emblem      = Wordmark of Sierra, Verona.svg
|blank_emblem_type       = Wordmark
|blank_emblem_size       = 175px
|etymology               = 
|nicknames                = The Sapphire City, A Capital do Sol, The Eastern Star, Gateway to the Riviera, Cocoa City, and others
|motto                   = 
|image_map               = Sierra County, Verona incorporated and unincorporated areas Sierra highlighted.svg
|map_alt                 = 
|map_caption             = 
|pushpin_map             = 
|pushpin_map_alt         = 
|pushpin_map_caption     = 
|pushpin_label_position  = 
|coordinates             = <!-- {{coord|latitude|longitude|type:city|display=inline,title}} -->
|coor_pinpoint           = 
|coordinates_footnotes   = 
|subdivision_type        = Country
|subdivision_name        = {{flag|Cartadania}}
|subdivision_type1       = State
|subdivision_name1       = {{flag|Verona}}
|subdivision_type2       = County
|subdivision_name2       = {{flagicon image|Flag_of_Sierra_County,_Verona.svg}} [[Sierra County, Verona|Sierra]]
|subdivision_type3       = 
|subdivision_name3       = 
|established_title       = 
|established_date        = 
|founder                 = 
|seat_type               = 
|seat                    = 
|government_footnotes    = 
|government_type         = Mayor-Council
|governing_body          = [[Sierra#City Council|City Council]]
|leader_party            = [[Social Democracy Party (Cartadania)|SDP]]
|leader_title            = Mayor
|leader_name             = Silvia Merino
|leader_title1           = 
|leader_name1            = 
|leader_title2           = 
|leader_name2            = 
|leader_title3           = 
|leader_name3            = 
|leader_title4           = 
|leader_name4            = 
|unit_pref               = Metric
<!-- ALL fields with measurements have automatic unit conversion -->
<!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
|area_footnotes          = 
|area_urban_footnotes    = <!-- <ref> </ref> -->
|area_rural_footnotes    = <!-- <ref> </ref> -->
|area_metro_footnotes    = <!-- <ref> </ref> -->
|area_magnitude          = <!-- <ref> </ref> -->
|area_note               = 
|area_water_percent      = 
|area_rank               = 
|area_blank1_title       = 
|area_blank2_title       = 
<!-- square kilometers -->
|area_total_km2          = 2178.1
|area_land_km2           = 
|area_water_km2          = 
|area_urban_km2          = 
|area_rural_km2          = 
|area_metro_km2          = 
|area_blank1_km2         = 
|area_blank2_km2         = 
<!-- hectares -->
|area_total_ha           = 
|area_land_ha            = 
|area_water_ha           = 
|area_urban_ha           = 
|area_rural_ha           = 
|area_metro_ha           = 
|area_blank1_ha          = 
|area_blank2_ha          = 
|length_km               = 
|width_km                = 
|dimensions_footnotes    = 
|elevation_footnotes     = 
|elevation_m             = 
|population_footnotes    = 
|population_as_of        = 2025
|population_total        = 8733016
|population_density_km2  = auto
|population_note         = 
|population_demonym      = 
|timezone1               = 
|utc_offset1             = 
|timezone1_DST           = 
|utc_offset1_DST         = 
|postal_code_type        = [[PEP code]]
|postal_code             = {{collapsible list |framestyle = text-align:left;border:0;padding:0;line-height:16px; |titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal; |hlist = true |30001–30084, 30086–30089, 30091, 30093–30097, 30099, 30101–30103, 30174, 30185, 30189, 30291–30293, 31040–31043, 31303–31308, 31311, 31316, 31324–31328, 31330, 31331, 31335, 31340, 31342–31349, 31352–31353, 31356–31357, 31364–31367, 31401–31499, 31504–31505, 31601–31609}}
|area_code_type          = 
|area_code               = 213/326/804, 770, 932
|iso_code                = 
|website                 = [https://sierra.gov.ca/ Official City Website]
|module                  = 
|footnotes               = 
}}

'''Sierra''', officially the '''City of Sierra''' ({{lang-cd|Cidade da Sierra}}), is a city in the Commonwealth of [[Verona]], the commercial, cultural, and financial center of Verona, and the core of [[Cartadania]]'s largest metropolitan area, the [[Palm Coast metropolitan area]]. Sierra is the most populous city in both Verona and Cartadania, with the latest census estimate in 2030 estimating a population of just under 9 million people. The Caphirian influence in certain cultural aspects of the city has made it a hub of Caphiro-Cartadanian culture as well, though not nearly as much as New Venceia. Sierra is the seat of [[Sierra County, Verona|Sierra County]], the most populous county in the country, home to over 15 million residents. It is also the core city of the Sierra metropolitan area, which has a total population of 21 million, and is part of the larger designated Palm Coast area, which holds the distinction of being the most populous in the nation, with a staggering population of 37.8 million as of 2030.

Officially incorporated as a city in 1407, Sierra is the second-oldest continuously incorporated settlement in Cartadania, after New Venceia. However, the area that would become known as Sierra has been an inhabited settlement since antiquity, with the most notable residents being Verona's largest indigenous people group, the Varunã, after whom the state is named. The city's historic downtown, located adjacent to the Palmetto Grove neighborhood, is the site of the former Varunã town, Itáxopa, where indigenous cultural sites can still be found. 

Located in Northeasern Verona, Sierra is known for its tropical climate, which is characteristic of the northern and coastal regions of the state and country at large. The city is recognized for its strong ethnic diversity, sprawling metropolitan region, and status as a major hub of the Cartadanian entertainment industry. It is the foremost port city in the state, and its Palm Coast International Terminals move the third-most volume of any Cartadanian port, after the [[São Ricardo International Gateway]] and [[Port of Santarém]]. The metropolitan area of Sierra is one of Verona’s primary industrial centers, playing a significant role in the state’s economy through a diverse range of manufacturing and commercial activities. Major industries include the production of sugarcane, automobile manufacturing, electronics, software development, and other high-value goods. It also plays a major role in the defense industry through various companies headquartered around the region. The city’s strategic coastal location and well-developed port infrastructure make it a critical hub for commerce and logistics in Cartadania, facilitating both domestic distribution and international trade. Supported by an extensive transportation network, Sierra continues to experience sustained economic growth, reinforcing its position as a key commercial and industrial hub within Verona and the broader national economy

== History ==
=== Early history ===
The city of Sierra traces its origins back to antiquity, long before the arrival of Caphirian explorers. Initially established by the Varunã people, an advanced Saçilotic civilization native to Verona and the namesake of the state itself, the settlement was originally known as “Sieravaí”, from the Varunã siera (“high ground” or “sacred rise”) and vaí (“river” or “water passage”). Positioned along the São Miguel River, a vital estuary of not only for the settlement but the region as a whole, where lush hills met the expansive Urlazian Sea, Sierra quickly became a thriving hub of commerce, agriculture, and religious significance.

The Varunã, known for their advanced understanding of astronomy, mathematics, and urban planning, developed Sieravaí into a meticulously organized city. One of their most remarkable achievements was an early form of zoning system—a separation of residential, agricultural, religious, and industrial spaces for health and social harmony. Industrial activities, such as metallurgy and pottery, were confined to designated areas, preserving sanitation in residential zones and protecting the population from pollution-related ailments. This zoning principle would lay the groundwork for Sierra’s later reputation as an innovator in urban planning.

Cacão cultivation played a central role in the city’s prosperity, becoming both a key economic resource and a vital part of Varunã spiritual rituals. Sieravaí also became a key trading hub, facilitating connections with the other Saçilotic groups across southern Lusia and beyond.

=== Arrival of Caphirians ===
By the 4th century CE, Caphirian explorers made contact with the Varunã, attracted by accounts of Sieravaí’s wealth and sophistication. Initial interactions were peaceful, as quaesitores were sent for exploratory reasons, but imperial ambitions soon led to conquest. By the 6th century CE, the settlement fell under Caphirian control and was incorporated into the growing empire, becoming part of the Sierra prefecture within the expansive Verona province, named after the people who long called it home.

Under Caphirian rule, Sieravaí’s name was Latinized to “Serava” then "Serranum", eventually evolving into “Sierra” over time. The empire established a significant colonial presence in the region, constructing administrative buildings and expanding the port infrastructure, blending imperial architecture with existing Varunã foundations. Over time, Sierra also absorbed territories from the Torino, Esteza, and Agoura prefectures, becoming a regional administrative hub.

Despite imperial influence, many Varunã cultural practices endured—particularly their urban planning concepts, which influenced how colonial governors structured the city’s districts. This fusion of native and imperial urban design helped preserve the city’s distinct identity amid colonial expansion.

The year 1407 marked a significant turning point in Sierra’s history. As part of a broader imperial administrative reform, Sierra was officially designated the capital of the Province of Verona. This restructuring led to an influx of settlers and elevated the city’s economic importance, solidifying its role as a key port for the export of sugarcane, cacão, and other agricultural goods.

=== Industrialization ===
Following Cartadania’s growing autonomy in the 17th century, Sierra emerged as a national leader in industrial development. Drawing on its Varunã heritage of organized city planning, Sierra implemented the first municipal zoning ordinance in 1881. Building upon ancient Varunã principles of separating land uses for health and social cohesion, the city established strict guidelines segregating industrial zones from residential areas. This forward-thinking approach helped shape modern urban planning across the country and indirectly set a foundation for environmental regulations as well.

By the 19th century, Sierra’s prominence grew further as industrialization accelerated its economy. The city became renowned for shipbuilding and maritime commerce, positioning itself as an economic powerhouse along the Riviera Esmeralda. Its location on the Urlazian Sea gave the city great access to other regions while the relatively calm waters of the Torino Bay made the city a have for marine vessels.

Despite its industrial boom, Sierra’s role in shipbuilding diminished during the early 20th century, particularly following tensions with Caphiria, who had been an adversary during both [[Great Wars]]. The city’s strategic proximity to [[Turiana]] rendered its shipyards vulnerable, leading to the deactivation and eventual relocation of shipbuilding facilities to more secure regions further from the international border.

However, Sierra’s industrial economy successfully adapted, shifting toward manufacturing, technology, and commerce. The city’s robust transportation infrastructure and position as a key node in Cartadania’s economy allowed it to pivot seamlessly toward new industries, particularly those around media, as its favorable climate and the varied environment around the city made it an attractive location for film production companies, tourism with its numerous beaches, and several other service and defense-related industries.

Today, Sierra is Cartadania’s largest city, with over eight million residents and one of its most economically dynamic urban centers. The city’s layout continues to reflect the legacy of its indigenous practices across many of its districts, while the cultural significance of the city's presence continues to drive it forward.

== Geography ==
Sierra is located {{convert|546|km|mi|sp=us}} northeast of [[Aurimá]] and {{convert|391|km|mi|sp=us}} southeast of [[Alahuela]] and the [[Alexandria]] border. The city has a total area of {{convert|2178.1|km2|sqmi}}. Much of the city was built on savanna and foothills, although some parts of the city lie within a forest zone. The flat terrain and extensive greenfield development closer to the coast have combined to worsen flooding. Downtown stands about 65 feet above sea level. The city owns surface water rights for {{convert|8.3|e9l|e9gal|abbr=off|sp=us}} of water a day in addition to {{convert|870|e6l|e6gal|abbr=off|sp=us}} a day of groundwater, although a lot of the city's water is also pumped in from other sources, such as sister cities [[Mirada]] and especially [[Rosslyn]].

=== Cityscape ===
The city is characterized by its diverse tapestry of over 80 districts and neighborhoods, each with its own unique history and character. Many of these districts and neighborhoods were once independent incorporated places or communities that have since merged into the city, contributing to its rich heritage and cultural fabric. These neighborhoods have developed organically over time, resulting in well-defined areas that are often marked by signage.

In addition to these neighborhoods, the city can be broadly categorized into several distinct areas, each with its own distinct features and characteristics. These areas include Downtown/Central Sierra, which serves as the heart of the city and is known for its vibrant urban atmosphere; East Sierra and Torino, known for their diverse communities and bustling commercial centers; Maravista, an area with a rich history and significant cultural heritage; Lagoaterra, a waterfront district that offers stunning views and recreational opportunities; Greater Floravila, a sprawling region known for its residential neighborhoods and vibrant local culture; Vegas, an area known for its entertainment and nightlife; Woodlands, a green and serene part of the city known for its natural beauty; Westwood, an area characterized by its suburban charm; and the Ouro and Serena Valleys, which offer picturesque landscapes and tranquil living.

=== Overview ===
The city has a well-organized street pattern that generally follows a grid plan, characterized by uniform block lengths and occasional roads that cut across blocks, particularly in the highly urbanized areas. However, the city's unique topography, with its rugged outer terrain and three valleys, has necessitated the implementation of different grids for each valley west of the city, adding complexity to the city's street layout. At the same time, the street network outside of the urban pockets tends to follow a more natural progression and distribution, spurred by development in the area.

Major streets in Sierra are designed to accommodate large volumes of traffic, facilitating efficient movement throughout many parts of the city. Some of these streets are notably long, with Brisa Boulevard stretching for {{convert|69|km|mi|sp=us}}, and Follett Boulevard spanning over {{convert|97|km|mi|sp=us}}, reaching as far west as [[Guarias County, Verona|Guarias County]]. Despite the extensive road network and a population of approximately four million people actively using the streets, traffic congestion is relatively manageable in Sierra, particularly when compared to other major cities in Sarpedon, thanks to the city's comprehensive [[Palm Coast Metropolitan Transit Authority|public transit system]].

Sierra is characterized by a mix of land use in its buildings, particularly in the districts just outside of downtown and other urbanized areas. While skyscrapers and high-rise buildings are not common outside of a few designated centers such as Downtown, the Woodlands, Floravila, Torino, and Westwood, those that do exist often stand out as prominent landmarks in the city's skyline. Sierra boasts a significant number of buildings with over 30 stories, including 773 completed high-rise buildings, with 81 of them classified as "skyscrapers" reaching a height of at least 150 meters. Overall, Sierra's skyline ranks as the third-tallest in Cartadania, trailing only behind New Venceia and Calaine, both of which are located in Alexandria. In recent years, Sierra has experienced a trend towards apartments rather than single-family dwellings, particularly in the dense inner city and Torino neighborhoods.

=== Climate ===
Sierra, located in the northern Verona coast of Cartadania, experiences a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification Am) that is influenced by its sea-level elevation, coastal location, proximity to the equator, and the Urlazian Current. The city has a distinct dry season in winter, with average temperatures in January ranging from 20.1 °C and highs typically reaching 23-27 °C. Cool air settles after the passage of cold fronts, resulting in occasional rainfall during this season. Lows can fall below 15 °C for about 10-15 nights during winter following the passage of cold fronts. However, Sierra does not have a true winter, as its proximity to the equator means that it receives approximately equal hours of daylight and night year-round.

The wet season in Sierra usually begins in May and lasts until mid-October. During this period, temperatures range from mid-80s to low 90s (29-35 °C), accompanied by high humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms or sea breezes from the Urlazian Sea often provide some relief from the heat. Similar to other parts of the northern Verona coast, Sierra also experiences a weather phenomenon called "June Gloom" in late spring/early summer, which involves overcast or foggy skies in the morning that give way to sun by early afternoon.

Sierra has recorded extreme temperature ranges, from -2.8 °C on 3 February 1917 to 38 °C on 21 July 1940. Although snowfall has not been officially recorded at any weather station in Sierra since record-keeping began, there were instances of snow flurries in some parts of the city on 7 January 1979, which was an unusually cold year for Sarpedon as a whole.

While central Cartadania is not typically prone to hurricanes like the west coast, Sierra does have an official hurricane season from November 1 to November 30, similar to northern hemisphere countries. The most likely time for Sierra to be affected by hurricanes is during the peak of the [[Melian Islands|Melian]] season, which occurs from mid-July to the end of September. However, hurricanes can also develop beyond these dates, and occasionally remnants of storms from the Kindreds Sea can bring heavy rainfall into Verona. Although tornadoes are rare in the area, there have been instances, with the last occurrence in formerly rural southern Sierra in July 2009.

== Demographics ==

== Economy ==

=== Tourism ===

== Government == 
[[File:Looking north on Main St from 1st St, Los Angeles 2020 with City Hall South (r) and City Hall (l).jpg|thumb|200px|left|City Hall]]

Sierra operates as a charter city, as opposed to a general law city. The city's charter was first adopted on 9 April 1805, and has been amended multiple times since then. The elected government of Sierra consists of the Sierra City Council, the Mayor of Sierra, the city and commonwealth attorney, and the controller. This government operates under a mayor-council system.

The Mayor of Sierra, currently Silvia Merino, is a social democrat who was elected on a nonpartisan ballot. The mayor serves as the city's chief administrator, executive officer, and official representative. One of their main responsibilities is the general management of the city, including enforcing all laws and ordinances. The city controller, currently Esperanza Minas, is elected independently of the mayor and council. The controller's role includes certifying available funds before committing them and processing disbursements. The city's fiscal year follows the Verona law, with the fiscal year beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30. Sierra has several departments and appointed officers that contribute to the functioning of the city. These include the Sierra Police Department (SPD), the Sierra Board of Police Commissioners, the Sierra Fire Department (SFD), the Housing Authority of the City of Sierra (HACS), the Sierra Department of Transportation (SDOT), and the Sierra Public Library (SPL).

The most recently significant amendments to the Charter of the City of Sierra, which were ratified by voters in 1991, established a system of advisory neighborhood councils. These neighborhood councils are intended to represent the diversity of stakeholders in Sierra, including those who live, work, or own property in the neighborhood. The neighborhood councils are relatively autonomous and have the flexibility to define their own boundaries, establish their own bylaws, and elect their own officers. Currently, there are approximately 90 neighborhood councils in Sierra.

Sierra, as a municipality within the commonwealth, is well-represented in various government bodies and judicial districts. It is divided into nine [[Senate of Verona|senatorial]] districts and eighteen [[Verona Chamber of Emissaries|emissarial]] districts, making it the municipality with the highest number of districts in the Verona General Assembly, which is the legislative body of the state. Additionally, Sierra is covered by the Second Appellate District for the Verona Courts of Appeals, specifically the 2nd and 4th through 7th divisions, which are overseen by a total of twenty-four justices.

At the county level, Sierra County Superior Court serves as the court of original jurisdiction for the city, as per the practice of handling judicial matters at the county level and above in Verona. In terms of resource distribution by the state, Sierra, along with the rest of Sierra County and the Palm Coast, is categorized as Region 3.

On the federal level, Sierra is divided among twelve emissarial districts. It also falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Verona, which is part of the Fourth Circuit. Consequently, appeals on federal cases originating from Sierra would go to the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, which is located in Aurimá.

== Education ==

=== K-12 Schools ===
{{See also|Sierra Independent School District|List of schools in the Sierra Independent School District|l2=List of Sierra schools}}

[[Sierra Independent School District]], with a student population of approximately 900,000, serves the majority of the city of Sierra. It is not originated and defined by the Sierra County boundary, but rather the City of Sierra's, and operates within its own jurisdiction, setting it apart from most other school districts in the state. The district boasts an impressive record of accreditation, with nearly all of its 700+ schools meeting accreditation standards.

As the largest school system in Verona and the second largest in the nation based on student enrollment, Sierra Independent School District plays a significant role in the educational landscape of the city. The district's operations are overseen by both the Sierra County Department of Education and the Verona Department of Education (VDOE), with the exception of Sierra City High School for the Arts, which is operated by the City of Sierra Department of Education.

It's worth noting that several sections of Sierra are also served by neighboring school districts such as Bridgeland ISD, Hermosa ISD, and Mirada ISD. Although the city's charter suggests that all residents should be served by a single school district, the city government has not enforced this provision or taken actions to urge Sierra ISD to annex the portions of the city within those districts. As per Verona law, the final decision on this matter rests with Sierra ISD, as it is a self-governing entity that reports directly to the state.

=== Libraries ===
[[File:Los Angeles Central Library 02.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The Central branch of the [[Sierra Public Library]] is in [[Sierra|Downtown Sierra]].]]

The Sierra Public Library system, which operates 72 public libraries within the city of Sierra, is recognized as the second-largest municipal library system in the country. Its extensive collection boasts approximately 53 million books and other materials, providing a valuable resource for the residents of Sierra.

While the Sierra Public Library system operates as a separate entity, it is worth noting that Sierra County, including the city of Sierra, is part of the Palm Coast Consortium of Metropolitan County Governments (PCCMCG). As a result, members of the Sierra Public Library and Sierra County Library can avail themselves of a limited degree of services within the other 13 member library systems, promoting collaborative efforts and access to resources among the consortium's members. This cooperative arrangement enhances the library services available to the residents of Sierra, further enriching the city's vibrant cultural and educational landscape.

=== Colleges and universities ===
[[File:UC Merced at night.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The University of Verona, Sierra's Green City]]
Sierra boasts a rich educational landscape with a variety of institutions of higher learning. Among them are three major public universities, including [[Verona Commonwealth University, Sierra]] (VCU Sierra), [[Verona Commonwealth University, Valdesan]] (VCU Valdesan), and the [[University of Verona, Sierra]] (UVA Sierra), providing diverse academic programs and opportunities for higher education to the city's residents.

In addition to the public universities, Sierra County is home to a comprehensive community college system consisting of twenty-nine campuses governed by the trustees of the Sierra Community College District. These campuses, such as East Sierra College (ESC), Sierra City College (SCC), Sierra Harbor College, Sierra Mission College, Sierra Pierce College, Torino College, Sierra Southwest College, Sierra Trade-Technical College, and West Sierra College, serve as valuable educational resources for the community, offering a range of courses and programs to meet diverse needs and interests. The campuses are often referred to by their campus numbers, such as Torino College as SiComm 21, in order to facilitate identification and navigation.

Furthermore, the [[Verona Institute of Technology]], which serves as an anchor for the Palm Coast Tech Center, has its primary campus in [[La Joya, Verona|La Joya]], a part of Sierra. This prestigious institution offers specialized programs in technology and serves as a hub for technological research and innovation in the region.

Private colleges and institutes also contribute to Sierra's higher education landscape, with notable examples including Luson College, Luson College of Art and Design (OCAD), Northern Verona Institute of Architecture (NVI-Arc), North Verona Law School, Verona Northern University (VNU), and Woodside University. These institutions offer a diverse range of programs and disciplines, further enhancing the city's reputation as a center for higher education and intellectual pursuits.

== Infrastructure ==

==== Roads ====
The city of Sierra, along with the rest of the Palm Coast metropolitan area, benefits from an extensive network of freeways and highways that facilitate transportation throughout the region. However, in the past, Sierra's road traffic has been ranked as the most congested in Cartadania according to the annual Urban Mobility Report published by the Fortuna Transportation Institute. In 1990, Sierra recorded the highest annual delay per traveler, with an average of 72 hours of traffic delay per year, surpassing other major cities such as [[Lynnhaven]], Calaine, and [[Newport]], each with 60 hours of delay. Despite this congestion, Sierra's mean travel time for work commutes in 1991 was 29.2 minutes, comparable to that of other cities like Newport and Calaine, and shorter than cities like [[New Venceia]], [[Figueroa]], and [[Auvergne]].

However, in recent years, there has been significant progress in the roadway infrastructure and transportation planning in Sierra. The Verona Department of Transportation has undertaken a comprehensive overhaul of the city's transportation system, incorporating transit-oriented design principles. As a result, Sierra residents have been experiencing reduced traffic congestion, despite the city's growing population. This strategic approach to transportation planning has resulted in improved travel times and enhanced mobility for commuters and residents alike in Sierra.

The city is currently served by four interstates and nine state highways that leave the city limits, as well as a network of city and county owned surface streets. The prominent highways of the city are Interstates [[Interstate Highway 45|45]], [[Interstate Highway 55|55]], [[Interstate Highway 56|56]], and [[Interstate Highway 355|355]]. IH-45 connects the city to Aurimá and Rathan then further south before terminating at Lipora's border with Caphiria. IH-55 connects Sierra to New Venceia, circumnavigating Alahuela (accessed by IH-57), before passing through New Venceia to the northern coast of Alexandria. IH-56 connects the city to Newport via San Marcos through a connection with IH-52 in western Santiago. Finally, IH-355 forms the Sierra Inner Loop, a beltway around the city's central business district (CBD). The most prominent state highway in Sierra is Verona State Highway Beltway 40, also known as the Palm Coast Beltway, which connects Sierra to Lynnhaven and its satellite cities, the twin cities of La Joya and Los Sueños, most of the Andina County core cities, as well as Rainier and Rosslyn before circling back into Sierra County.

==== Transit systems ====
[[File:InnoTrans 2016 - Siemens Avenio Qatar (4).jpg|thumb|200px|right|A Palm Coast Light Rail train stops at a station just east of the [[Sierra Convention Center]] on [[Sunshine Drive]].]]
The transit system of the Sierra, as well as the Palm Coast in general, is quite extensive. The network is divided into five key divisions–light rail, commuter rail, heavy rail, bus, and ferry. These five systems allow Sierra residents to commute within the city and greater Sierra County, as well as out into neighboring counties, while simultaneously allowing residents in neighboring counties to commute to Sierra County and the city proper.

The [[Palm Coast Light Rail]] serves all five counties in the Palm Coast area, although it does not have connections to every major municipality within the metro footprint. It is operated by the [[Palm Coast Metropolitan Transit Authority]] which, in turn, is overseen by the Verona Department of Transportation. In downtown Sierra, it uses city streets, while outside the central portions of the city, the line is built on private rights-of-way. The system currently has eleven lines, but two lines, outlined in a five-line system approved by voters in a 2027 referendum have yet to be constructed. The Uptown Line, which runs along Sutton Boulevard in Uptown, was under construction as a bus rapid transit line—the city's first—while the University Line, which would connect all three major public universities in the county to the system, was postponed indefinitely, although it has been reintroduced to the metro network plan as of January 2030. The light rail system saw approximately 63.6 million boardings in fiscal year 2026.

Commuter rail within the city is much more saturated and interconnected with more rapid forms of transit than most other major cities. There is a single system consisting of thirteen lines operating both above and below ground. The system is most commonly referred to as "the metro" by locals. Sierra Central ({{lang-cd|Estação Central de Sierra}}) is the largest and busiest station on the east coast, and the second busiest in Cartadania. As of early 2030, Sierra Central served 850,000 passengers and nearly 4,200 trains every day. Among the 16 railway stations (and 10 additional train stops) within Sierra's city borders, there are five other major passenger railway stations serving various rail modes.
[[File:PCMTA_MetroElectric_Bus.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Typical articulated citybus of the PCMTA. Most are electric or hybrid-electric.]]
Heavy rail, or more specifically, inter-city rail, has been growing rapidly in recent years. Verona, itself, operates PalmettoRail, which is the state's intercity rail system. It forms a web-network across the state, routinely bringing passengers into Sierra Central from all metro areas of the state. [[Orenvia]], the national railway company which owns all of Cartadania's railway tracks, also operates services to Sierra, primarily from the other Luson states and [[Tanoa]].

The Palm Coast Metropolitan Transit Authority (PCMTA) operates an extensive and dense network of bus routes that provide public transportation services in the city. The bus service operates 24 hours a day, with special "N lines" running during nighttime hours. One notable service is the Airport Express Shuttle line, which connects the airport with the city center and is distinguished by its bright blue buses, in contrast to the traditional grey buses used on other routes. In addition to the urban bus lines operated by the PCMTA, there are also green buses, known as "interurbanos," that connect the city with the surrounding suburbs.

Finally, the PCMTA operates ferries in key areas, particularly where the distance is too short or geography is too expensive to warrant a bridge. Key areas include inhabited islands off the Verona coast, such as Toran Island.

This multi-faceted public transportation system in Palm Coast provides various options for commuters and travelers to move around the city and its suburbs, catering to different needs and schedules. Tickets purchased for a trip are valid on all means of public transportation (train, light rail, bus, boat) and in many cases, riders can purchase tickets for heavy rail alongside the PCMTA tickets. Additionally, there are a number of tollways distributed across the metro region. The unified fare system used by PCMTA is able to use funds from PalmettoPass accounts for public transit, making it easier for locals to give up their vehicles for most of their day.

==== Airports ====
{{multiple image
| align = right
| image1 = 北京大兴机场航站楼, 2023-02-20.jpg
| width1 = 175
| alt1 = 
| caption1 = 
| image2 = Beijing Daxing International Airport 30.jpg
| width2 = 175
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = 
| footer = An aerial view of Sierra International Airport, as well as within the A Terminal.
}}
Sierra is served by a comprehensive network of airports, including Sierra International, which is a major commercial airport managed by the [[Palm Coast Metropolitan Transit Authority]] (PCMTA) through its Airport Authority arm. In 2025, Sierra International served a remarkable 126 million passengers, earning PCMTA recognition from the Federal Bureau of Aviation and the Commonwealth of [[Verona]] as the Airport Authority of the Year. This accolade was largely due to PCMTA's substantial $9.2 billion airport improvement program aimed at enhancing the facilities and services of both airports in Sierra.

[[Sierra International Airport]] (SIX) is the primary airport serving the city and is one of the busiest airports in Cartadania in terms of total passengers. It is also ranked as the fifth-busiest airport worldwide. SIX boasts an extensive network of non-stop domestic and international flights, with 246 destinations, making it a key international air gateway. With an annual traffic of 126 million passengers, SIX has been recognized as the fastest-growing among the top ten airports in Cartadania by the [[Department of Transportation (Cartadania)|Cartadanian Department of Transportation]] in 2010. Notably, the Sierra Air Route Traffic Control Center is located within the grounds of Sierra International Airport. Premiere Airways, an airline, has chosen SIX as its central and largest hub.

Sierra was previously the headquarters of Urlazian Airways until its merger with Lavanda Airlines in 2010, with regulatory approval granted in October of that year. As a result, Sierra International Airport became the largest airline hub for Ixnayan Airways, which maintained a significant operational presence in Sierra and operated over 1600 daily departures from the city. Additionally, Sierra International Airport was recognized as a model "port of entry" for international travelers by the Office of Customs and Border Protection in early 2007.

Another significant commercial airport in Sierra was Spencer-Ciolin International Airport, formerly known as Corão International Airport until 1967. It operated within an overlapping jurisdiction with Sierra International Airport until their operations were merged in 2014. However, Spencer-Ciolin International Airport was subsequently razed in 2021. Other airports in neighboring counties include Gadsden-Samori-Andina International Airport and October Executive Airport in Andina County, Lynnhaven International Airport in Lynnhaven County, Rosslyn International Airport in Santa Rosa County, and Silvain Rosetta International Airport in Victoria County.

== See Also ==

[[Category: Cartadania]]
[[Category: Cities in Cartadania]]
[[Category: Verona]]