Good news for 91 drivers heading back from Orange County – the SR-91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project (ECOP) was awarded with new funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) earlier this month. Once completed, the 91 ECOP project will provide motorists a three-mile, non-tolled auxiliary lane on eastbound SR-91 between the SR-241 connector and SR-71 near Green River Road. Improvements will also include widening two bridges, constructing retaining walls, implementing rockfall mitigation measures, replacing overhead signs, and building a new two-lane exit ramp at Green River Road.

“With more than 300,000 vehicles traveling SR-91 between Riverside and Orange counties each day, continued investment in the corridor is needed to keep our communities moving,” said RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory. “RCTC appreciates the U.S. Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of this project through the BUILD grant program, and we thank Representatives Ken Calvert and Young Kim for their leadership in supporting the project’s grant application. These funds help improve traffic operations on the 91.”

The SR-91 corridor is one of the most traveled corridors in the United States, serving thousands of commuters, businesses, and goods movement throughout the region. The $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant provides a significant federal investment toward advancing the project from design to construction.

RCTC is advancing the project in partnership with the California Department of Transportation and the Orange County Transportation Authority to help improve traffic flow, support economic development, and enhance travel reliability throughout the region. Construction is expected to begin in 2028. The $178 million for construction of the 91 ECOP will be funded through a combination of federal, state, and local funds, as well as toll revenues.

USDOT’s BUILD grant program is a nationally competitive discretionary grant program that funds significant transportation infrastructure projects across the country. The grant is used for transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact.

For more information, visit rctc.org/91ecop.

Since its inception, RCTC’s Measure A Specialized Transit Program has provided thousands of rides and transportation services – such as mileage reimbursement, bus tickets, and travel training – to residents across Riverside County. Whether it’s a trip to the doctor, an after-school program, or simply a trip to the grocery store, the program’s specialized transit providers offer a crucial service for residents who have difficulty using traditional public transit or live where there is no public transit service nearby.

During its February 11, 2026, meeting, the Commission unanimously approved a Measure A Specialized Transit funding award to Kindful Restoration – a nonprofit organization located in the City of Riverside.

“At the heart of the Measure A Specialized Transit Program is our commitment to providing essential transportation services to those who need it most. For many vulnerable populations, this program serves as their only lifeline to get around. We are thrilled to welcome Kindful Restoration to our growing network of service providers, and we are excited to enhance transportation options for western Riverside County,” said Lorelle Moe-Luna, RCTC Multimodal Services Director.

Kindful Restoration assists individuals and families across Riverside County impacted by behavioral health challenges, justice involvement, and socioeconomic hardship to help them achieve stability, independence, and restored dignity. Since 2021, the organization has provided programs and services such as transportation, housing navigation and stability, reentry and justice-involved programs such as peer support, workforce readiness, and mentoring for individuals exiting incarceration or probation.

With the addition of Kindful Restoration, 18 providers now serve western Riverside County as part of the Measure A Specialized Transit Program. Providers are an important part of the public transportation network, offering over 190,000 one-way trips annually.

To learn more about the program and what services are available in your area, please visit: rctc.org/specializedtransit

Whether you drive, ride, or roll – Riverside County offers flexible travel options to fit your lifestyle. From buses and trains to carpools and vanpools, it’s never been easier to explore more convenient and efficient ways to commute. This October, take part in two national campaigns that encourage the use of public transit, ridesharing, and alternative modes of travel.

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, celebrate the 8^th annual California Clean Air Day by riding the train or bus! Public transit operators across Riverside County will be offering free rides on this day, including Metrolink, Riverside Transit Agency (including CommuterLink and GoMicro), and many others! If you’ve never ridden the bus or train before, now is the perfect time to get started.

Rideshare Week (October 6 – 10) encourages travelers to explore new ways to commute other than driving alone – such as carpooling, vanpooling, walking, biking, or public transit – and IE Commuter provides incentives for doing so. IE Commuter, the popular commuter program led by RCTC and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, provides ride-matching services, trip planning tools, and exciting prizes just for participating. Discover a smarter, more affordable way to commute by visiting IECommuter.org.

Funding for bus and passenger rail services, motorist assistance, and ridesharing programs used by Riverside County residents is thanks in part to Measure A; the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. By expanding travel options throughout the region, RCTC continues to improve mobility for the people of Riverside County. Learn more about Measure A by visiting: rctc.org/measure-a

Drop cloths, primer, brushes, sprays, painters tape, and of course – Paint! All the equipment and materials needed to paint have been picked up. Thanks to feedback from the community, the Riverside-La Sierra Metrolink Station recently received a subtle, yet new paint job.

As part of routine maintenance, the Riverside-La Sierra station was identified as needing new paint. To determine the next color of the station, RCTC polled Metrolink riders and residents near the station and asked them to select a new color scheme amongst various options. The series of polls were conducted on social media, in-person at the station, and through the agency’s website. The winning color combination was a new blue and beige color scheme. This is not the first time the station has changed its colors – throughout the years, the station has undergone color changes to keep up with the times (and as part of routine maintenance).

First opened in 1995, the station stands as a vibrant regional transportation hub serving commuters on Metrolink’s Inland Empire-Orange County Line (IEOC) and 91/Perris Valley Line. The station made its debut during the opening of the IEOC on October 2, 1995. With multiple bus bays to accommodate RTA and OCTA buses, the station offers seamless connections to transport travelers to destinations in Riverside County and across southern California. The station also features a spacious Park and Ride lot, making it a great meeting place for rideshare options.

RCTC owns and operates all nine Metrolink stations in Riverside County and improvements are consistently being made to ensure a positive experience for riders. These improvements and station maintenance are made possible thanks to federal, state, and local funding sources such as Measure A; the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County.

RCTC is also nearing completion of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Project and is planning several future transit projects across the county, including the recently announced Mead Valley Metrolink Station and Mobility Hub Project. These investments in our region’s public transportation network are part of RCTC’s goal of enhancing passenger rail and bus service to relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality for the residents of Riverside County.

The City of Riverside recently completed the Panorama Road Quiet Zone Project that will make train horns less necessary at the upgraded Panorama Road at-grade train crossing.

The $1.2 million project, funded by Measure A, is designed to reduce train-related noise for residents and businesses near the railroad crossing at Panorama Road. Horns used by trains passing through the area will no longer be required on a routine basis, significantly cutting down on noise. Furthermore, the City of Riverside has also removed the existing automated horns at the crossing.

Train horns will now be deployed under special conditions, up to the train engineer’s discretion. In addition to the noise reduction, the project implemented numerous street and rail improvements that include new pedestrian sidewalks with detectable warning tactile strips, widening of the bikeway crossing, new handrails and fencing, repaving of the street, and new traffic signs.

The Commission and the City of Riverside have a long history of collaboration to deliver transportation projects including the Third Street Grade Separation Project and Magnolia Avenue Grade Separation projects. These projects helped improve safety, relieve local traffic congestion, reduce response time for emergency services, and improve mobility for pedestrians and motorists.

First approved by Riverside County voters in 1998, and then again in 2002, Measure A is the half-cent sales tax measure that helps provide dedicated funding for transportation projects across the county. Funding is distributed to cities in Riverside County for local street and roads improvements among other regional transportation improvements. Through Measure A, vital transportation projects have been completed to keep our communities moving and enhance the quality of life for our residents.

To learn more about Measure A, visit: rctc.org/measure-a

On December 3rd, Fitch Ratings upgraded its ratings of RCTC’s 91 Express Lanes debt, signaling strong financial performance and prudent management of the toll lanes in Riverside County. The 91 Express Lanes not only met but exceeded baseline performance metrics, leading Fitch to upgrade the loan rating from ‘BBB ‘to ‘A.’ In addition to upgrading the bond rating, Fitch reaffirmed the Rating Outlook on the debt as “Stable,” reflecting strong demand for the 91 Express Lanes by customers who depend on reliable travel methods.

The 91 Express Lanes opened in Riverside County in 2017 and was financed partially through a $421 million federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan, which provided funding for much needed transportation infrastructure improvements. The TIFIA loan was refinanced in 2021, saving taxpayers funds with a decreased interest payment.

In November 2023, RCTC opened the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector and is making strides on the 15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension with the release of the Draft Environmental Document. Through the toll lanes system, RCTC is building a multimodal transportation system that will help drivers and transit buses with reliable travel options.

Fitch ratings is an American credit rating agency that is one of three nationally recognized statistical rating organizations designated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

A new access point is in the works for the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line (91/PVL)! The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) recently awarded $40.5 million in Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program grant funds to RCTC for the development and construction of a new Metrolink station in the unincorporated community of Mead Valley. The station is a partnership between RCTC and Metrolink and will be located between the existing Moreno Valley/March Field and Perris-Downtown stations along the 91/PVL and will serve the rapidly growing communities along I-215. 

Measure A, the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County, will also contribute $3.7 million along with $6.3 million in RCTC-controlled State Transit Assistance funds.

The project will bring more transportation options to the region especially the neighboring communities of Perris, San Jacinto, and Hemet that are expected to see significant growth in housing, industrial, and commercial centers. The new station is also part of RCTC’s Traffic Relief Plan – a comprehensive transportation strategy that identifies investments in transportation projects, services, and infrastructure. The plan is designed to reduce traffic congestion, implement roadway safety measures, and offer greater mobility options for Riverside County residents.

“As more people move to the cities and communities along I-215 corridor, the Commission is planning for and delivering much needed transportation projects that will connect our region with the rest of southern California and help reduce traffic congestion,” said RCTC Chair and City of Beaumont Councilmember Lloyd White. “We welcome the state partnership in our effort and are grateful to CalSTA for awarding this vital funding. The new Mead Valley Metrolink Station and Mobility Hub will benefit not only Mead Valley residents but also the entire Riverside County region.”

The new station will feature bicycle lockers, bus bays, kiss and ride drop off zones, and rideshare parking to facilitate transit integration and promote multimodal travel via active transportation, transit, carpooling, and vanpooling.  

The Mead Valley Metrolink Station/Mobility Hub represents RCTC’s ongoing commitment to deliver transportation projects that offer Riverside County residents convenient mobility options. The final design for this $50.5 million project is anticipated to begin in 2025 and is estimated to be completed by 2029.

The I-15 is a major lifeline for residents and commuters across southern California – connecting cities, major job hubs, cultural centers, and recreational areas. Residents of Temecula and nearby communities experience some of the highest traffic volumes along this corridor, but a recently completed project aims to make travel in this region a little bit easier. On October 1, 2024, the City of Temecula cut the ribbon on the I-15 Congestion Relief Project designed to improve operations and safety on a heavily congested segment of northbound I-15.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) approved $3.5 million in Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) funding that helped make the $4.4 million project possible.  

The project constructed a new 1.5-mile auxiliary lane on northbound I-15 between the Temecula Parkway on-ramp and the Rancho California Road off-ramp. This auxiliary lane allows motorists to get on and off I-15 with minimal disruption on the four general purpose lanes. This new lane will help improve traffic flow and safety along the corridor. Retaining walls were also constructed along the east side of I-15 and the undercrossing beneath the Santiago Road bridge was widened as part of the project.

The project was envisioned by a years-long effort by the Move I-15 Through Temecula Valley Regional Task Force – a group consisting of RCTC, elected officials from the region, and various transportation planning agencies that focused on anticipated congestion efforts in the southwestern part of Riverside County. The result of this collaboration paved the way for the I-15 Congestion Relief Project and RCTC’s I-15 Smart Freeway Pilot Project – which is slated to start construction later this year.

Riverside County’s continued growth underscores the vital need for transportation solutions along the heavily traveled I-15. With the completion of the I-15 Congestion Relief Project, along with planned future improvements along this busy corridor, local and regional efforts are working together to improve the region’s transportation network for our residents.

For more information about this project, please visit: TemeculaCA.gov/CongestionRelief 

On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) at the Hidden Valley Nature Center in Riverside. Twenty years ago, the MSHCP was developed to help balance the growing need for transportation and housing infrastructure while protecting habitats for sensitive, threatened, and endangered plant and animal species unique to our region. The balanced approach has helped western Riverside County conserve thousands of acres of land while streamlining the environmental review process for much-needed projects, saving time and money.

“The success of the MSHCP is built on partnerships and it continues to serve as an example of the amazing things we’ve accomplished in Riverside County by working together.” said Karen Speigel, RCTC Vice Chair and Supervisor of Riverside County 2nd District at the 20th anniversary event.

In 2021, Riverside County Transportation Commission became the managing agency of the RCA after approval from both governing boards. Under Measure A, the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, all 18 western Riverside County cities and the County participate in the MSHCP, and as a result have access to local Measure funding for their streets and roads. RCTC has invested millions of dollars of Measure A funding towards acquiring habitat for the MSHCP in support of regional transportation projects, making it one of the largest contributors. Key transportation examples include: 

• Mayor Berwin Hanna Bridge and Widening Project 
• Perris Valley Line 
• Clinton Keith Extension Project
• 15 Express Lanes Project

The 20-year anniversary event included remarks from U.S. Representative Ken Calvert, RCA Board Vice Chair and County Supervisor for the 2nd District Karen Spiegel, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director Paul Souza, California Natural Resources Agency Deputy Secretary Meghan Hertel, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Environmental Program Manager Kim Freeburn and former Riverside County Supervisor Tom Mullen. The celebration culminated with planting a California black walnut tree, an MSHCP-protected species, at the Hidden Valley Nature Center grounds.

For more information on the MSHCP and the RCA, visit wrc-rca.org or follow @westernRCA on Facebook, X, and Instagram.