RCTC marked another major milestone this year by breaking ground on a significant project that will address high-priority transportation safety needs in Riverside County. On June 24, 2026, RCTC celebrated the start of construction on the Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway Project alongside project partners, elected officials, stakeholders, and community members at the project site.

The 8.6-mile project, located between one mile east of Rider Street and Warren Road in San Jacinto, will improve safety and access by constructing a raised median, adding one lane in each direction, building a new bridge over the San Jacinto River and a wildlife crossing, and upgrading traffic signals.

“The Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway Project will provide a safer and more efficient east-west connection for residents, businesses, and emergency responders throughout the region,” said Raymond Gregory, Mayor of Cathedral City and Chair of RCTC. “This project is ultimately about protecting lives, strengthening connections, and investing in the people and communities who depend on this corridor every day.”

Ramona Expressway is the second construction segment of the Mid County Parkway, a planned 16-mile corridor between Perris and San Jacinto. In 2022, RCTC completed the first segment with the delivery of the I-215 Placentia Avenue Interchange. The project added new on-ramps and off-ramps to Placentia Avenue, realigned East Frontage Road, widened the Placentia Avenue overcrossing, and added lanes to Placentia Avenue between Harvill Avenue and Indian Avenue.

The MCP Ramona Expressway Project advanced to construction thanks to Measure A – the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County – and a combination of federal, state, and local funding sources.

For more information about this vital safety project and to sign up for updates, please visit: rctc.org/mcpramona

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

During its December 10 meeting, the Commission approved more than $156 million in construction contracts for two regionally significant projects: Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway and SR-60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange – Phase II. These projects aim to enhance roadway safety, improve travel reliability, and support economic growth in two of Riverside County’s fastest growing regions.

“Safe and reliable transportation is the foundation of our daily lives – connecting us to school, work, and the people who matter to us the most,” said Supervisor Karen Spiegel, RCTC Chair and Vice Chair of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “The Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway will address critical safety improvements in one of the most traveled corridors in our region. Phase II of the Potrero Interchange will enhance regional mobility throughout the San Gorgonio Pass. Together, these two projects will a create a safer and more connected Riverside County for us all.”

The Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway Project will upgrade 8.6 miles of roadway between Rider Street and Warren Road in San Jacinto. Between 2017 and 2022, this heavily traveled corridor experienced numerous collisions resulting in 14 fatalities and 17 severe injuries. The project will address critical safety needs by widening the roadway to two lanes in each direction, adding a raised median, building a wildlife crossing, and constructing a new bridge over the San Jacinto River.

In the San Gorgonio Pass, the City of Beaumont has partnered with RCTC and Caltrans to deliver Phase II of the SR-60/Potrero Boulevard Interchange. The project will build a new interchange at State Route 60, realign Western Knolls Avenue, and widen Potrero Boulevard to six lanes. These enhancements will make it easier to access SR‑60 and support ongoing residential and economic growth in Beaumont and across Riverside County.

Construction for both projects will begin in early 2026. Once completed, these two projects will deliver on RCTC’s commitment to providing vital transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of our region’s rapidly growing communities.

Great news for Metrolink riders – more improvements are coming to the 91/Perris Valley Line (PVL) thanks to the recently awarded construction contract for the Perris-South Station and Layover Expansion Project. During its November 12 meeting, the Commission approved the award of a construction agreement with the Granite Construction Company to start construction on a project aimed at enhancing passenger rail service and efficiency along I-215.

The project, led by RCTC, in partnership with Metrolink, Caltrans, and the City of Perris, will expand the Perris-South Metrolink Station, which serves as the end point for the PVL, and adjacent train layover facility. As part of the expansion, crews will add a second passenger loading platform at the station, new canopies and other passenger amenities, and extend the existing platform. To accommodate the new platform, over 1,200 feet of new track will be constructed to allow two passenger trains to board and deboard at the same time. This new track will also allow the station to remain operational in the event that a train is out of service on one set of tracks.

The project also includes construction of a fourth track at the layover maintenance facility, along with installation of a new switch to allow trains to change tracks. These additions are expected to further improve Metrolink service operations and efficiency by allowing more trains to be stored overnight.

Since passenger rail service first began on the PVL in 2016, RCTC has delivered numerous upgrades along the line to improve travel time and expand mobility options, including the recently completed improvements to the Moreno Valley/March Field Station – a project that added a second platform and upgraded track, and which was also built by Granite. The upcoming construction of the Mead Valley Station/Mobility Hub will add an additional access point on the PVL and serve the rapidly growing communities along I-215.

Construction on the Perris-South project is expected to start in early 2026 and be completed in 2028. Funding for the project is derived from a combination of local and state sources, including Measure A and a $25 million State Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program grant. To learn more about this rail project and to sign up for updates, please visit: rctc.org/perrissouthstation

There is nothing like the feeling of the wind in your hair and face while riding a bike or even when you are sprinting the last mile on your run. Making such a ride or run on a dedicated trial is ever better in the Coachella Valley. After 14 years of perseverance, the Coachella Valley proudly celebrated the grand opening of CV Link – a 40-mile pathway connecting communities from Palm Springs to Coachella. Led by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), this multimodal corridor was designed and built for cyclists, pedestrians, and low-speed electric vehicles, offering a safer, scenic alternative to busy roadways.

Construction on the 40-mile corridor began in 2017 and was built mostly along the Whitewater River from Highway 111 and the Chino Wash in North Palm Springs to Airport Boulevard in the City of Coachella. CVAG, RCTC, and numerous partners across the county and the state worked together to bring this multimodal trail to life. Through Measure A, the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County, RCTC was able to support CV Link, and bring innovative mobility options to Coachella Valley that transform how people move.

The new pathway features a dual-path structure: a broad concrete lane catering to cyclists and low-speed electric vehicles, alongside a narrower decomposed granite trail designed for pedestrians and runners. To enhance safety, accessibility, and enjoyment, the facility features numerous shade structures, water stations, benches, bike racks, wayfinding signs, and solar powered LED lights along the pathway and at access points along each section of CV Link. The new trail will also be able to host future events like walks, races, and marathons.

CV Link marks an important step forward to building a resilient, more interconnected transportation system that provides options to residents in all corners of the County. Over the next 15 years, Riverside County will experience one of the largest population increases in the country. RCTC designed the Traffic Relief Plan – a countywide transportation investment blueprint – to address the transportation needs of our rapidly growing region. The Plan includes projects, such as the transformative Coachella Valley Rail, that will provide residents, commuters, and disadvantaged communities with more travel options.

RCTC congratulates CVAG and project partners on delivering the innovative CV Link and looks forward to continuing the momentum on Coachella Valley Rail, CV Sync, and the extension of CV Link to create a more mobile Coachella Valley and beyond.

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

The I-215 serves as a crucial transportation corridor for the Inland Empire, connecting cities such as Riverside, San Bernardino, Murrieta, and Moreno Valley, while facilitating the movement of commuters and goods between major freeways and economic hubs. As the region continues to grow, this vital corridor plays an essential role in reducing congestion and supporting regional development.

One significant infrastructure project that has improved travel along this corridor is the I-215/Van Buren Boulevard Interchange Project, located near the March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley. Completed in 2015, the project began construction in 2012 and was a collaborative effort between the Riverside County Transportation Department (RCTD), Caltrans, the March Joint Powers Authority (March JPA), and the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC). The project was designed to accommodate future growth by reconfiguring the previous tight diamond interchange. The enhancements included the addition of new on-ramps, realignment and widening of Van Buren Boulevard, and replacement of existing bridge structures over the railroad and freeway. Additionally, the I-215 was widened between Cactus Avenue and Harley Knox Boulevard, with a minor realignment of the southbound lanes to improve traffic flow.

Further improvements outside the interchange included new traffic signals and streetlights, upgraded lighting at the northbound ramps, auxiliary lanes along the I-215 between Van Buren Boulevard and Cactus Avenue, and acceleration and deceleration lanes south of Van Buren Boulevard.

Visual design elements were integrated into the bridge structures, retaining walls, and surrounding landscaping to reflect the area’s military heritage. Moreover, regional access to the Riverside National Cemetery and March Air Museum was significantly enhanced as a result of the new interchange. The project team was recognized with the American Planning Association’s 2015 IES-APA Urban Design Award for their work in urban planning and design.

Funding for the project came from Measure A, a voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure aimed at transportation improvements in Riverside County, which facilitated its progression to construction. The collaboration among RCTD, Caltrans, March JPA, and RCTC ensured that the interchange meets the transportation needs of the region.

The sun was bright, and the trains were shining as RCTC, Metrolink, and project partners celebrated the completion of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvements Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony. On August 12, 2025, local officials, transportation leaders, and community members gathered at the upgraded station to celebrate this important milestone and tour the new second train platform and upgraded boarding areas.

“This project is a crucial element of the RCTC’s vision to enhance commuter rail service and improve our region’s public transportation system,” said RCTC Chair and Riverside County Board of Supervisor Karen Spiegel. “Moreno Valley, Perris, Riverside, and the surrounding communities continue to grow, and this project prepares us for the future.”

Attendees were able to get an up-close look at the new train platform and new canopies, mini-high platform, emergency telephone, signage, and electronic displays. RCTC also upgraded 2 ½ miles of track for a future double-track corridor south of the station. Metrolink started service on the new platform on July 7, and these enhancements will help improve service and reliability on the 91/Perris Valley Line (PVL) in Riverside County and throughout the Metrolink network.

The Moreno Valley/March Field station is one of nine Metrolink stations in Riverside County that RCTC owns and operates. The delivery of this project signifies a new wave of planned improvements along the PVL designed to improve transit options for the residents of these growing communities. Future projects include the Metrolink Double Track Project, Perris-South Metrolink Station and Layover Facility, and the Mead Valley Metrolink Station and Mobility Hub.

Construction of the $38 million dollar project took place from October 2022 through July 2025 and was funded through a combination of local and federal sources, including a $32 million dollar grant from the Federal Transit Administration and funds from Measure A, Riverside County’s voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.

RCTC thanks the community for its continued support and looks forward to delivering more transformative transportation projects across Riverside County. For more information about the project, visit: rctc.org/moval

RCTC takes pride in being a responsible steward of public funds, fulfilling this financial duty with the utmost diligence. We are thrilled to announce that our commitment to excellence in financial reporting has once again been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). RCTC was awarded the GFOA’s prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

This award recognizes the tremendous dedication and hard work invested by RCTC’s finance department, reflecting their unwavering commitment to transparency and precision in all aspects of financial management. RCTC upholds strict financial controls to ensure accountability and uphold public trust. We are committed to the responsible stewardship of public funds.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest honor in government accounting and financial reporting. RCTC is honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award.

The 91/Perris Valley Line (PVL) is getting a boost — and so is your commute! RCTC, in partnership with Metrolink, has officially completed the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvements Project. On July 7, passengers were welcomed aboard with hot coffee, fresh pastries, and a brand-new train platform designed to improve the region’s passenger rail network.

“Metrolink stations are an important part of our communities, and improvements like this enhance the reliability and appeal of train travel for our residents,” said RCTC Chair and Riverside County Board of Supervisor Karen Spiegel. “I am thrilled the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvements Project is completed and I want to express my gratitude for the funding support from our federal partners, which made this project possible.”

The improvements at the station include: 

• A second train platform for easier passenger boarding and increased frequency in the future 
• Extended the existing platform from 510 feet to 680 feet, to accommodate the length of Metrolink’s standard six-car trains 
• New canopies, mini-high platform, emergency telephone, electronic displays, and signage 
• Upgraded 2.5 miles of track that is part of a future nine-mile double-track corridor south of the station 

These improvements will enhance service and reliability on the PVL during peak service times, offer additional alternatives to driving, and help relieve congestion on I-215 by providing reliable and efficient transit options for Riverside County commuters, who face some of the longest commutes in southern California.  

The $38 million project was funded by a combination of sources, including Measure A, Riverside County’s twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, and a $32 million Federal Transit Administration grant.

The project is part of Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion program, also known as SCORE, which aims to upgrade the Metrolink system in time for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games. RCTC is also planning additional improvements to further improve passenger rail service on the PVL, including the Metrolink Double Track Project, Perris-South Metrolink Station and Layover Facility, and the Mead Valley Metrolink Station and Mobility Hub.

The completion of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvements Project, along with future investments in our region’s rail network, will unlock more travel options and bolster access to transit services, alleviating traffic congestion and improving the quality of life for our residents.

For more information about this project, please visit: rctc.org/moval