The Point: Comments are now Due February 18; Make Your Voice Heard

RCTC is extending the public comment period from residents, commuters, and community stakeholders for proposed improvements to the Metrolink Riverside-Downtown Station. This provides extended opportunity for the community to make their opinions heard. Comments will be accepted through Friday, February 18.

For the last several months, the RCTC project team met with community groups, presented project details to the Riverside City Council, and spoke with other local agencies about proposed improvements to the Metrolink Riverside-Downtown Station before releasing the draft environmental studies for public review.

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The draft studies were released on December 3, 2021, followed by two public hearings in December, one in person and another virtually, to allow the public to safely provide formal comments and talk to project team members regarding the proposed improvements. Ongoing outreach has been met with comment submissions from the public throughout the comment period.

Conducted in partnership with the Federal Transit Administration and Metrolink, the studies support improvements that will enhance safety at the station and increase mobility options in Riverside County.

The project proposes new features on the east side of the station and tracks:

  • Building a new platform
  • Constructing new tracks and making other track improvements
  • Modifying the railroad signal system
  • Extending the pedestrian bridge, including elevator and ADA access
  • Relocating ADA parking
  • Adding parking to the south side of station
  • Modifying the bus drop-off area
  • Adding sidewalks and lighting

Freight train traffic continues to increase, causing delays to Metrolink at the Riverside-Downtown Station. The improvements will help avoid Metrolink schedule conflicts, reduce train delays, and allow for additional Metrolink service in the future. That means more options for residents to commute to work or school and explore attractions across southern California.

The draft environmental studies are available for review on the RCTC website and at these locations:

  • RCTC Offices, 4080 Lemon St., 3rd Floor, Riverside, CA 92501​
  • City of Riverside, 3900 Main St., 3rd Floor, Riverside, CA 92522​
  • Cesar Chavez Community Center, 2060 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92507

From now until February 18, residents and others are strongly encouraged to submit their written comments using any of the following methods:

  • Email: stationproject@rctc.org
  • Online: https://bit.ly/RDSComment
  • U.S. Mail:
    Mr. David Lewis, Capital Projects Manager
    Attn: Riverside-Downtown Station Improvements Project
    Riverside County Transportation Commission
    4080 Lemon Street, 3rd Floor
    Riverside, CA 92501