RIVERSIDE, Calif. –  The Riverside County Transportation Commission’s (RCTC) 91 Express Lanes bond ratings have been upgraded by Fitch Ratings, reflecting strong operational performance, reliable express lane operations, and RCTC’s disciplined financial management of the SR-91 toll revenue program.

Fitch upgraded RCTC’s $613 million senior lien SR-91 toll revenue bonds from A to A+ and its $75.7 million subordinate lien SR-91 toll revenue bonds from A- to A. Fitch also assigned a Stable Outlook to both ratings.

The upgrades strengthen RCTC’s position in the credit markets and recognize the continued resilience of the 91 Express Lanes, including effective toll operations, revenue performance, and ongoing investment in technology to support reliable service.

The rating upgrades may help reduce RCTC’s future borrowing costs, strengthening the agency’s ability to deliver transportation improvements while providing long-term value to Riverside County taxpayers.

RCTC financed and built the eight-mile Riverside County extension of the 91 Express Lanes, which opened in 2017. Jointly operated by RCTC and the Orange County Transportation Authority as part of the larger 91 Express Lanes network, the extension has provided motorists with a reliable travel option since opening.

Revenue from the 91 Express Lanes funds operations and maintenance and repays bonds issued to build the infrastructure. Subject to applicable bond and program requirements, toll revenue also supports future projects within the 91 corridor that improve mobility and benefit both express lane customers and general-purpose lane motorists. Recent corridor improvements include the 91 Corridor Operations Project and 15/91 Express Lanes Connector, which have improved travel in both the express lanes and general-purpose lanes.

The future 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project is expected to include toll revenue funding, subject to applicable approvals and funding requirements.

For more information, visit https://www.fitchratings.com/research/infrastructure-project-finance/fitch-upgrades-rctc-sr-91-sr-sub-toll-revs-to-a-a-outlook-stable-07-10-2026