The Point: RCTC is seeking federal grant funding for next phase of engineering, environmental studies  

RCTC is hoping everyone will jump on board to show support for the Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass project. RCTC is proposing twice-daily passenger rail service between the Coachella Valley and Los Angeles Union Station and is seeking the public’s support for the next phase of project development. Residents, business groups, tourism destinations, rail enthusiasts, transit advocates, and other stakeholders in all corners of southern California can visit rctc.org/support to add their names to a growing list of supporters for this service.

Collecting the support from residents across southern California will strengthen RCTC’s application for federal grant funding through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program. Grant applications are due November 29, so voice your support by November 22.

The proposed service follows a 144-mile route with stops in four counties – Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside – and the potential for up to six stations east of Colton and the service endpoint in either Indio or Coachella. RCTC expects to finalize its Service Development Plan and “program level” Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report in early 2022. The next required step is the “project level” EIS/EIR, a $60 million investment that the federal grant would help fund.

The Point: Public encouraged to comment on draft environmental document and attend virtual public hearings

Fun in the sun… With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the Coachella Valley offers non-stop opportunities for golfing, tennis, swimming, hiking, resort gaming, dining, shopping, and music festivals. But frequent traffic congestion on Interstate 10 and other eastbound routes can make driving to the Coachella Valley a frustrating experience. Similarly, traveling from the Coachella Valley to visit family in Los Angeles via bus or car can be lengthy and stressful.

The Point: Public will be invited to comment on draft technical studies this year  

Daily passenger rail service between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley? Yes, please! While service is still in the distance and funding has not been identified, the Riverside County Transportation Commission is continuing to plan for this new travel option, with an opportunity for the public to view and comment on studies this spring or summer.

RCTC, Caltrans, the Federal Highway Administration, and local partners joined forces in 2015 to make the Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Project a reality. The project team completed an Alternatives Analysis in 2016 and is nearing completion of a draft “Tier 1 Program” Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) and a Service Development Plan.

The draft EIR/EIS proposes twice-daily service from L.A. via Fullerton, Colton, and the San Gorgonio Pass to Indio or Coachella. The 145-mile route would take approximately 3.25 hours and offer an alternative to the often congested 91 and Interstate 10.

The Point: RCTC receives funding for special trains to Coachella, Stagecoach as early as 2020

Traveling to the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals could get a little easier – and a lot more fun – thanks to funding for special trains to Indio, which may start running as early as next year.

The California State Transportation Agency awarded $5.9 million to RCTC to build a 900-foot train station platform at the City of Indio Transit Center, along with improved pedestrian access to Amtrak rail service that operates on adjacent to the tracks. RCTC will contribute an additional $2.7 million to build the $8.6 million project.

Plans call for concert-goers would board the Amtrak train at Los Angeles Union Station to travel to the Indio Transit Center, and then ride a connecting shuttle to the festival grounds.