IE Commuter, the popular commuter program led by RCTC and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), was recently honored with the prestigious Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Industry Impact Award during the 39th Annual Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) International Conference. This national award recognizes outstanding programs that measurably improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance air quality.

The program was recognized for its leadership in shifting solo drivers towards shared commute modes through a coordinated blend of employer partnerships, incentive programs, education, and ridematching technology.

“Using carpools, vanpools, and public transportation significantly eases regional transportation congestion,” said RCTC Chair and Riverside County Board of Supervisor Karen Spiegel. “I am proud of the national recognition our IE Commuter program has in collaboration with our valued partners at SBCTA. Together, we are demonstrating our commitment to improving mobility for Inland Empire residents.”

The Inland Empire is home to more than 4.6 million residents who face some of the longest commutes in the country. The program facilitates carpooling, vanpooling, and the use of public transit as alternatives to driving alone. These initiatives enable residents to reduce commuting costs and travel time, while enhancing the overall quality of their daily commutes.

IE Commuter, RCTC, and SBCTA continue to pave the way for improved travel, cleaner air, and healthier communities. To learn more about the program and to start your smarter commute, please visit: iecommuter.org

Earth Day is a day of celebration, action, and reflection. RCTC and agency partners are helping our planet by providing and advocating for sustainable solutions in transportation and land conservation. Here’s how to get involved:

The Point: RCTC Encourages Motorists to Explore Alternatives to Driving Solo during Rideshare Week, October 7-11

Tired of sitting in traffic, day after day? The Riverside County Transportation Commission and partnering organizations are asking you to Reimagine Your Commute during Rideshare Week, October 7-11. Imagine saving money, reducing stress, improving your health, and decreasing pollution by joining a carpool or vanpool, hopping on the train or bus, and biking or walking to work.

But wait, there’s more! Commuters who make a pledge and share rides at least once during Rideshare Week are eligible for a chance to win bunches and bunches of great prizes, including a swanky bicycle from Media Beef, a one-night stay with breakfast at the Doubletree Ontario Airport, a fishing trip and whale watching tickets from Dana Wharf, a recliner from La-Z-Boy West, and even a Samsung tablet and Apple Watch from WSP USA, to track all of your steps. More prizes are up for grabs; check out the complete list at IECommuter.org.

RCTC reminds you that it pays to share rides. Whether you are thinking about ridesharing or you are already enrolled through IE Commuter, check out these incentives:

In addition, if you are enrolled in an employer-based ridesharing program through IE Commuter and need to work late or get home for an emergency, IE Commuter offers a guaranteed ride home via transportation network company, taxi, rental car or transit, up to four times per year. Click here for more information.

Want to talk to a ridesharing representative? Call 1-866-RIDESHARE (866-743-3742) to learn more.

The Point: Study to be postponed for about two years   

A study to weigh the possibility of new express lanes is on hold, following a vote by RCTC Commissioners on September 11.

Earlier this year, RCTC completed a feasibility study for new express lanes on State Route 91 in Riverside, State Route 60 between Jurupa Valley and Moreno Valley, and State Route 60/Interstate 215 between Riverside and Moreno Valley. The study looked at converting current carpool lanes to express lanes and, in some cases, also adding a new lane.  The Commission then voted to pursue more in-depth studies of the carpool lanes in these three areas, including analysis of multiple options on these routes.

Simultaneously, Caltrans is conducting studies of carpool lanes in Riverside County and San Bernardino County.

The Riverside City Council adopted a resolution August 20 opposing conversion of the carpool lane on State Route 91 into an express lane.  The Riverside County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution September 10 to oppose converting carpool lanes to express lanes that do not allow two-person carpools to ride without a fee. After several RCTC Commissioners raised questions and concerns, the Commission placed the study on hold on Sept. 11.

At the meeting, Riverside Mayor and RCTC Commissioner Rusty Bailey noted the need to gather information to make an informed decision about expanding express lanes, but questioned the timing of conducting the study.

“Given the concerns raised by the Board of Supervisors and Riverside City Council and given that Caltrans has plans to do similar mobility analysis, I don’t believe this is the best use of our limited resources at this time,” he said.

Through a vote of 25-5, the Commission voted to place the study on hold until Caltrans concludes its analysis or until staff recommends that the Commission discuss the item further. The Caltrans studies are anticipated to take about two years.

In the meantime, RCTC is continuing construction of the 15 Express Lanes Project between State Route 60 and Cajalco Road, with the new lanes planned to open during the second half of 2020. RCTC also is conducting engineering and environmental studies of the 15 Express Lanes Southern Extension between Cajalco Road and State Route 74. In 2020, construction will begin on the 15/91 Express Lanes Connector, which will provide a direct connection to the 91 Express Lanes from southbound Interstate 15.