RCTC wants to hear from you! On Monday, August 10, RCTC will hold a public hearing to gather input on transit needs within Riverside County. Comments received will be used by RCTC and the county’s transit operators to identify transit needs in preparation for transportation plans and programs. The comments will be transmitted to transit and paratransit operators as they relate to operating issues and needs.

The public hearing will be held in-person at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the following three locations:

For those unable to attend the in-person hearings, comments can be submitted via online contact form, email, postal mail, or by calling 951-787-7141. Comments are due by August 10, 2026.

You can mail comments to:
Riverside County Transportation Commission
Attn: Transit Needs Public Hearing
P.O. Box 12008
Riverside, CA 92502-2208

Email comments to publictransit@rctc.org with Transit Needs Public Hearing Comments in the subject line.

English to Spanish translation and an American Sign Language interpreter will be made available at the RCTC location. Translation and interpretation services for the satellite locations will be made available through teleconferencing.

Every year the Metrolink Holiday Express Train brings joy and a one-of-a-kind experience that transforms an ordinary train ride into a festive wonderland featuring dazzling decorations, joyful carolers, and unforgettable appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. This holiday season, this magical train returns to Riverside County for an immersive seasonal experience on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

The Holiday Express Train features a 90-minute nonstop round-trip adventure departing from and returning to the Riverside-Downtown Metrolink Station. Before boarding, join RCTC, Metrolink, and partner organizations for festive fun. Enjoy pop-up booths with activities, giveaways, and holiday surprises. Guests are also encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to support the Miracles and Dreams Foundation in helping families in need during the holiday season.

Two Holiday Express Trains will depart from the Riverside-Downtown Metrolink Station on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Reservations are required for these trains, and tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The first train leaves the station at 10:30 a.m. and the second at 1:30 p.m. Please see the full schedule of activities below:

For more information about Metrolink’s Holiday Express Train events, including ticketing, pre-event festivities and boarding information, please visit: metrolinktrains.com/holidaytrain

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

For more than 10 years, the Riverside County Transportation Commission has commemorated Rail Safety Month in September with our partner, California Operation Lifesaver, and our communities. With frequent freight and passenger trains traveling through Riverside County, RCTC actively promotes rail safety education through public outreach programs to increase rail safety awareness at schools, businesses, and communities – especially those near railroad tracks.

With California consistently leading the nation in rail-related fatalities, it’s important to know what to do near tracks whether you’re driving, biking, or traveling on foot. By following these general safety tips, you can stay safe around trains and tracks:

1. Remember that trains approach faster and stop slower than they appear! Never overestimate how safe you are.
2. Always look both ways before crossing tracks. Always stay alert and eliminate distractions.
3. Always cross at designated crossings. Pay attention to and obey warning signs and signals.
4. Never walk on tracks. It is illegal and highly dangerous.
5. Trains are big! They overhang tracks. Always stay at least 15 feet from the tracks.
6. Never stop your vehicle on the tracks. If you stall or get stuck, get all passengers out and then get help.
7. Trains always have the right-of-way, so get out of the way! Don’t speed to beat the train, just wait it out.

Rail safety is everyone’s responsibility. You can help do your part by taking RCTC’s Rail Safety Pledge to affirm your commitment to rail safety and be entered for a chance to win a rail safety gift basket with four round-trip Metrolink tickets, a $150 gift card, and exclusive Metrolink swag. Take the pledge at: rctc.org/railsafety

Rail safety presentations are also available to schools, businesses, and organizations in Riverside County. If you are interested in scheduling a rail safety presentation, please contact us by email at: RailSafetyEducation@rctc.org

Call your friends or family – summer is almost over! Hop on a Metrolink train and get ready for a day filled with fun! Adventure awaits – let’s ride! With Metrolink, you can explore several southern California destinations near train stops.

If you’re a resident of Riverside and San Bernardino County, you can ride Metrolink anywhere in the system for free for up to 90 days with Experience Metrolink. Simply create a Metrolink account and an IE Commuter account using the same email, request your free tickets, and they’ll appear in your Metrolink app within three business days. Get started at iecommuter.org/ridefree.

Need inspiration for your next Metrolink trip, check out these destinations:

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 wants to hear from you! On Monday, August 11, RCTC will hold a public hearing to gather input on transit needs within Riverside County. Comments received will be used by RCTC and the county’s transit operators to identify transit needs in preparation for transportation plans and programs. The comments will be transmitted to transit and paratransit operators as they relate to operating issues and needs.

The public hearing will be held in-person at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the following three locations:

For those unable to attend the in-person hearings, comments can be submitted via online contact form, email, postal mail, or by calling 951-787-7141. Comments are due by August 11, 2025.

You can mail comments to:
Riverside County Transportation Commission
Attn: Transit Needs Public Hearing
P.O. Box 12008
Riverside, CA 92502-2208

Email comments to publictransit@rctc.org with Transit Needs Public Hearing Comments in the subject line.

English to Spanish translation and an American Sign Language interpreter will be made available at the RCTC location. Translation and interpretation services for the satellite locations will be made available through teleconferencing.

Help shape the future of transportation!

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

Drop cloths, primer, brushes, sprays, painters tape, and of course – Paint! All the equipment and materials needed to paint have been picked up. Thanks to feedback from the community, the Riverside-La Sierra Metrolink Station recently received a subtle, yet new paint job.

As part of routine maintenance, the Riverside-La Sierra station was identified as needing new paint. To determine the next color of the station, RCTC polled Metrolink riders and residents near the station and asked them to select a new color scheme amongst various options. The series of polls were conducted on social media, in-person at the station, and through the agency’s website. The winning color combination was a new blue and beige color scheme. This is not the first time the station has changed its colors – throughout the years, the station has undergone color changes to keep up with the times (and as part of routine maintenance).

First opened in 1995, the station stands as a vibrant regional transportation hub serving commuters on Metrolink’s Inland Empire-Orange County Line (IEOC) and 91/Perris Valley Line. The station made its debut during the opening of the IEOC on October 2, 1995. With multiple bus bays to accommodate RTA and OCTA buses, the station offers seamless connections to transport travelers to destinations in Riverside County and across southern California. The station also features a spacious Park and Ride lot, making it a great meeting place for rideshare options.

RCTC owns and operates all nine Metrolink stations in Riverside County and improvements are consistently being made to ensure a positive experience for riders. These improvements and station maintenance are made possible thanks to federal, state, and local funding sources such as Measure A; the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax measure for transportation improvements in Riverside County.

RCTC is also nearing completion of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Project and is planning several future transit projects across the county, including the recently announced Mead Valley Metrolink Station and Mobility Hub Project. These investments in our region’s public transportation network are part of RCTC’s goal of enhancing passenger rail and bus service to relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality for the residents of Riverside County.

Baseball, hot dogs, and trains, there’s no better combo! Spirits were high as Beaumont residents stepped on board Metrolink for a day at Dodger Stadium. On April 30, RCTC partnered with Beaumont Transit to take residents on a fun-filled adventure through the Metrolink system. This excursion is part of RCTC’s commitment to providing fun, efficient, and cost-effective transit options that enhance mobility across the region.

RCTC met with residents of Beaumont at the San Bernardino Transit Center, where the group received a presentation on rail safety and how to ride Metrolink. From there, they boarded the train to Los Angeles Union Station and transferred to the Dodger Stadium Express for the final leg of their journey. For some residents, it was their first time riding local transit, and their first visit to the iconic ballpark. This trip was more than just a baseball outing; it was a hands-on introduction to using public transportation, giving riders insight into how Metrolink can support their travel needs.

This trip is just one of many Metrolink excursions RCTC has organized over the past year. In addition to community trips, RCTC coordinated several excursions with high schools across Riverside County to provide youth with a fun and educational transportation experience. Earlier this year, students from Eleanor Roosevelt, Santiago, Corona, and Norco High Schools took a trip with Metrolink from Corona to downtown Riverside. RCTC provided a hands-on opportunity to 60 students to learn how to navigate and enjoy public transportation, including how to read schedules, locate platforms, and understand safety signage. This exercise blends education with real-world experience, helping students build confidence in using transit independently.

Encouraging transit education and providing meaningful experiences helps shape the future generation of riders – empowering them to explore their region through new modes of travel.

Group excursions with Metrolink offer a great way to introduce students and residents to the benefits of public transit. RCTC works closely with Metrolink to ensure these trips are safe, educational, and enjoyable for all participants. To learn how you can take your class, club, or group on a Metrolink excursion, please contact us.