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

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

The City of Riverside recently completed the Panorama Road Quiet Zone Project that will make train horns less necessary at the upgraded Panorama Road at-grade train crossing.

The $1.2 million project, funded by Measure A, is designed to reduce train-related noise for residents and businesses near the railroad crossing at Panorama Road. Horns used by trains passing through the area will no longer be required on a routine basis, significantly cutting down on noise. Furthermore, the City of Riverside has also removed the existing automated horns at the crossing.

Train horns will now be deployed under special conditions, up to the train engineer’s discretion. In addition to the noise reduction, the project implemented numerous street and rail improvements that include new pedestrian sidewalks with detectable warning tactile strips, widening of the bikeway crossing, new handrails and fencing, repaving of the street, and new traffic signs.

The Commission and the City of Riverside have a long history of collaboration to deliver transportation projects including the Third Street Grade Separation Project and Magnolia Avenue Grade Separation projects. These projects helped improve safety, relieve local traffic congestion, reduce response time for emergency services, and improve mobility for pedestrians and motorists.

First approved by Riverside County voters in 1998, and then again in 2002, Measure A is the half-cent sales tax measure that helps provide dedicated funding for transportation projects across the county. Funding is distributed to cities in Riverside County for local street and roads improvements among other regional transportation improvements. Through Measure A, vital transportation projects have been completed to keep our communities moving and enhance the quality of life for our residents.

To learn more about Measure A, visit: rctc.org/measure-a

Santa Claus is coming to… Downtown Riverside! Step into a winter wonderland this holiday season with the return of Metrolink’s Holiday Express Train. This magical train experience will make its way to the Riverside-Downtown Metrolink Station on Saturday, December 7th. These special trains require reservations, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Holiday Express Train is a 75-minute nonstop round-trip experience that begins and ends at the downtown Riverside station. To purchase tickets, visit Metrolink’s website.  

The Metrolink Holiday Express Train has helped deliver joy and a unique train riding experience to families across southern California. This year, expect more holiday cheer as these special trains transform into a festive wonderland, featuring dazzling decorations, joyful carolers, and unforgettable appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the helpful elves.

Metrolink is rolling out service changes aimed at making it easier for passengers to travel across the six-county service area. Beginning Monday, October 21, Metrolink will introduce 32 additional weekday trains across the Metrolink system, increasing service by nearly 23% and offering more midday options for passengers.

Riverside County will see significant changes to its Inland Empire Orange-County Line (IEOC), 91/Perris Valley Line (91/PVL), and Riverside Lines. The IEOC Line between Riverside and Orange counties will welcome four new weekday trains. The 91/PVL changes include two additional weekday trains, and all outbound trains will now terminate at the Perris-South Station. The new schedule also introduces easy to follow departure times, with trains leaving at set intervals after the hour, simplifying trip planning. Additionally, the Riverside Line will have midday train.

Metrolink designed the new schedule to improve service across the entire system with increased transfer opportunities. The new schedule will result in changes for some existing trips, so passengers are encouraged to check out the new schedule at: metrolinktrains.com/scheduleupdate 

September is Rail Safety Month. Every year, numerous tragic railway related incidents occur throughout southern California including Riverside County. The sad truth is that most if not all these incidents are preventable by simply following basic safety guidelines. As we observe Rail Safety Month in September, RCTC continues to educate students and their families about rail safety by raising awareness about the dangers of railroad tracks and how we can all play a part in preventing these incidents.

With frequent freight and passenger trains traveling through Riverside County, rail safety is a priority for the various communities in our region. Whether on foot or in a vehicle, being on or near railroad tracks in areas other than designated rail crossings is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous.

General Rail Safety Tips

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 all 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.

RCTC aims to reduce rail-related incidents by attending in-person events, providing rail safety presentations at schools and community centers, and through digital and social media campaigns. Join us in our effort to save lives by sharing the rail safety message with friends, family, and colleagues. Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and by following general safety tips, we can all help prevent incidents and protect our neighbors.

Let’s commit to keeping our communities safe together. Your promise to help each other stay alert, obey signals, and spread awareness makes all the difference. To view additional rail safety information, schedule a rail safety presentation, or take the rail safety pledge, please visit www.rctc.org/railsafety.

A new school year brings forth new beginnings, new adventures, and alternative transit options for Riverside County students! Ring in the new school year by utilizing the county’s various discounts on transit options and save yourself a few trips to the gas station as well.

• Metrolink offers a 50% discount for CalFresh/EBT cardholders, 25% off on all passes for students, and 10% off one-way and round-trip tickets for active military. Seniors, disabled, and Medicare recipients are also eligible for 50% off one-way and round-trip tickets or 25% off monthly and 7-day passes. Visit Metrolink’s website for more information. In honor of California Clean Air Day on Wednesday, October 4, Metrolink will offer free rides for those who register on their mobile app or enter the code, CLEANAIR23 on any Metrolink ticket machine.
• In the Coachella Valley, students enrolled in qualified college and high school institutions can take advantage of SunLine Transit Agency’s Haul Pass for free transportation to and from school, in addition to daily public transit in the region. Visit SunLine Transit’s website for more details.
• Riverside Transit Authority is offering free rides on all local, CommuterLink, and GoMicro buses every Friday through June 28, 2024. The Go-Pass and U-Pass programs are also offered to college students enrolled at California Baptist University, La Sierra University, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Norco College, Riverside City College, and UC Riverside. The Go-Pass and U-Pass programs provide students with endless rides anywhere RTA operates.  RTA will also be offering free rides on Clean Air Day, October 4, on local, CommuterLink, and GoMicro buses. Visit Riverside Transit Agency’s Website for more details.
• The City of Corona is offering free fares from October 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026, for students, seniors, and persons with disabilities. During this timeframe, fare for the general public will only be $1. Visit City of Corona’s website for more details.

You can make a difference by leaving your car at home and choosing eco-friendly transit options to reduce traffic congestion, lower transportation costs, and contribute to a more sustainable environment for the future.

Did you know that a moving train can take up to a mile to come to a complete stop? According to the Federal Railroad Administration, California had the highest number of train-related incidents in the nation, with over 170 incidents in just 2022. With schools back in session and families coming home from vacation, there is no better time to learn about rail safety.

Over the years, RCTC has promoted Rail Safety Month in September through a partnership with California Operation Lifesaver to provide countless presentations to schools, set up tabling booths for communities across the county, and even put-up reminders on the silver screens in theaters. RCTC is committed to promoting rail safety awareness throughout Riverside, Beaumont, Perris, and other communities with train tracks.

Our commitment continues in 2023. Our rail safety team has produced a short video reminding the community about the dangers of train tracks.

As always, remember that:

• The only safe place to cross railroad tracks is at designated crossings.
• Railroad property is private property. It is illegal to be on the railroad right of way.
• Never walk around or behind lowered gates at crossings and do not cross tracks until the flashing light have stopped.

This Rail Safety Month, we urge our community to “Keep Your Mind on Track and Your Feet Off the Tracks.” By adhering to basic rail safety guidelines, we can all significantly lower the rate of train-related incidents in our region. Join us on this vital journey to save lives. Share this message with family, friends, and colleagues, reinforcing the idea that rail safety is a collective responsibility crucial for a secure community.

In 2020, the California Department of Public Health reported 4,143 suicides, roughly 10.4 suicides per 100,000 people and nearly twice as many suicides as homicides. Although nationally less than 1% of suicides occur within the railroad system, locally a majority of fatalities on railroad tracks are deliberate acts including suicide. This has a devasting regional impact on family, friends, train crews, passengers, and emergency responders. Many local agencies are working closely together to try to reduce these incidents.

As the owner and operator of Metrolink stations in Riverside County, RCTC recognizes the importance of railroad track safety and has been a partner with California Operation Lifesaver since 2014 to discourage trespassing along the railroad corridor. In early March, RCTC staff took part in Trespass and Suicide Prevention training sessions to learn how to identify warning signs of suicide and ways to intervene.

Led by licensed University of Denver psychologists and researchers, Dr. Patrick Sherry and Dr. Andi Pusavat, the training reviewed factors that contribute to a greater likelihood of suicide such as depression, life events, and substance abuse. Staff learned an intervention model to help those at risk for suicide on railroad property, highway overpasses, and in general situations. This intervention model includes six components: identifying unusual behavior, ensuring personal safety, assessing the risk level, asking questions, offering hope, and bringing in local resources.

During the 2020 September National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, RCTC installed Suicide Prevention Lifeline signs at the nine Metrolink stations in Riverside County and along the railroad tracks in Riverside and Perris. RCTC continues to partner locally with California Operation Lifesaver to teach the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks using presentations, social media posts, videos, and other outreach efforts.

Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention by learning the warning signs of suicide, finding the words to reach out, and knowing where to turn for help.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicidal or mental health crisis, call or text the new National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support in English and Spanish.

Learn more about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by visiting 988lifeline.org. Suicide is preventable, treatments exist, and there is hope.

In addition, please remember when you See Tracks, Think Trains. Stay off the tracks and stay safe.

Always be alert around rail crossings and remember:

• The only safe place to cross the railroad tracks is at a designated public crossing
• It can take a mile or more for a train to stop – the length of 18 football fields
• Railroad property is private property. It is illegal to be on railroad right-of-way unless you are at a designated crossing
• Trains hang over the tracks at least three feet in both directions. If you are next to the tracks, you can be hit
• Never walk around or behind lowered gates at a crossing
• DO NOT cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing

Over the past few weeks, RCTC, through the Operation Lifesaver program, has participated in the Downtown Riverside Lunar New Year Festival, the Corona Kids and Cops Holiday event, the Moreno Valley Holiday Snow Day, and the City of Perris Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony to remind communities about the dangers of railroad tracks. With schools back to in-person instruction and with more residents out and about in their communities, everyone needs to be alert around rail crossings.

Interested in a rail safety presentation for your child’s school or for a community group in Riverside County? RCTC is available! Our California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL) team of trained volunteers can schedule a free virtual or in-person presentation tailored for any grade level or public gathering. Please email your request to RailSafetyEducation@rctc.org or call RCTC at at 951-787-7141.