On January 29, Coachella Valley Rail (CV Rail) reached an exciting new milestone with the Commission’s approval of $80 million to HDR Engineering to begin the next phase of environmental studies, helping move the project one step closer to reality. This proposed passenger rail service will expand mobility choices in southern California, connecting communities, fueling economic growth, and giving travelers a fast, convenient choice to move across the region.

“CV Rail is a vital transportation investment that will connect Riverside County — particularly the San Gorgonio Pass and Coachella Valley — with the rest of Southern California through daily passenger rail service. This project delivers benefits that will positively impact our region for generations. At its core, CV Rail is all about offering residents, visitors, and commuters better choices and smart alternatives to traveling solely by automobile,” said Raymond Gregory, Chair of RCTC and Mayor of Cathedral City. “While there is still work ahead, today’s decision brings us one important step closer to construction.”

This next phase will include the preparation and delivery of an environmental document that meets all state and federal regulatory requirements, design, and station planning in collaboration with Caltrans and other partners. The Commission unanimously certified the Final Tier 1/Program-Level Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report in 2022. In 2023, the Federal Rail Administration added CV Rail to the Corridor ID program – putting the project in a position to better compete for federal funding to advance to final design and construction.

Once completed, CV Rail will establish daily intercity passenger rail service along a proposed 144-mile corridor connecting Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley, with planned stops at Los Angeles Union Station, Riverside, and destinations in the Coachella Valley. The project, along with future investments in our region’s rail network, represents the Commission’s ongoing commitment to delivering transportation projects that offer Riverside County residents convenient mobility options.

Learn more about how CV Rail will transform travel in the region: rctc.org/cvr

A new access point is in the works for the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line (91/PVL)! The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) recently awarded $40.5 million in Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program grant funds to RCTC for the development and construction of a new Metrolink station in the unincorporated community of Mead Valley. The station is a partnership between RCTC and Metrolink and will be located between the existing Moreno Valley/March Field and Perris-Downtown stations along the 91/PVL and will serve the rapidly growing communities along I-215. 

Measure A, the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County, will also contribute $3.7 million along with $6.3 million in RCTC-controlled State Transit Assistance funds.

The project will bring more transportation options to the region especially the neighboring communities of Perris, San Jacinto, and Hemet that are expected to see significant growth in housing, industrial, and commercial centers. The new station is also part of RCTC’s Traffic Relief Plan – a comprehensive transportation strategy that identifies investments in transportation projects, services, and infrastructure. The plan is designed to reduce traffic congestion, implement roadway safety measures, and offer greater mobility options for Riverside County residents.

“As more people move to the cities and communities along I-215 corridor, the Commission is planning for and delivering much needed transportation projects that will connect our region with the rest of southern California and help reduce traffic congestion,” said RCTC Chair and City of Beaumont Councilmember Lloyd White. “We welcome the state partnership in our effort and are grateful to CalSTA for awarding this vital funding. The new Mead Valley Metrolink Station and Mobility Hub will benefit not only Mead Valley residents but also the entire Riverside County region.”

The new station will feature bicycle lockers, bus bays, kiss and ride drop off zones, and rideshare parking to facilitate transit integration and promote multimodal travel via active transportation, transit, carpooling, and vanpooling.  

The Mead Valley Metrolink Station/Mobility Hub represents RCTC’s ongoing commitment to deliver transportation projects that offer Riverside County residents convenient mobility options. The final design for this $50.5 million project is anticipated to begin in 2025 and is estimated to be completed by 2029.

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 two-day weekend closure of the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line is scheduled this Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 as part of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Projects. During the closure, construction crews will conduct system tests of infrastructure enhancements related to the project.

The two-day shutdown will affect the Perris-South, Perris-Downtown, Moreno Valley/March Field, and Riverside-Hunter Park stations. Passenger rail services will not be available for the duration of the closures, but Metrolink will be providing alternate bus transportation for passengers travelling to destinations serviced by the 91/Perris Valley Line.

The Riverside-Downtown, Riverside-La Sierra, Corona-North Main, and Corona-West stations will maintain their standard Saturday and Sunday operating schedules. Riverside Transit Agency and other transit services around the affected stations will also continue their standard Saturday and Sunday schedules.

Construction of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Project began in October 2022. Previous project work has included train switch upgrades, signal enhancements, drainage improvements, and track upgrades. Once completed, key elements of the project will include:

• Addition of a second passenger train platform;
• Extension of the existing platform to accommodate the length of the standard Metrolink six-car trains; and
• Upgrade of 2 ½ miles of track for the future nine-mile double-track corridor south of the station.

The Moreno Valley/March Field Improvement Stations Project is part of RCTC’s goal of expanding passenger rail service to relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality in the region. The project is also part of Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program, which aims to upgrade the Metrolink system in time for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Project funding is provided by a combination of local and federal transportation sources, including a $32 million Federal Transit Administration grant and Riverside County’s voter-approved Measure A.

The project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2024. For more information, visit the project webpage at rctc.org/moval.

On Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21, a closure of the 91/Perris Valley Line is scheduled to safely allow crews to continue their work on the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Projects. As part of the project, numerous future service enhancements will be made including train switch upgrades, signal enhancements, drainage improvements, and track upgrades. 

The scheduled two-day shutdown will affect the Perris-South, Perris-Downtown, Moreno Valley/March Field, and Riverside-Hunter Park stations. Passenger rail services will not be available for the closures, but Metrolink will provide alternate bus transportation for passengers travelling to destinations serviced by the 91/Perris Valley Line.   

The Riverside-Downtown, Riverside-La Sierra, Corona-North Main, and Corona-West stations will maintain their standard Saturday and Sunday operating schedules. Riverside Transit Agency and other transit services operating out of the affected stations will also continue their standard Saturday and Sunday schedules.  

Construction of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Project began in October 2022. Key project elements include: 

• Adding a second passenger train platform 
• Extending the existing platform to accommodate the length of the standard Metrolink six-car trains. 
• Upgrading 2 ½ miles of track for the future nine-mile double-track corridor south of the station.  

The Moreno Valley/March Field Improvement Stations Project is part of RCTC’s goal of increasing passenger rail service to relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality in the region. The project is also part of Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program, which aims to upgrade the Metrolink system in time for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games. 

Project funding is provided by a combination of local and federal transportation sources, including a $32 million Federal Transit Administration grant and Riverside County’s voter-approved Measure A. 

The project is anticipated to be completed this year. For more information, visit the project webpage at rctc.org/moval. 

Jingle all the way to the Metrolink Holiday Express Train this winter season, where hot cocoa is waiting, lights are twinkling, and the carolers are singing! The Metrolink Holiday Express Train is set to make its debut in Riverside County on November 25^th, bringing a new wave of festive cheer to the 91/Perris Valley Line.

Since its inception in 2019, this seasonal sensation has been delivering joy and the spirit of the holidays to southern Californian families. Not only will the holiday extravaganza feature carolers and performers bringing beloved characters to life, but the event will also host toy and sock drives for children in need.

The Holiday Express Train will depart from Perris-South Station to Riverside Hunter Park/UCR Station on Saturday, November 25 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Metrolink will enhance the merrymaking this year, decking out the train with even more holiday decorations to fully envelope passengers in a festive wonderland.

Immerse yourself in a magical holiday experience on the Metrolink Holiday Express Train. Meet the Clauses, his friends and beloved characters from animated classics, and enjoy a warm cup of cocoa. Additionally, RCTC, Metrolink, and local community vendors will be hosting pop-up booths at the Perris-South station, offering various activities and treats before the train departs.

At the RCTC booth, visitors will have the opportunity to win complimentary roundtrip Metrolink tickets and other prizes. It’s also the perfect chance to discover the numerous ways RCTC and Metrolink are collaborating to streamline and improve your commuting experience.

Details on the Metrolink Holiday Express Train, along with ticket purchasing options, are available at www.metrolinktrains.com/holidaytrain. Act quickly to secure your tickets, as they are in high demand and expected to sell out.

Tickets for the Metrolink Holiday Express Train cannot be purchased on the day of the event, nor through the mobile app or at ticket vending machines.

91/PERRIS VALLEY LINE

Round-Trip: Perris-South to Riverside-HunterPark/UCR

Train 1

• Pre-Event at Perris-South Station: 9:00 a.m.
• Departure: 10:00 a.m.
• Return: 11:10 a.m.

Train 2

• Pre-Event at Perris-South Station: 12:00 p.m.
• Departure: 1:00 p.m.
• Return: 2:10 p.m.

This Saturday, November 11, and Sunday, November 12, a 91/Perris Valley Line closure is scheduled to allow crews to work on future service enhancements for the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Projects. Crews will work on train switch installation, signal improvements, and track upgrades.

The scheduled two-day shutdown will affect the Perris-South, Perris-Downtown, Moreno Valley/March Field, and Riverside-Hunter Park stations. Passenger rail services will not be available for the duration of the closures, but Metrolink will be providing alternate transportation for passengers travelling to destinations serviced by the 91/Perris Valley Line.

The Riverside-Downtown, Riverside-La Sierra, Corona-North Main, and Corona-West stations will maintain their standard Saturday and Sunday operating schedules. Riverside Transit Agency and other transit services operating out of the affected stations will also maintain their standard Saturday and Sunday schedules.

Construction of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvement Project began in October 2022. Key project elements include:

• Adding a second passenger train platform
• Extending the existing platform to accommodate the length of the standard Metrolink six-car trains.
• Upgrading 2 ½ miles of track for the future nine-mile double-track corridor south of the station.

The Moreno Valley/March Field Improvement Stations Project is part of RCTC’s goal of increasing commuter rail service to relieve traffic congestion and improve air quality in the region. The project is also part of Metrolink’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program, which aims to upgrade the Metrolink system in time for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

Project funding is provided by a combination of local and federal transportation sources, including a $32 million Federal Transit Administration grant and Riverside County voter-approved Measure A.

The project is anticipated to be completed by spring 2024. For more information, visit the project webpage at rctc.org/moval.

Over the last few years, grants for transportation projects have become increasingly competitive as agencies work to address the mobility needs of growing communities. Not only is the grant application process lengthy and complex, but an award is also not guaranteed. Recently, the Riverside County Transportation Commission worked closely with the Riverside Transit Agency, the city of Coachella, and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to assemble a series of grant applications for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 2.0) grants program.

The following five Riverside County projects are approved for funding through the REAP 2.0 program:

• Riverside Transit Agency GoMicro Microtransit Pilot Program Extension ($2,378,635)
• CVAG Vehicle Miles Traveled Study ($2,005,000)
• Riverside County Transportation Commission Core Capacity Innovative Transit Study ($3,000,000)
• City of Coachella Rail Station Feasibility Study and Integrated Land Use and Transit Network ($2,005,000)
• CVAG (CV) Link Community Connectors Analysis ($1,700,000)

The REAP 2.0 program was open to County Transportation Commissions, such as the RCTC, to apply for a limited amount of funding for projects aimed at reducing congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicles miles traveled. Through these projects, RCTC is not only working to address issues related to congestion and air pollution, but also addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities and encouraging sustainable development that produces economic and environmental benefits.

As part of the REAP 2.0 program, submissions had to demonstrate that the studies and projects would eventually encourage housing development closer to where people live and work, reducing the need to travel long distances. These grants will accelerate the state’s progress towards housing goals and climate commitments through a strengthened partnership between the state, its regions, and local entities.