Transportation projects in Riverside County may receive a funding boost later this year with the help of our local congressional delegation. In a bid to move regionally significant projects forward, Representatives Ken Calvert, Young Kim, and Mark Takano have submitted three projects on RCTC’s behalf under the Congressional Community Project Funding (CPF) program.

In July, requests included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill include three RCTC-led projects:

• Representative Ken Calvert: $5 million for the Coachella Valley Rail Project
• Representative Young Kim: $4 million for the State Route 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project
• Representative Mark Takano: $500,000 for the Metrolink Double Track Project: Moreno Valley-Perris

Securing funding for the Coachella Valley Rail Project is critical to providing expanded passenger rail service to Riverside County residents, increasing access to jobs, education, and services. In July 2022, the Commission unanimously certified the Tier 1 Program-Level Environmental Document for the Coachella Valley Rail Project. Since certification, RCTC has been working diligently to secure state and federal funding for the Tier 2 environmental document that will identify and study potential station locations and detailed engineering, moving the project closer to shovel ready.

The 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project is in the early phases of planning. In partnership with Caltrans, the Orange County Transportation Authority, the City of Corona, and the Transportation Corridor Agencies, RCTC is proposing to add an eastbound 91 lane from the 241 Toll Road connector to the 71 in Corona. Engineering and environmental studies have begun and are expected to take 2-3 years. With the help of federal funding, RCTC can complete the engineering and environmental phase.

As part of planned upgrades to the 91/ Perris Valley Line, the Metrolink Double Track Project: Moreno Valley-Perris will add a second set of tracks between the Moreno Valley/March Field Station and the Perris-South Station. The additional tracks will facilitate Metrolink improved operations, allow for increased future service and ensure reliability as part of Metrolink SCORE’s program – just in time for the 2028 Olympics.

With the support and leadership of Representatives Calvert, Kim, and Takano, funding for these much-needed transportation projects will help address the needs of Riverside County’s rapidly growing communities. RCTC will continue to closely monitor the appropriations process and advocate for increased transportation funding at the federal level.

Field trips on school or charter buses can be boring. Being stuck in traffic on a bus is no way to get start off a trip! As students from Canyon Springs High School in Moreno Valley found out, there’s more than one way to take a field trip. In April, a group of 100 students and their chaperones embarked on a memorable excursion to the California Science Center by riding Metrolink and the LA Metro light rail system.

The school trip was organized by the RCTC’s Metrolink Marketing team. RCTC sponsors trips for schools and community groups to promote sustainable public transportation options.

The trip started bright and early at 5:30 a.m. as students were dropped off at the Moreno Valley/March Field Metrolink Station. Students were provided with Metrolink tickets, Metro TAP cards, and a how-to-ride information to guide them on their journey along with a sleek RCTC bag.

A week before the trip, RCTC gave an overview presentation on how the Metrolink and Metro systems work and to remind the students to stay safe around the train tracks. The journey from Moreno Valley to Los Angeles on the 91/Perris Valley Line was a smooth one as students enjoyed the passing views of Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties.

“What I most enjoyed about my ride on Metrolink were the seating areas, especially the tables,” said Canyon Springs freshman, Marely G. “I really liked the fact that I was able to walk around and still be able to talk to my friends.”

At Los Angeles Union Station, a Metrolink representative met the group and gave a brief history of the historic building on their way to the B Line (Red) subway. On the B Line, the students made a simple transfer at the 7^th Street Metro Center for the Metro E Line (Expo). After a quick walk from the station through the beautiful Exposition Park Rose Garden, they finally made it inside the California Science Center.

95% of students who took a post-trip survey said they were satisfied with their Metrolink trip and over 80% of the students surveyed said they would ride Metrolink again. As freshman Marco T. put it, “This trip was 10 times better because I was on the Metrolink.”

The trip also helped improve the students’ view on public transportation with 70% of students recognizing the trip’s positive influence on their perception of train travel. “This trip was way more exciting since we got to travel quite a lot to get to our destination and see lots of new things along the way compared to other trips,” Marely said. “I normally take buses which are less exciting than riding the trains and subways.”

Metrolink excursions and group trips are a wonderful way to expose students and other the benefits of public transit. RCTC and Metrolink work closely together to ensure these trips for Riverside County groups are positive, safe and educational. To learn more about how you can take your class, club, troop, or any other large group, please contact us.

In the past 10 years, the mid county region of Moreno Valley, Perris, San Jacinto, and Hemet has grown significantly. More people are traveling between this area of Riverside County and the rest of the County for housing and work than ever before, and they must also compete in traffic with the nation’s agricultural and freight carriers, 40 percent of which travels through the Inland Empire to serve the rest of the state and country. This rapid growth shows in the congestion that these communities must endure daily on the I-215 corridor and unsafe surface streets on Ramona Expressway to access employment and education opportunities.

RCTC is working diligently to advance mobility solutions in these corridors, and a recent award announcement from the State provides a needed boost for two critical projects. Thanks to the California Transportation Commission, the region’s Mid County Connectivity Enhancement Program is set to receive $44.5 million in Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) competitive grant funding.

Funded by the Road Repair and Recovery Act of 2017, also known as SB 1, the SCCP award to the Mid County Connectivity Enhancement Program includes two projects – the Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway Project and the Metrolink Double Track Project. Together, these projects will provide greater access to multimodal transportation options, relieve traffic congestion, improve roadway safety, and promote clean air.

The Mid County Parkway Ramona Expressway Project runs along the Ramona Expressway and will add one lane in both directions for 8.6 miles between Warren Road near San Jacinto and one mile east of Rider Street near Lake Perris. The project will also include medians, a bridge over the San Jacinto River, upgraded traffic signals, and a wildlife crossing – all to dramatically improve safety on a road known for fatal traffic collisions. Notably the project will also help relieve traffic in this growing community by bolstering connections to Metrolink service on the western side.

The Metrolink Double Track Project will add a second track to the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line between the Moreno Valley/March Field Station and the Perris-Downtown Station allowing for increased service frequency in the future by Metrolink’s commuter trains.

Together, both projects allow better access to multimodal transportation services such as bus and rail, project safety improvements, relieve traffic congestion, and help improve air quality in the region.

This grant award complements a previous state award from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) and will also support other improvements already underway along the Perris Valley Line corridor such as RCTC’s $33 million Moreno Valley/March Field Improvements Project and Metrolink’s Perris Valley Line Capacity Improvement Project, which includes additional double tracking and an expansion and improvement of the Perris-South Station.

The SCCP is a highly sought-after statewide grant program that makes available approximately $250 million annually to projects. RCTC’s Mid County Connectivity Enhancement Program strikes a competitive balance that provides traffic relief while also increasing multimodal transit connectivity, enhancing safety and security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting wildlife habitat connectivity, and increasing access to jobs for the community.

The 91/Perris Valley Line (91/PVL) will see service improvements thanks to a $15.5 million award for the Metrolink Double-Track Project announced in April by Governor Gavin Newsom. The award announcement follows a joint application by RCTC and Metrolink to expand passenger rail service on the 91/PVL and reduce congestion along the heavily traveled I-215.

The project will improve 6.5 miles of existing freight railroad track to meet standards for Metrolink passenger rail service. The historic freight tracks are rated for much slower speeds than passenger trains require. The upgrades will include reconstructing existing track and the addition of a second set of tracks between the Moreno Valley/March Field Station and just north of the Perris-Downtown Station along the 91/PVL. These improvements will allow for expanded Metrolink service in the area and safely accommodate local freight trains serving freight rail shippers along the corridor.

The improved tracks will offer improved reliability, increase service frequency, and keep on-time performance. Furthermore, the project expands transportation options by offering an alternate to driving, reducing air pollution, and serving underserved communities. Through these improvements, Metrolink will be closer to offering service every 30 minutes, consistent with the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Program and California State Rail Plan.

The project will connect to the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvements Project, which began construction in October 2022. Construction for the Metrolink Double-Track Project could begin in mid-2024.

The grant, administered by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), is derived from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) and is part of a $690 million investment by the state to fund 28 new public transportation projects in disadvantaged communities. Funding helps expand transit and passenger rail service in Riverside County and throughout California while eliminating an estimated 2,068,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

For a complete list of the grant recipients, click here.

RCTC Chair and Riverside County 4^th District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and Commissioner Lisa Middleton, Mayor of Palm Springs, met with California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Secretary Toks Omishakin earlier this month in Riverside to discuss proposed passenger rail service between Los Angeles and Coachella Valley.

The meeting offered an opportunity for Secretary Omishakin to hear first-hand how the planned Coachella Valley Rail (CV Rail) service will transform travel across Riverside County, the region, state, and nation.

CV Rail discussions are taking place all over southern California, including the Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass. RCTC staff recently presented to the Indio and Banning city councils, with more presentations on the way to other cities. Staff also provided a project overview to the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership and the Palm Springs Hospitality Association last month. In September, RCTC attended a roundtable discussion with California’s Infrastructure Advisor and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. CV Rail was specifically mentioned as a once-in-a-generation project that will benefit all communities and support our region’s growth. These efforts built upon meetings with federal elected officials and staff in Washington, D.C., in September, in which RCTC representatives sought support for grant funding.

All of this outreach is helping spread the word about CV Rail. This is especially important as RCTC seeks federal funding to complete the “Tier 2” project-level engineering and environmental studies – an in-depth analysis of the service and operations along the planned 144-mile route, which crosses Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles counties.

RCTC is seeking $20 million to help fund the Tier 2 studies, which are expected to cost $60 million. Funds are available through the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program on a competitive basis. RCTC and Caltrans will submit a joint CRISI Program grant application this week.

The service will provide greater access to jobs and educational opportunities, especially in underserved communities; expand the regional economy and tourism; and help the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road, greenhouse gases, and air pollution. CV Rail also makes up a significant segment of Amtrak’s future Tucson-Phoenix-Los Angeles corridor, with connections to San Diego, Santa Barbara, the Pacific Northwest, Arizona, and beyond.

In July, the program reached another milestone when the Commission unanimously certified its CV Rail “Tier 1” program-level environmental document. Now, all efforts are geared toward completing Tier 2. And support isn’t just with the Commissioners. There is broad community support for this project. RCTC collected 67 letters of support from cities, hospitality organizations, Native American tribes, business groups, transportation agencies, and more. A recent online support campaign garnered support from 486 residents, while a social media poll showed 89% support for the project.

While CV Rail is still years away from construction and service, this project represents RCTC’s long-term planning to provide mobility choices for Riverside County residents, including multimodal and car-free options.

Learn more about CV Rail at: rctc.org/cvr.

RCTC Commissioners and staff went to Washington, D.C. this month to meet with Congressional representatives and other federal officials to promote the need for a new daily passenger rail service between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley. RCTC is seeking federal funding that will allow planning for Coachella Valley Rail to advance to the next level.

“CV Rail will be a massive boost for the Coachella Valley, connecting us to employment and educational opportunities, bolstering southern California’s economy, improving our air quality, and providing necessary transit alternatives to fight climate change,” said V. Manuel Perez, RCTC Chair and Riverside County’s 4^th District Supervisor. “CV Rail is about equity for our communities and is an important step for the national revitalization of passenger rail,” he said.

In July, the Commission unanimously certified its Coachella Valley Rail “Tier 1” program-level environmental document and now is seeking funds for “Tier 2” project-level studies – in-depth analysis of the service and operations along the planned 144-mile route, which crosses Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles counties.

RCTC is seeking $20 million to help fund the Tier 2 studies, which are expected to cost $60 million. Recently, funds became available through the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program on a competitive basis. RCTC and Caltrans will be submitting a joint CRISI Program grant application, due December 1. In addition, several sources of state funds may also be available in the future, and RCTC plans to meet with state officials this fall to request support.

Following the environmental studies and approvals, project design and construction would begin. While the passenger train service could still be 10 years away, RCTC is moving full speed ahead to create a transformational car-free, stress-free way to travel through inland southern California.

The service will provide greater access to jobs and educational opportunities, especially in underserved communities; expand the regional economy and tourism; and help the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road, greenhouse gases, and air pollution. CV Rail also makes up a significant segment of Amtrak’s future Tucson-Phoenix-Los Angeles corridor with connections to San Diego, Santa Barbara, the Pacific Northwest, Arizona, and beyond.

RCTC is seeking community support for upcoming grant applications, even from people who may have voiced their support in the past. Add your name to our list of supporters and future riders by visiting rctc.org/cvr.

Passenger rail service proposed between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley took another step forward with RCTC’s unanimous certification of its “program level” environmental document on July 13.

Since 2016, RCTC, the Federal Railroad Administration, and Caltrans have been studying expanded travel options through passenger rail between L.A. and the Coachella Valley. Commissioners certified the Final Tier 1 Program Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program following a public hearing that was held as part of the Commission meeting.

The EIS/EIR studied and documented potential environmental impacts of operating this rail corridor service. Certifying the EIS/EIR will not lead to immediate construction and operations; additional Tier 2 or “project level” environmental review is needed before construction may begin. The certification of the EIS/EIR is considered a major milestone as it allows more in-depth Tier 2 “project level” environmental studies to proceed.

“Every day, the project is closer to becoming a reality as an alternative to driving to and from the Coachella Valley,” said RCTC 1st Vice Chair and Lake Elsinore Councilmember Bob Magee. “With the help of our state and federal partners, we continue to take steps toward service that will help our disadvantaged residents expand their travel and employment options, improve air quality for our region, and boost tourism and our desert economy,” he said.

The service is envisioned to begin with twice-daily roundtrips between L.A. Union Station and the Coachella Valley. The 144-mile route would include stops in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. Existing stations in Los Angeles, Fullerton and Riverside would be part of the line, the existing station in Palm Springs would be improved for use, and up to five new stations could be built east of Colton with a service endpoint in Coachella.

Work on the Tier 1 program-level environmental studies began in 2016. Last summer, the agencies released the draft environmental document for public review. During the 45-day public comment period, RCTC received 307 comments from public agencies, organizations, and individuals through multiple methods, including two virtual public hearings. Most comments supported the program.

With the certification of the Tier 1 program-level environmental document, RCTC is positioned to start work on Tier 2 project-level environmental studies when funding becomes available. These studies would perform an in-depth analysis of required infrastructure improvements and station locations.

RCTC is actively working with state and federal partners to secure $60 million for this next phase. Earlier this year, the project received a funding commitment of more than $25 million from the State Transportation Improvement Program, and RCTC requested Congressionally Directed Spending and Community Project Funding through the federal appropriations process. Ongoing support from stakeholder partners will help deliver this transformative project.

Final design and construction of three projects to improve service on the 91/Perris Valley Line are on track, thanks to the California State Transportation Agency’s award on July 7 of a $25 million grant to Metrolink and RCTC.

The Transit and Intercity Rail Corridor Program grant will be matched with $32 million in federal funds previously secured by RCTC. The $57 million will help fund the 91/PVL upgrades that will ultimately allow for service to operate every half-hour in both directions.

Other improvements include 2.5 additional miles of double track and a second platform at the Moreno Valley/March Field Station, along with expansion and upgrades to the Perris-South Station and Layover Facility. This will improve service operations and add capacity for overnight train storage.

“This project is an excellent example of the partnership between Metrolink and RCTC and their commitment to improve the 91/Perris Valley Line for underserved Riverside County residents,” said RCTC Commissioner Karen Spiegel, who also serves as a member of the Metrolink Board of Directors and is Riverside County’s 2nd District Supervisor. “As the fastest growing county in the state, these Metrolink improvements come at a critical time to address the significant transportation needs for our region,” she said.

Projects that offer alternatives to driving the area’s crowded highways will help RCTC and Metrolink meet climate change goals and offer expanded travel and employment options to disadvantaged communities. The 91/Perris Valley Line upgrades also will allow southern California visitors during the 2028 Olympics to easily connect to Lake Perris, which will host canoe sprint and rowing events as part of the summer games.

The first phase of the Moreno Valley/March Field Station Improvements Project will start later this year with construction of a second platform and upgrades to 2.5 miles of track. This work is expected to be completed in 2024. The Perris-South Station improvements are scheduled to be completed in 2027.