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.

Since its inception, RCTC’s Measure A Specialized Transit Program has provided thousands of rides and transportation services – such as mileage reimbursement, bus tickets, and travel training – to residents across Riverside County. Whether it’s a trip to the doctor, an after-school program, or simply a trip to the grocery store, the program’s specialized transit providers offer a crucial service for residents who have difficulty using traditional public transit or live where there is no public transit service nearby.

During its February 11, 2026, meeting, the Commission unanimously approved a Measure A Specialized Transit funding award to Kindful Restoration – a nonprofit organization located in the City of Riverside.

“At the heart of the Measure A Specialized Transit Program is our commitment to providing essential transportation services to those who need it most. For many vulnerable populations, this program serves as their only lifeline to get around. We are thrilled to welcome Kindful Restoration to our growing network of service providers, and we are excited to enhance transportation options for western Riverside County,” said Lorelle Moe-Luna, RCTC Multimodal Services Director.

Kindful Restoration assists individuals and families across Riverside County impacted by behavioral health challenges, justice involvement, and socioeconomic hardship to help them achieve stability, independence, and restored dignity. Since 2021, the organization has provided programs and services such as transportation, housing navigation and stability, reentry and justice-involved programs such as peer support, workforce readiness, and mentoring for individuals exiting incarceration or probation.

With the addition of Kindful Restoration, 18 providers now serve western Riverside County as part of the Measure A Specialized Transit Program. Providers are an important part of the public transportation network, offering over 190,000 one-way trips annually.

To learn more about the program and what services are available in your area, please visit: rctc.org/specializedtransit

Public transit works best when it’s shaped by the people who use it every day – and that’s where you come in. Riverside County transit riders are invited to take part in two initiatives designed to gather ideas on how service can be improved.

In the Coachella Valley, SunLine Transit Agency has launched Rides Reimagined – an initiative to rethink its bus network across the growing Coachella Valley and better meet the region’s changing needs. With the feedback of the community, the plan aims to improve access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and everyday destinations while using resources more effectively and creating a more convenient transit experience. With ridership trends shifting in recent years, SunLine is asking residents to share their travel needs and priorities to help guide future service design, including how to balance frequent service in high-demand areas with broader geographic coverage. Take the online survey and share your feedback.

Riverside Transit Agency’s (RTA) Our Vision Forward project is a community-focused effort to shape the future of local bus service in western Riverside County. RTA is asking riders and residents to share their feedback on what would make transit better for their communities by submitting a comment at OurVisionForward@RiversideTransit.com. This input will inform improvements to routes, service quality, the overall transit experience, and help RTA develop a 10-year transit plan to guide service changes and prepare for future growth. RTA will be launching the next phase of the project soon with new ways to provide feedback and encourages residents to sign up for project updates to stay informed.

Whether you ride the bus daily or just occasionally, your first-hand experiences help transit agencies better understand what’s working, what’s not, and where changes can make the biggest difference.

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

Whether you drive, ride, or roll – Riverside County offers flexible travel options to fit your lifestyle. From buses and trains to carpools and vanpools, it’s never been easier to explore more convenient and efficient ways to commute. This October, take part in two national campaigns that encourage the use of public transit, ridesharing, and alternative modes of travel.

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, celebrate the 8^th annual California Clean Air Day by riding the train or bus! Public transit operators across Riverside County will be offering free rides on this day, including Metrolink, Riverside Transit Agency (including CommuterLink and GoMicro), and many others! If you’ve never ridden the bus or train before, now is the perfect time to get started.

Rideshare Week (October 6 – 10) encourages travelers to explore new ways to commute other than driving alone – such as carpooling, vanpooling, walking, biking, or public transit – and IE Commuter provides incentives for doing so. IE Commuter, the popular commuter program led by RCTC and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, provides ride-matching services, trip planning tools, and exciting prizes just for participating. Discover a smarter, more affordable way to commute by visiting IECommuter.org.

Funding for bus and passenger rail services, motorist assistance, and ridesharing programs used by Riverside County residents is thanks in part to Measure A; the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. By expanding travel options throughout the region, RCTC continues to improve mobility for the people of Riverside County. Learn more about Measure A by visiting: rctc.org/measure-a

The Riverside County Transportation Commission has released the 2025 update of the Draft Coordinated Public Transit–Human Services Transportation Plan (Coordinated Plan) and is inviting public input. The plan outlines mobility needs and gaps experienced by seniors, persons with disabilities, persons of low income, and tribal members living and traveling within Riverside County.

This updated draft plan reflects extensive community input including 800 survey responses, interviews with human social services agencies, and more than 40 community members actively participated in prioritizing strategies in the Coordinated Plan.

RCTC invites the public to review and comment on the Draft Coordinated Plan through October 13, 2025. Following the comment period, the final plan is expected to be presented to the Commission in November 2025.

To access the Draft Coordinated Plan and provide your input, please visit: rctc.org/coordinated-plan

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!