The Point: Comments accepted December 3-February 3 via email, US Mail, or at two public hearings for proposed project
RCTC has completed draft environmental studies for proposed improvements to the Metrolink Riverside-Downtown Station and is seeking comments from residents, commuters, and other interested parties, starting Friday, December 3.
Conducted in partnership with the Federal Transit Administration and Metrolink, the studies support an Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment for station improvements that will enhance safety at the station and increase mobility options in Riverside County.
“We are listening. RCTC is encouraging community members to provide feedback about this project, which will allow safer access to the station, a better experience for riders, more efficient train operations, and prepare for future growth in passenger train service in our county and the region,” said RCTC Chair Jan Harnik, who also serves as the Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Palm Desert.
The proposed project includes new features on the east side of the station and tracks:
- Building a new platform
- Constructing new tracks and making other track improvements
- Modifying the railroad signal system
- Extending the pedestrian bridge, including elevator and ADA access
- Relocating ADA parking
- Adding parking to the south side of station
- Modifying the bus drop-off area
- Adding sidewalks and lighting
The project is needed to expand capacity of the loading platform for Metrolink riders, and improve train operations, efficiency, connections, and the passenger experience at the station. Increasing freight train service causes delays to Metrolink service at the Riverside-Downtown Station. The improvements are needed to avoid Metrolink schedule conflicts with freight train traffic, reduce delays, and allow for future Metrolink service expansion.
The draft environmental studies will be available for review and comment on the RCTC website, rctc.org/riversidestation-enviro and at the following three locations:
- RCTC Offices, 4080 Lemon St., 3rd Floor, Riverside, CA 92501
- City of Riverside, 3900 Main St., 3rd Floor, Riverside, CA 92522
- Cesar Chavez Community Center, 2060 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92507
In addition, the project team will provide information and collect public feedback at a virtual public hearing and an in-person public hearing this month. Court reporters will be present at both meetings, and visitors may submit comments during the meetings or via email or US Mail by February 3. Spanish interpreters also will attend to assist attendees. City mandates require attendees to wear a face covering for the in-person public hearing.
