The Point: Perris Valley Line wins prestigious Transit Project of the Year from the California Transportation Foundation.
Nearly one year after the inaugural train departed the new Perris-South station on June 6, 2016, RCTC’s Perris Valley Line Metrolink Extension project was recognized as California’s 2017 Transit Project of the Year by the California Transportation Foundation (CTF).
Ridership has steadily grown on the 91/Perris Valley Line, which includes new stations at Riverside-Hunter Park/UCR, Moreno Valley/March Field, Perris-Downtown, and Perris-South. These stations serve Riverside County residents commuting to Los Angeles and Orange Counties but also support major employers within Riverside County such as UC-Riverside, March Air Reserve Base, and businesses and government employers in downtown Riverside.
Perris Valley Line is a 24-mile extension of Metrolink’s highly-popular 91 Line service, utilizing tracks owned by RCTC paralleling Interstate 215 known as the San Jacinto Branch Line. Included in the voter-approved Measure A half-cent sales tax expenditure plan, Perris Valley Line is a key component of RCTC’s strategy to reduce highway congestion and save time for Riverside County residents. It is also the first expansion of Southern California’s five-county commuter rail system in more than two decades, marking a historic moment for public transportation in Southern California and Riverside County. A $75 million Small Starts grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), along with funds from the California Transportation Commission (CTC) helped match local taxpayers’ Measure A investment.
The CTF award reflects statewide recognition of RCTC’s efforts to provide more mobility options for the residents and businesses of Riverside County.
Accepting the CTF award in Sacramento was RCTC First Vice Chair Dana Reed (Indian Wells), RCTC Commissioner and Metrolink Chair Andrew Kotyuk (San Jacinto), and RCTC Deputy Executive Director John Standiford.
Ride 91/Perris Valley Line at a discount!
For six months, beginning May 25, 2017, passengers using one of RCTC’s four new stations on the 91/Perris Valley Line (Riverside-Hunter Park/UCR, Moreno Valley/March Field, Perris-Downtown, and Perris-South) are eligible for discounted tickets. Discounts are also available for students, youth, and seniors.
