Downtown San Bernardino and Redlands Passenger Rail Projects
SANBAG is working to expand transit options in San Bernardino and Redlands. During the last several years, SANBAG has been studying the feasibility of utilizing the Redlands Subdivision, a 9-mile railroad corridor extending between Downtown San Bernardino and the University of Redlands, to introduce passenger rail service to this area.
To date, studies have been completed which determined that the use of this route for passenger rail service is appropriate and feasible, and there are a number of good options for stations locations.
- Redlands Passenger Rail CEQA/NEPA Public Scoping Presentation (shown 04/24/12)
- Redlands Passenger Rail Presentation (shown at the May 11 & 12 2011 public information meetings)
- Downtown San Bernardino Rail Presentation (shown at the May 17, 2011 scoping meeting)
Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report
for the Redlands Passenger Rail Project
The purpose of this notice is to notify agencies, organizations, and individuals that SANBAG plans to prepare a draft EIR and to request input on the environmental analysis to be performed. The 30-day scoping period for this project begins April 10, 2012 and ends on May 12, 2012. Please provide your scoping comments no later than June 10, 2011.
See the Official Notice of Preparation...
- Downtown San Bernardino Passenger Rail Project
- Redlands Passenger Rail Project
- Technologies
Project Purpose
- Expand mass transit use options for commuters traveling from west San Bernardino to Downtown.
- Use the existing rail right-of-way to help meet the growing local and regional travel markets.
- Reduce automobile trips, fuel consumption and pollution by providing alternatives to driving.
- Develop transit centers serving rapidly growing population and employment centers.
- Maximize transit connections for riders by linking new transit with intermodal hubs, such as the San Bernardino Intermodal Transit Center and Transit Village planned for Rialto Ave. and E St.
Project Status
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Downtown San Bernardino Passenger Rail Project team is preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) / Environmental Assessment (EA). This document will assess the site characteristics, site, nature, and timing of the proposed site-specific projects to determine whether the impacts are potentially significant and whether impacts can be avoided or mitigated. Community input is an important part of the environmental process. The EIR/EA will address the following:
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Project Purpose
- Expand mass transit use options for commuters traveling the I-10 corridor from Downtown San Bernardino to the University of Redlands.
- Use the existing rail right-of-way to help meet the growing local and regional travel markets.
- Improve transit travel time and meet regional and state goals to reduce greenhouse gases and create compact development
- Help cities use transit-oriented development (TOD) to coordinate land use and transportation goals.
- Maximize transit connections for riders by linking new transit with intermodal hubs, such as the Intermodal Transit Center and Transit Village planned for Rialto Ave. and E St.
Project Status
In spring 2011, a three-phased approach was identified for the Redlands Passenger Rail Project. It is as follows:
Phase 1
Route – Rialto Ave. & E St. at the Intermodal Transit Center and Transit Village to the University of Redlands
Project Description – Commuter rail* with five stations, single track, crossing & bridge improvements, 30-minute headways for peak periods, one-hour headways for off-peak periods
Station Locations – Intermodal Transit Center and Transit Village, Tippecanoe, New York, Downtown Redlands, University
Estimated Capital Cost - $130M – $150M
Estimated Annual Operating Cost - $8M
Funding Sources – Regional, state and federal funds
*See the technologies tab for descriptions of
each transit technology.
Phase 2
Route – Rialto Ave. & E St. at the Intermodal Transit Center and Transit Village to the University of Redlands
Project Description – Either Light Rail Transit (LRT) or Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU)*, addition of five stations, addition of passing tracks, 15-minute peak headways, 15 to 30-minute headways for off-peak
Additional Station Locations – Mill Street, Waterman Avenue, Mountain View, California, Alabama,
Estimated Capitol Cost - $80M-$100M for LRT; $120M-$150M DMU
Estimated Annual Operating Cost - $11M-$14M for LRT; $12-$16M for DMU
Funding Sources – Potential eligibility for Small Starts
*See the technologies tab for descriptions of
each transit technology.
Phase 3
Option 1 – Extension to San Bernardino International Airport with either LRT or DMU at a cost of $70M-$98M
Option 2 – Highlands Loop with either LRT or DMU at a cost of $275M-$335M
Technologies Under Consideration
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
Light Rail is an electric railway system, operating single or multiple car trains along exclusive rights-of-way at ground level, on aerial structures, in subways or in streets. Light Rail is normally powered by overhead electrical wires.
Commuter Rail (CR)
Commuter Rail is a short-haul rail passenger service operating in metropolitan and suburban areas on trackage that is usually part of the general railroad system. Trains are usually powered by deisel/electric engines. A good local example is Metrolink.
Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU)
Diesel Multiple Units are trains made up of multiple cars powered by on-board diesel engines. Sometimes, they are also referred to as railcars or railmotors.
SANBAG Contact
Mitch Alderman
Director of Transit/Rail Programs
Phone: (909) 884-8276
E-mail: malderman@sanbag.ca.gov