Redlands Transit Alternaives
SANBAG is in the early planning stages to extend passenger rail service between the San Bernardino Metrolink station and the City of Redlands. Stations serving residents and commuters in the Redlands, Loma Linda and San Bernardino areas have been proposed and are being studied.
The following station locations have been proposed:
- Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino
- Mill Street, San Bernardino
- Tippecanoe Avenue, San Bernardino
- California Street, Redlands
- Alabama Street, Redlands
- Downtown Redlands
(three options are being considered for the downtown area) - University of Redlands
- See the Power Point Presentation given in March, 2007 (12.5 MB Acrobat pdf)
- Read the Updated Draft Plans for Redlands Rail Stations (24MB Acrobat pdf)
- See a map of the proposed station locations (960k Acrobat pdf)
The new service would connect from a future Metrolink station at Rialto Avenue and E Street in San Bernardino using a rail vehicle called a Diesel Multiple Unit. Diesel Multiple Unit vehicles are self-propelled, single-level rail cars that each can carry 100 to 160 seated passengers. During peak travel periods, two cars operate as a train set, carrying 200 to 320 seated passengers total.
Meetings were held in July and August 2006 to present information about station locations and plans for development around each station. This type of development – called Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) or Transit Villages – can include features like housing, walking trails, bike paths, lockers, retail stores, offices, businesses, entertainment venues and parks. TOD offers environmental, economic and social benefits, such as decreased traffic congestion, efficient land use, the possibility of land redevelopment, health benefits from walking and cycling, and greater mobility choices.
Community support for TOD is vital to receiving federal funds for this new service. Funding for the rail service extension – estimated to cost $150 million – would come from an equal amount of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds and Measure I local sales tax funds. In order to quality for FTA funds under the “Small Starts” grant program, projects must have evidence of TOD support and provide an impetus for economic development. Projects that do not have sufficient community support for TOD or that do not promote economic development are not likely to receive funding. This community support must be evident through land-use policies adopted by each city and public comments.
During the community meetings held in July and August, land-use alternatives for each proposed rail station were presented for public review. Select the alternative to see a map:
- Rialto Transcenter Station Area A
- Mill Street Station Area B
- Tippecanoe Avenue Station Area C
- California Street Station Area D
- Alabama Street Station Area E
- Downtown Redlands Alternative Station Locations
- University of Redlands Station Area G
Future steps for this project include the adoption of land use policies and economic development plans for each station, an analysis of cost effectiveness and other detailed requirements for federal funding, preparation of an application for federal funding and further work to lead to station construction.
SANBAG Contact
Mike Bair
Director of Transit/Rail Programs
Phone: (909) 884-8276
E-mail: mbair@sanbag.ca.gov