Redlands Passenger Rail Project (RPRP), California – Railway Technology

This article delves into the Redlands Passenger Rail Project (RPRP), a significant undertaking aimed at expanding commuter rail service in Southern California. The project’s primary goal is to connect the cities of San Bernardino and Redlands, providing a vital transportation link for residents and fostering economic growth in the region. This analysis will examine the project’s planning, design, construction, and anticipated operational aspects, highlighting its technical complexities, financial considerations, and potential societal impact. The project’s success hinges on meticulous planning, effective stakeholder engagement, and the seamless integration of various technological and logistical components, all within a defined budget and timeline. The ultimate aim is to assess the viability and efficiency of this project as a model for future rail expansion initiatives in similar contexts.

Project Overview and Planning

The RPRP represents a substantial investment in expanding rail transit infrastructure in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. Initiated by the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), the project secured crucial approvals, including the Notice of Determination (NoD) in March 2015 and the Record of Decision (RoD) from the US Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in February 2016, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This comprehensive planning phase ensured environmental considerations were addressed and necessary permits obtained, paving the way for the subsequent design and construction stages.

Design and Construction

The project’s design phase commenced in 2015, focusing on several key aspects: construction of new track, rehabilitation and upgrades of existing bridges, utilization of the existing train layover and maintenance facility, and crucial safety improvements at 22 at-grade crossings, including the closure of five. The construction of four new ADA-compliant stations (San Bernardino Transit Centre, Waterman Avenue, New York Street, and Downtown Redlands) with level boarding options for wheelchair accessibility was also central to the design. The project’s commitment to accessibility underscores its focus on inclusive transportation solutions.

Rolling Stock and Operations

The RPRP plans to utilize modern Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) equipped with Tier 4 emission technology for regular service between San Bernardino and Redlands. These DMUs offer significant advantages over conventional locomotive-hauled trains, including quieter operation, enhanced fuel efficiency, and reduced operational costs. In addition, a Metrolink locomotive-hauled coach train will provide limited-stop express service to Downtown Redlands from Los Angeles. The anticipated service frequency is every 30 minutes during peak hours and every 60 minutes during off-peak hours, operating from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. This robust operational plan ensures sufficient capacity to meet anticipated passenger demand.

Project Management and Funding

The RPRP is overseen by RailPros as the lead program manager, with CH2M providing crucial support in project development and implementation, including assistance with vehicle acquisition and fare collection system studies. Securing agreements with San Bernardino and Redlands cities to designate the corridor a “quiet zone” (restricting train horn use except in emergencies) demonstrates effective collaboration among stakeholders. The project’s estimated total cost is $250 million, sourced from local, state, and federal governments, supplemented by Measure I, a county-wide sales tax for transportation improvements. A significant $8 million contribution from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) through the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant underscores the project’s national significance. Annual operational and maintenance costs are projected between $8 million and $10 million.

Conclusions

The Redlands Passenger Rail Project represents a substantial investment in improving transportation infrastructure in the Inland Empire. The project’s success hinges on several factors, including effective project management, seamless integration of various technological components, and successful stakeholder engagement. The careful planning, which included securing necessary environmental approvals and securing funding from multiple sources, demonstrates a commitment to a sustainable and responsible development approach. The decision to utilize modern, fuel-efficient DMUs aligns with environmental sustainability goals, while the provision of ADA-compliant stations ensures inclusivity. While the initial projected completion date of 2020 may not have been met (further information would be needed to ascertain the current status), the overall project goals remain significant. The project’s completion will offer a significant improvement in commuter rail services, connecting two important cities, enhancing regional accessibility, stimulating economic activity, and ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and interconnected transportation network in Southern California. The RPRP serves as a valuable case study for future rail expansion projects, illustrating the importance of comprehensive planning, robust funding strategies, and a commitment to both technological advancement and community accessibility.

Company Information:

SANBAG: San Bernardino Associated Governments – A regional planning agency.

FTA: US Federal Transit Administration – A federal agency responsible for public transit.

RailPros: A railway project management company.

CH2M: (Now part of Jacobs) An engineering and construction firm.

DOT: US Department of Transportation – The federal agency responsible for transportation infrastructure.

Metrolink: Southern California’s regional commuter rail system.