Redlands Passenger Rail
Encyclopedia
Redlands Passenger Rail is a proposed commuter rail line between San Bernardino
, California and the University of Redlands
in Redlands
.
Proposals for a rail connection between the two cities have been made as early as the 1990s; at one point, service was projected to start in 1995, while more recent projections pegged the start date at 2007 or 2013, and the latest plans are for service to start between 2015 and 2018.
The current plan was announced in September 2010 by the San Bernardino Associated Governments
(SANBAG). At the time, potential options for the mode of transportation included Metrolink
service, other types of electrified or diesel trains and buses. In April 2011, SANBAG announced that it had settled on conventional heavy rail equipment for the service. While electrified light rail was preferred, its $268.1 million cost was over the $250 million limit for the federal Small Starts transit grants that would have been used. The estimated cost of heavy rail service was $198.6 million, which can be paid for using federal transportation grants that are based on population and sales tax revenues. By 2011, the estimated cost of construction had dropped to an estimate of between $130 million and $150 million.
The route will be over a 9 miles (14.5 km) ex-Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
line. Plans are for five initial stations, three in Redlands and two in San Bernardino, and an initial ridership of between 1,600 and 1,800 passengers daily.
The first contract for the project was awarded on 2 November 2011 by SANBAG to HDR, Inc.
for engineering and environmental services. The contract was an amendment to an existing contract for HDR to work on a separate project in the region, the extension of Metrolink's San Bernardino Line to a new terminus within San Bernardino.
The first phase of construction will include replacing all track on the line, rebuilding five bridges, and installing 24 grade crossings. Work is expected to begin in late 2012 or 2013, with estimates of the beginning of service ranging from 2015 to as late as 2018. Service will begin with refurbished ex-Metrolink rolling stock operating on 30-minute peak period headways and hourly off-peak headways.
Depending on funding availability, phase two of the project would see light rail vehicles or diesel multiple units replace the conventional rolling stock, the construction of five more stations, and additional passing sidings to allow 15-minute peak period headways and 30-minute off-peak headways. The estimated construction cost is between $80 million and $100 million for light rail or between $120 million and $150 million for diesel multiple units. Running costs would be between $11 million and $14 million for light rail or between $12 million and $16 million for diesel multiple units. A potential further phase would expand trackage in a loop to Highland
and the San Bernardino International Airport
before returning to downtown San Bernardino.
San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California is a large city in the Inland Empire Metropolitan Area of Southern California.San Bernardino may also refer to:-Landforms:*San Bernardino , a torrent that flows through the Italian province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola...
, California and the University of Redlands
University of Redlands
The University of Redlands is a private liberal arts and sciences university located in Redlands, California. The university's campus sits on near downtown Redlands. The university was founded in 1907 and was associated with the American Baptist Church. The land for the university was donated by...
in Redlands
Redlands, California
Redlands is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 68,747, up from 63,591 at the 2000 census. The city is located east of downtown San Bernardino.- History :...
.
Proposals for a rail connection between the two cities have been made as early as the 1990s; at one point, service was projected to start in 1995, while more recent projections pegged the start date at 2007 or 2013, and the latest plans are for service to start between 2015 and 2018.
The current plan was announced in September 2010 by the San Bernardino Associated Governments
San Bernardino Associated Governments
San Bernardino Associated Governments is an association of local San Bernardino County governments. It is the metropolitan planning organization for the county, with policy makers consisting of mayors, councilmembers, and county supervisors, and the funding agency for the county's transit...
(SANBAG). At the time, potential options for the mode of transportation included Metrolink
Metrolink (Southern California)
Metrolink is a commuter rail system serving Los Angeles and the surrounding area of Southern California; it currently consists of six lines and 55 stations using of track....
service, other types of electrified or diesel trains and buses. In April 2011, SANBAG announced that it had settled on conventional heavy rail equipment for the service. While electrified light rail was preferred, its $268.1 million cost was over the $250 million limit for the federal Small Starts transit grants that would have been used. The estimated cost of heavy rail service was $198.6 million, which can be paid for using federal transportation grants that are based on population and sales tax revenues. By 2011, the estimated cost of construction had dropped to an estimate of between $130 million and $150 million.
The route will be over a 9 miles (14.5 km) ex-Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
line. Plans are for five initial stations, three in Redlands and two in San Bernardino, and an initial ridership of between 1,600 and 1,800 passengers daily.
The first contract for the project was awarded on 2 November 2011 by SANBAG to HDR, Inc.
HDR, Inc.
HDR Inc. is an employee-owned architectural, engineering and consulting firm based in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. HDR has worked on projects in all 50 U.S. states and in 60 countries, including notable projects such as the Hoover Dam Bypass, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, and the The Roslin Institute building...
for engineering and environmental services. The contract was an amendment to an existing contract for HDR to work on a separate project in the region, the extension of Metrolink's San Bernardino Line to a new terminus within San Bernardino.
The first phase of construction will include replacing all track on the line, rebuilding five bridges, and installing 24 grade crossings. Work is expected to begin in late 2012 or 2013, with estimates of the beginning of service ranging from 2015 to as late as 2018. Service will begin with refurbished ex-Metrolink rolling stock operating on 30-minute peak period headways and hourly off-peak headways.
Depending on funding availability, phase two of the project would see light rail vehicles or diesel multiple units replace the conventional rolling stock, the construction of five more stations, and additional passing sidings to allow 15-minute peak period headways and 30-minute off-peak headways. The estimated construction cost is between $80 million and $100 million for light rail or between $120 million and $150 million for diesel multiple units. Running costs would be between $11 million and $14 million for light rail or between $12 million and $16 million for diesel multiple units. A potential further phase would expand trackage in a loop to Highland
Highland, California
Highland is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The population in 2010 was 53,104, up from 44,605 at the 2000 census...
and the San Bernardino International Airport
San Bernardino International Airport
San Bernardino International Airport is a public airport located two miles southeast of the central business district of San Bernardino, California, in San Bernardino County, California, USA. The airport covers and has one runway. It is currently a general aviation and cargo airport located on...
before returning to downtown San Bernardino.