Train From Coachella Valley To Pass Area And LA: Public Hearings

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The public is being asked to weigh in on a proposed $1 billion passenger rail service that would take riders from the Coachella Valley to Los Angeles, passing through the San Gorgonio Pass Area and other nearby areas.

Virtual public hearings are set for Tuesday, June 22, and Saturday, June 26, for residents, commuters, and other stakeholders who want to share their thoughts about the proposed Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service draft environmental studies.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission, in partnership with Caltrans and the Federal Railroad Administration, is hosting the public hearings to provide an overview of the proposal. The hearings will also provide an opportunity for meeting participants to make comments on studies included in the draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIS).

Participants must use the Zoom links below at the scheduled dates and times. The content will be the same for both public hearings. For those unable to participate, a recording of the public hearing will be posted on the project webpage the week of June 28. The deadline to submit comments is July 6.

• Public Hearing #1: Tuesday, June 22, 6 p.m.
  • https://zoom.us/j/98860393291?pwd=VkJSUHRFaWRhUXhnM3BQRnBnb0Zqdz09
• Public Hearing #2: Saturday, June 26, 9 a.m.
  • https://zoom.us/j/99115218303?pwd=MHBFSnFTWS9ORGM0Z3pvNnFTVXN2UT09

Comments also will be accepted in writing, both online and by U.S. mail:

• https://www.regulations.gov/document/FRA-2021-0048-0002
• Federal Railroad Administration Amanda Ciampolillo, Environmental Protection Specialist 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590

The draft EIS/EIS is available for review at rctc.org/cvrail and at libraries at Los Angeles Union Station/Metro Library, Fullerton, Riverside, Colton, Loma Linda, Redlands, Beaumont, Banning, Palm Springs, Indio, and Coachella.

The proposed service would provide two daily roundtrips between Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley, a 144-mile route. Service could begin in about 10 years after the current EIS/EIR is completed, if RCTC and project partners receive environmental approvals, obtain commitments from the freight railroads, and secure funding for the estimated $1 billion project.

"The service would offer an alternative to driving or riding the bus, serve residential and job centers along the corridor, enhance access to Coachella Valley tourism and boost economic development from the tourism industry, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and improve air quality, especially in disadvantaged communities that align major highways," according to the RCTC.

Amtrak will likely provide the intercity service on existing tracks shared with other freight and passenger rail operators, according to the RCTC.

Learn more about the proposed project here.

Following the close of the public comment period on July 6, RCTC will respond to comments and prepare a Final EIS/EIR for Commission review and approval.