The last few weeks have been a transformative period for transportation in the Inland Empire. From record travel connections at ONT to Omnitrans and SBCTA's West Valley Connector Project finalizing key agreements, and Brightline West clearing environmental studies and permitting, significant leaps forward have occurred in the build-out of a world-class regional transportation hub—and there is more to follow in the coming months.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Cucamonga Station CONNECTIONS and encourage you to share it with your peers and friends.

One final note: We are in the process of expanding our reach by taking our presentations on the road. If you are interested in having the project team provide an update to your professional or community group, be sure to reach out and let us know. Please email the City of Rancho Cucamonga at [email protected] to coordinate a presentation.

Rendering of Brightline West high-speed train traveling through the

High Desert. *Artistic renderings subject to change.

The Federal Railroad Administration has approved the environmental review and permitting process for Brightline West, the first true high-speed rail system in America that will connect Las Vegas to Southern California through Cucamonga Station in Rancho Cucamonga with stops in Hesperia and Apple Valley.

A Finding of No Significant Impact was determined by the FRA for the nearly 50-mile stretch between Rancho Cucamonga and Victor Valley. This was the final environmental clearance needed for the project to continue moving forward. The environmental review process for the stretch between Las Vegas and Victor Valley was reviewed in 2020 after it had been originally approved in 2011. According to Brightline West, groundbreaking for the rail portion of construction may take place by the end of 2023.



The 218-mile system will be fully electric with train speeds capable of reaching speeds of 186+ miles per hour. The route will follow the Interstate 15 corridor along the median and starts with a southern terminus at Cucamonga Station, stopping at High Desert stations in Hesperia and Apple Valley (referred to by Brightline West as the "Victor Valley Station"), then ending at the northern terminus in Las Vegas, with an expected travel time of just 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Rendering of a West Valley Connector Purple Line sbX station.

*Artistic renderings subject to change.

Omnitrans and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s (SBCTA) West Valley Connector project is one step closer to construction, thanks to SBCTA Board and Rancho Cucamonga City Council approvals last month concluding agreements between the entities of Ontario International Airport Authority and the cities of Montclair, Ontario, Pomona & Rancho Cucamonga to establish project responsibilities.

The West Valley Connector project, also known as the sbX Purple Line, will be a 19-mile bus rapid transit corridor between San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties that features electric vehicles, dedicated bus lanes and stops. The route will connect destinations including Ontario International Airport, Victoria Gardens, Ontario Mills Mall, Toyota Arena and, of course, Cucamonga Station! Service is set to begin in early 2026.

For the latest project information, visit: West Valley Connector BRT.

West Valley Connector BRT System Map.

Rendering of a High Desert Brightline West station. *Artistic renderings subject to change.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant. The award will fund the final design and construction of two Brightline West intercity passenger rail stations and associated facilities in Hesperia and Apple Valley.

The RAISE program funds surface transportation projects that have a significant local and regional impact, and address racial equity and barriers to opportunity. The High Desert stations will provide high-speed rail service to Rancho Cucamonga where riders can easily transfer at Cucamonga Station to Metrolink's San Bernardino line connecting to San Bernardino/Redlands or to downtown Los Angeles or take a direct shuttle to Ontario International Airport.

Cucamonga Station interconnectivity map.

Cucamonga Station: The news of Brightline West clearing the final environmental approval and permitting process has garnered extensive media coverage throughout the region and nation. For a local perspective, check out the Daily Bulletin's coverage from July 28, 2023.

Nationally, the news was covered by a variety of news sources including travel industry outlets such as TravelAwaits.

Ontario International Airport (ONT): June was another record month at ONT as it broke the marks for both total passengers and international travelers - a record that was just broken the previous month. More than 559,000 travelers came through ONT in June and there were more than 37,000 international travelers during the same time. In just the first six months of the year, total passenger volume was nearly 3 million, 12.4% greater than the first half of 2022. The breakdown was 2.8 million domestic travelers and 176,000 international passengers.

Greater Ontario California (GOCAL): The Greater Ontario's hospitality sector has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels and contributed nearly $100 million to the local economy this past year, according to Greater Ontario California (GOCAL), which promotes the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga. The region has emerged as Southern California's fastest-growing destination. Greater Ontario's Tourism Marketing District features 68 hotels and 6,749 hotel rooms and is the hub of a growing Inland Empire hospitality scene that employs more than 180,000 workers and generates $1.2 billion a year in local and state tax revenues.

San Bernadino County: San Bernardino County has done it again! Last year, the County led the nation with 82 awards from the National Association of Counties for innovation and service. This year, we nearly doubled our record with 160 NACo awards – more than any other county in the country once again. Under the leadership and support of the Board of Supervisors, the county was honored for disaster response, economic development, customer service, serving seniors and children, addressing homelessness, animal care, mental health, our parks, and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, tackling crime, establishing the Curtain of Courage Memorial, and more. Click here to see all of the County’s awards.

San Bernardino County’s public service professionals are driven by a passion to make their communities prosper, thrive, and succeed. They are supported by County leadership that fosters talent and new ideas and rewards commitment and excellence.

September 27, 2023: Don’t miss this year’s San Bernardino County's State of the County. Join local business leaders throughout the region on September 27 at the Ontario Convention Center, brought to you by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

This premier networking event brings together more than 1,000 business, government, and community leaders to experience what makes San Bernardino County a leading choice for business investment and job creation.

For 2023, we are recognizing the county initiatives that are moving the Countywide Vision forward as well as highlighting the global, national, and local business leaders that are investing in the region. Visit SB State of the County for more information and to register.

The Cucamonga Station CONNECTIONS newsletter is an update to share about the transformation happening in and around Cucamonga Station, transportation updates and partner highlights. Be sure to subscribe to stay connected and share with those you feel may be interested in following along.

About our Cucamonga Station Regional Outreach Partners - The City of Rancho Cucamonga, Greater Ontario California (GOCAL), Omnitrans, Ontario International Airport, and San Bernardino County have established a collaborative regional outreach and engagement effort. To learn more, visit www.CucamongaStation.com.