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Summer is arriving with momentum across San Bernardino County as Cucamonga Station Partners continue advancing projects and initiatives that strengthen transportation connectivity, travel and tourism, and economic development.
In May, our region joined communities across the country in recognizing National Travel and Tourism Week, which celebrated the essential role travel plays in supporting the economy, strengthening communities and connecting people to places and experiences. The following week, National Transportation Week recognized the systems, projects and people that help move residents, workers, visitors and goods across the country.
For Cucamonga Station Partners, these national observances reflect work already underway across the region—from Ontario International Airport's (ONT) continued growth, to San Bernardino County Transportation Authority's (SBCTA) and Omnitrans’ West Valley Connector Project, Metrolink connections, Greater Ontario California's (GOCAL) destination marketing efforts and the City of Rancho Cucamonga and Town of Apple Valley’s commitment to future regional mobility.
If you'd like to see and hear about the latest developments and new business opportunities tied to transportation development, please email CucamongaStation@CityofRC.us.
| | ONT BOLD Expansion Project Moves Forward as Summer Travel Takes Off | | |
Ontario International Airport is preparing for another busy summer travel season while also taking an important step toward its long-term future.
In May, ONT released a Notice of Preparation for an Environmental Impact Report for the ONT BOLD (Building Our Legacy & Destiny) program. The proposed project includes a new Terminal 3, modernization of Terminals 2 and 4, and improvements to terminal roadways, curbs, parking, rental car facilities, aircraft apron areas, and other key airport infrastructure. Click here to read the full news release with additional information on the project that is anticipated to be completed over 10 years.
At the same time, ONT is forecasting more than 2.2 million passengers during the summer travel season, supported by new and expanded air service to destinations including Boise, Santa Rosa, Honolulu, Houston, San Francisco, Atlanta, Seattle and New York/JFK. Read more on ONT’s summer travel forecast news release.
Closing out the busy month of May, Ontario International Airport Authority officials presented a check for nearly $83,000 raised through this year’s ONT’s 5K at the Runway in support of the Bob Hope USO at ONT and military service members traveling through Southern California. More than 2,000 runners, walkers, sponsors, and supporters came together in February for one of the Inland Empire’s most unique community events and helped make a real impact for those who serve our country. Read the press release on the positive impact supporting the USO.
| | Town of Apple Valley Awarded Funding for Complete Streets Project, SBCTA Advances Discussions on RAISE Agreement for Brightline West High Desert Stations | | SBCTA’s Board of Director’s voted to execute an agreement for the $25 million RAISE grant for design and construction of the Brightline West High Desert Stations, which includes the Apple Valley Station. | | |
As Cucamonga Station Partners continue working together to strengthen regional mobility, the Town of Apple Valley is advancing local investments that support safer streets, improved access and future high-speed passenger rail connectivity in the High Desert.
Earlier this year, the Town of Apple Valley was awarded $9.9 million in Federal Safe Street for All funding to advance its Complete Streets Implementation Project—a $12.4 million total investment focused on improving safety, accessibility and mobility for all roadway users. Improvements are planned along approximately 3.4 miles of Dale Evans Parkway, Thunderbird Road and Otoe Road, with new protected pedestrian and bicycle facilities, high-visibility crosswalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, traffic calming features and improved intersections.
The investment complements Apple Valley’s long-term planning for future transportation connections, including the planned Brightline West Apple Valley Station in the northern part of Town. SBCTA is also advancing work tied to the Brightline West High Desert Stations, which also includes the Hesperia Station, through the $25 million RAISE grant agreement for station design and construction. At the June 3, 2026 board meeting, SBCTA directors approved the agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
| | West Valley Connector Construction and Public Art Continue to Take Shape | | About 3.5 miles of center-running, bus only lanes are being constructed along the West Valley Connector corridor. | | |
Progress continues on the West Valley Connector Project, the 100 percent zero-emission Bus Rapid Transit line being led by SBCTA and set to be operated by Omnitrans.
Phase 1 of the project is 19 miles and will upgrade a portion of existing Route 61 along Holt Boulevard, including about 3.5 miles of center-running, dedicated bus-only lanes. Once complete, the project will feature 21 stations and provide improved transit connections to ONT, the Metrolink San Bernardino (at Cucamonga Station) and Riverside lines, Ontario Mills, Victoria Gardens and other major activity centers. Planned service headways are 10 minutes during peak commute and 15 minutes during off-peak periods.
The project is also creating an opportunity for local artists to help tell the story of communities along the route. SBCTA invited artists to submit applications for artwork for utility boxes at 33 locations along the corridor in Ontario, Montclair, Rancho Cucamonga and Pomona. Selected artists are expected to develop concepts, with final artwork designs anticipated later this summer.
| | Construction crews work on street widening improvements at the intersection of Holt Avenue and Allyn Avenue in Ontario. | | West Valley Connector stations such as this one on Holt Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue are being constructed along the 19-mile route. | | GOCAL Celebrates 10 Years of the California Welcome Center | | Staff, mascots and face painters welcomed families to the 10-year celebration on May 16 at the California Welcome Center at Ontario Mills. | | |
GOCAL recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the California Welcome Center at Ontario Mills.
For 10 years, the California Welcome Center in Ontario has helped connect visitors to the hotels, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, sporting events, attractions and experiences that make Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding region a destination of choice in Southern California.
As summer begins, GOCAL continues to showcase the region’s travel and tourism opportunities from ONT and major entertainment venues to Route 66 experiences, local events and family-friendly destinations. Explore the Welcome Center’s website by clicking here.
| | Rancho Cucamonga Celebrates 100 Years of Route 66 | |
The Route 66 Centennial is underway, and Rancho Cucamonga is proudly celebrating its place along America’s Mother Road.
Through the City’s year-long Route 66 Centennial celebration, residents and visitors are invited to experience the legacy of Route 66, where historic landmarks, community pride and classic roadside culture come together. In Rancho Cucamonga, that history includes the Historic Cucamonga Service Station, which continues to attract Route 66 visitors from across the country and around the world.
On Saturday, June 27, the Cucamonga Classic Car Show will bring classic cars, custom builds, vendors, food, music and family-friendly fun to The Sycamore Inn (8318 Foothill Boulevard) on historic Route 66. The free event is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is expected to feature more than 100 pre-1980s vehicles.
Looking ahead to September 18 and 19, Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion in Ontario will continue the Centennial celebration with special events including a Pancake Breakfast on Friday, September 18 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the RC Sports Center (8303 Rochester Avenue), raising funds to help build “The Garage” at the Historic Cucamonga Station Service Station. The Route 66 Poker Run will also take place that morning from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., giving participants a chance to enjoy the drive, make five stops, build their poker hand and support Route 66 in the Inland Empire.
| Rancho Cucamonga Businesses Driving Economic Development Celebrated at Morongo Field | | |
The City of Rancho Cucamonga celebrated Business Appreciation Month in May with a series of programs and events recognizing the local businesses that help drive economic growth, create jobs and strengthen the community.
The month kicked off with Business Appreciation Night on May 1 at a Rancho Cucamonga Quakes home game at Morongo Field at the Quakes’ Epicenter, bringing together over 100 local businesses with 527 representatives in attendance.
Throughout the month, the City and its partners hosted workshops, networking events, business resource opportunities and celebrations that shined a spotlight on the entrepreneurs and business owners who make Rancho Cucamonga thrive.
As Cucamonga Station Partners continue to focus on transportation, tourism and economic development, Rancho Cucamonga’s strong business community remains an important part of the region’s continued momentum.
| FIFA World Cup Regional Connectivity News and GOCAL Finals Match Watch Party at Toyota Arena | | With the 2026 FIFA World Cup upon us, Cucamonga Station Partner Metrolink is adding special service on all eight local match days at Los Angeles Stadium, known as SoFi Stadium, and across the four-day Union Station Fan Zone. Metrolink service is being supplemented to the regular schedule across its 91/Perris Valley, Antelope Valley, Orange County, San Bernardino (which includes Cucamonga Station), and Ventura County lines, with late-night options built around evening matches so fans can stay for the final whistle and still get home. Metrolink ticket holders will receive free transfers to Metro Bus and rail services to help people get to their World Cup destination. | | | |
Cucamonga Station Partner Omnitrans is also supporting transportation services during the World Cup as a transit partner to Metro. With parking limited at Los Angeles Stadium, Omnitrans is one of 10 regional transit providers and charter bus companies working to ensure everyone has a fast, affordable ride to the eight matches at Los Angeles Stadium. Omnitrans World Cup Enhanced Service buses were recently seen at the Downtown San Bernardino Transit Center. Click here, to learn more about Metro World Cup Enhanced Service.
Finally, GOCAL has announced it will host a FREE World Cup finals watch party at the Toyota Arena in the City of Ontario on Sunday, July 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
| | | This community celebration will bring together residents, families and fans to experience the excitement of the world’s biggest match in a shared, hometown setting. Toyota Arena will be transformed into a lively viewing space with large screens, great food and beverage options, local vendors, and family-friendly activities that showcase the spirit and pride of Greater Ontario. Click here to register for free passes to this highly anticipated watch party. | | | | | |
