With summer in full swing, momentum across the region shows no signs of slowing down. Ontario International Airport is closing out a record first half of the year, GOCAL is reporting its strongest tourism impact to date, and two big fall events are coming to Rancho Cucamonga. Cucamonga Station Partners continue to advance the transportation and tourism connections that keep our region moving forward.

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.

A new independent study released on August 11, 2026, puts hard numbers behind what the Inland Empire has experienced firsthand: Ontario International Airport (ONT) has become one of Southern California's most powerful economic engines, and its growth over the past decade has been remarkable by any measure.

An analysis by Oxford Economics finds that ONT generated $4.8 billion in annual economic output in 2024, supported 24,300 jobs, and contributed $3 billion to regional gross domestic product across Southern California. The report concludes that ONT's total economic impact has grown by more than 75% since the airport returned to local control under the Ontario International Airport Authority in November 2016. This marks one of the most significant turnarounds of any major airport in the United States. Read the full release here.

The growth has been broad-based. Economic output rose from $2.7 billion to $4.8 billion, a 78% increase. Regional GDP grew from $1.7 billion to $3 billion. Jobs supported by airport activity increased 72%, from 14,100 to 24,300. And tax revenues generated by airport-related activity climbed from $490 million to $820 million annually. The report also underscores ONT's role at the center of one of North America's premier logistics hubs. In the eight surrounding ZIP codes, logistics and supply chain activity generates $14.1 billion in GDP and supports 150,000 jobs.

ONT's 2026 performance reinforces the strong trajectory. The airport welcomed more than 3.4 million travelers in the first six months of 2026, an increase of almost 2% over last year and the strongest half-year total since the airport returned to local ownership a decade ago, driven in part by a nearly 46% jump in international travel. Read the full announcement on TSA PreCheck growth.

Traveler behavior is shifting as well. TSA PreCheck participation has doubled over the past two years, growing from 13% of departing passengers to 26% today and climbing as high as half of all travelers during Terminal 4's busiest periods. Read more in ONT's mid-year passenger release.

Continued infrastructure investment is keeping pace with that growth. The airport was recently awarded a $7.37 million FAA grant for north runway improvements, and ONT opened a dramatically expanded passenger screening checkpoint in Terminal 2, with similar upgrades coming soon to Terminal 4. The project adds new lanes, a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane, and updated security and passenger-guidance technology, marking one of the most significant improvements to ONT's passenger processing system since local ownership began. Read more in ONT's FAA runway grant announcement and its passenger screening expansion release.

Terminal 2 now features six screening lanes, including space for a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane.

GOCAL's FY2025-26 Annual Report tells a strong story for the Greater Ontario region, recording a total tourism economic impact of $125.5 million—a $12.5 million increase over the prior year.

A key driver of that connectivity is the Greater Ontario Area Transportation, also known as the GOAT—GOCAL's free, app-based shuttle system that launched in January 2026, linking hotels with Ontario International Airport, Victoria Gardens, Ontario Mills, and destinations across Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga. The service runs from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. Developed in partnership with the Cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga and funded in part through a federal grant secured by Congresswoman Norma Torres, the electric and hybrid fleet also includes an accessible vehicle equipped with a wheelchair lift, ensuring the service is open to all.

Through the first six months of operation, the GOAT logged 27,793 ride requests and completed 13,112 rides, earning a 4.9-star average rating with 97% of rides receiving a perfect five stars. The service gained momentum as awareness grew, with the April through June quarter alone accounting for 7,263 completed rides.

Be sure to try out this free, convenient service to get to key destinations in Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga by clicking the button below.

Get ready to hit the road and celebrate 100 years of the Mother Road as GOCAL brings Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion festivities to Rancho Cucamonga on Friday, September 18.

Start the morning with a Pancake Breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the RC Sports Center (8303 Rochester Avenue). Then, join the Route 66 Poker Run along historic Foothill Boulevard from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All vehicles are welcome, so register to join the cruise or simply stop by for breakfast and be part of the Route 66 centennial celebration.

Proceeds from both activities benefit the Route 66 Inland Empire California Association (IECA), the nonprofit organization supporting the historic Cucamonga Service Station. Funds will help support construction of The Garage, a new educational space connected to the station, as well as ongoing restoration efforts.

Make plans to join us for breakfast, take a drive down historic Route 66 and help preserve a piece of local history for generations to come.

San Bernardino County Economic Development Earns National Recognition

Congratulations to Cucamonga Station Partner San Bernardino County as its Economic Development Department was recently honored with four National Association of Counties (NACo) 2026 Achievement Awards, recognizing innovative programs that are strengthening the regional economy, supporting local businesses, and advancing community development across the county. San Bernardino County is a strong advocate for transportation, travel and tourism–all of which help drive economic development.

SBCTA Approves Record $1.4 Billion Transportation Budget

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority unanimously approved its largest budget in agency history for FY2026/2027–more than $1.4 billion supporting major highway, rail, and mobility projects countywide. The record investment reflects continued momentum behind the transportation improvements that keep San Bernardino County and the greater Inland Empire connected and moving forward.

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