As we transition from summer to fall, the end of summer was capped off with a flurry of activities that highlight how Cucamonga Station Partners are working together to elevate the region through transportation, tourism, and economic development.

In this issue of Cucamonga Station Connections, we recap San Bernardino County's State of the County event, share updates on Brightline West's early construction activities, preview a new video series highlighting Cucamonga Station Partners and their role in connecting the region, and congratulate ONT for being ranked the #2 medium airport by J.D. Power.

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. 

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and county administration leaders welcomed more than 1,300 attendees at this year's State of the County.

Cucamonga Station Partner, Greater Ontario California (GOCAL), hosted more than 1,300 business, government and community leaders at the 2025 State of the County event on September 17 at the Ontario Convention Center. Attendees learned how San Bernardino County is building a stronger tomorrow through workforce development, technology and innovation, entertainment and tourism, mining and natural resources, and manufacturing industries.

This year's program included student leaders from across the county playing an integral role presenting information on leading economic sectors and their top employers alongside the Board of Supervisors.

One of the businesses featured included Cucamonga Station Partner, Ontario International Airport (ONT). ONT CEO Atif Elkadi and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe, discussed how ONT has transformed into a national and international leader in transportation since the airport returned to local control nine years ago. Since then, passenger travel has increased by more than 70 percent by focusing on exceptional customer experience and ease of access.

ONT's mission to boldly connect the Inland Empire to the world is leading the way to continued expansion and connectivity that further cements the region as a destination of choice for travelers and businesses.

To view the full recording of this year’s event, please visit San Bernardino County’s YouTube page.

High School student leaders from each of the County's supervisorial districts played an integral role in presenting economic highlights and key employers.

Grading work at Brightline West's Las Vegas station property (August 20, 2025, L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Grading work is underway at Brightline West's land on Las Vegas Boulevard between Blue Diamond Road and Warm Springs Road. This location is where Brightline West will build its high-speed rail station and parking garage for passengers.

Other early construction work in Nevada includes the relocation of utilities at the station site, which required overnight closures in late August at I-15 and Sloan Road in Las Vegas.

In Rancho Cucamonga, Brightline West set up temporary work zones at Cucamonga Station for potholing work that occurred in early September that will support ongoing utility design.

For the latest information on construction activities in California and Nevada, visit Brightline West's Construction Advisories website page.

A new video series highlighting Cucamonga Station Partners and the vital role they play in advancing transportation connectivity, tourism, and economic development across the region launches this fall.

The series features insights from:

• City of Rancho Cucamonga - on the vision of Cucamonga Station and economic momentum
• Metrolink - on passenger rail service and how Brightline West coming to Cucamonga Station will benefit the region
• Omnitrans - on new and existing bus service connectivity in the region
• Ontario International Airport (ONT) - on airport access and growth
• San Bernardino County - on economic development
• Greater Ontario California (GOCAL) - on tourism and connectivity
• Town of Apple Valley - on the future of high-speed rail in the High Desert

Watch the first episode by clicking here to hear from San Bernardino County and learn about the economic impact of Cucamonga Station.

Ontario International Airport (ONT) reached new heights in the latest J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, ranking number two among medium-size airports. The Southern California gateway rose from number four in 2024, reinforcing its reputation as one of the nation’s most passenger-friendly airports.

ONT earned a customer satisfaction score of 709 – just four points behind top-ranked Indianapolis International Airport – and ahead of Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which placed third with a score of 698. The J.D. Power study measures passenger satisfaction across seven key dimensions, including ease of travel, level of trust, terminal facilities, airport staff, and the food, beverage and retail experience. Congratulations to ONT on this major achievement.

To learn more about ONT’s recognition from the J.D. Power Study, click here.

In other news, passenger and cargo volumes continued to grow at ONT in August, extending its run of year-over-year gains to 54 and 14 consecutive months, respectively. The Southern California gateway posted 646,820 passengers for August, an increase of 0.5% over last year, while air cargo was more than 69,000 tons, up about 1%.

The August passenger total included 592,870 domestic customers and 53,950 international travelers – the latter representing an increase of 53.7% year-over-year. ONT has experienced a surge in international travel since the launch of new air service to Mexico and Taiwan earlier in the summer. 

To learn more about ONT’s record breaking passenger and cargo volumes, click here. 

On October 22, 2025, the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a one-day forum featuring exclusive updates, policy insights, and economic forecasts on Brightline West and the future of high-speed rail in the Inland Empire.

Attendees will learn how high-speed rail goes beyond faster travel – unlocking billions in economic opportunity, creating tens of thousands of jobs, and positioning the region as a gateway between Southern California and Las Vegas.

Learn more and register today: http://bit.ly/46Qf8aL.

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.