Transportation milestones in the first quarter of 2025 reinforces the power it has in the region's economy - now and in the future. In this issue of the Cucamonga Station Connections newsletter, we highlight connectivity through air, underground transit and active transportation projects that benefit the region.

Good news continues to come through on Brightline West's high-speed passenger rail project connecting Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga as investor confidence is riding high as the recent private bond sale activity far exceeded expectations.

As we look forward to National Transportation Week, May 16-22, keep an eye out for activities that highlight and recognize transportation in our region. We invite you to experience the ease and convenience of passenger service offerings from Omnitrans, ONT, and Metrolink to travel throughout the region. And if you prefer bike pedal power and enjoy the outdoors, check out the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail that runs through Rancho Cucamonga or visit San Bernardino County's Regional Parks Biking page for places to ride.

SAVE THE DATE!

Save the date for the Cucamonga Station Stakeholder Partner hosted: Regional Travel & Transportation Update that will take place on June 2, from 3 - 4:15 p.m. This online presentation is free and will feature a discussion and updates with panelists from the City of Rancho Cucamonga, GOCAL, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Q&A segment with other Transportation Partners. Click here to RSVP.

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.

The Ontario International Airport (ONT) Connector Project reached another critical milestone in its development process. At San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s (SBCTA) March 3 Board of Directors meeting, the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was adopted. 

The proposed ONT Connector project will create an underground transit connection between Cucamonga Station and ONT terminals. The project will seamlessly integrate into the multi-modal station, which will also serve as the terminus for the Brightline West electrified high-speed rail connection between Las Vegas and Southern California, as well as the zero-emission West Valley Connector bus rapid transit service coming in 2026.

Operated and maintained by Omnitrans, ONT Connector will feature a subway-like bi-directional system where passengers traveling to and from the airport will be transported in autonomous, zero-emission vehicles on an “on-demand” basis.

This innovative project will encourage ONT passengers to take bus and passenger rail services at Cucamonga Station, which will improve traffic conditions surrounding the airport and reduce car trips throughout the region.

Rendering of terminal station at ONT where passengers will board the on-demand autonomous vehicles to and from Cucamonga Station.

The newly completed 6th Street Cycle Track provides more than 1.75 miles of protected bikeways between Haven Avenue and Rochester Avenue.

Rancho Cucamonga partnered with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) to support their Active Transportation Projects across the County. Recently, the 6th Street Cycle Project was completed and opened to the public as part of this initiative The project was built as a Class IV protected bikeway along 6th Street from Haven Avenue to Rochester Avenue within the City’s HART District.

A cycle track is a protected bikeway designed to enhance cyclist safety and comfort by physically separating them from vehicular traffic. This protection is achieved through a combination of barriers such as pavement markings with delineators, curbs, bollards, and other physical barriers. The 6th Street Cycle Track includes both a buffered bikeway with delineators in certain sections and a raised cycle track in other sections. Other improvements included median, sidewalk, curb ramp, and curb and gutter upgrades.

This project provides cyclists with a safer and more accessible route and advances the City’s goal of enhancing its main bicycle network. 

Ontario International Airport (ONT) standing as Southern California’s newest global gateway recently announced new flights to Taipei and Mexico beginning in June and July 2025, respectively.

STARLUX is the newest ONT airline partner. Beginning on June 2, the Taipei-based carrier will offer nonstop service between ONT and Taipei four times a week – on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. This new service will provide a direct connection to Asia, with easy access to destinations including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.

Volaris, which currently offers twice-daily service between ONT and Guadalajara (GDL), will add nonstop service to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and León/Bajío International Airport (BJX) in Guanajuato beginning on July 4, and Morelia International Airport (MLM) in Michoacan beginning on July 5.

ONT continues to experience strong growth, with passenger volumes up by 3.6% in February 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. A total of 450,093 travelers passed through the airport in February, with 414,286 passengers flying domestically and 35,807 traveling internationally.

For the latest ONT News, click here.

Transportation in San Bernardino County is a mighty economic driver that generates billions in economic impact and creates tens of thousands of jobs annually. Moving people and goods through various modes of transportation throughout the county and beyond is big business.

Site Selection’s March 2025 Issue puts a spotlight on San Bernardino County and how airport growth is fueling the region’s economy. Consider these quick facts on Ontario International Airport:

• $3.8 billion and 28,000 jobs generated annually
• 7 million passengers served in 2024
• No. 10 in North America in annual air cargo

These are just a few numbers highlighting the impact ONT has on the economy in San Bernardino County. To learn more about how ONT and San Bernardino International Airport in the City of San Bernardino are driving economic expansion in the region, click here.

In mid-March, news outlets reported that Brightline West's $2.5 billion in private activity bond sales closed and far exceeded expectations, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. This marks another major financial milestone reached as Brightline West readies for heavy construction this year. Since the project groundbreaking in 2024, Brightline West has been conducting field investigation work along the 218-mile I-15 corridor from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga and at station sites. For the latest construction advisories, click here.

In early April, the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) held its annual conference. The revamped Cucamonga Station video, which highlights the transformative connectivity efforts underway and regional outreach partners involved, received an Award of Distinction (with over 500 entries received) in the category of best marketing video of 2024. This award is possible because of the shared vision to elevate the Inland Empire region as a travel and economic destination. On behalf of the Cucamonga Station team, many thanks to the partners, stakeholders, business leaders and community members for the collaboration and support for the multi-modal station that will be at the heart of connectivity in the region. To view the video, click on the video link below.

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 initiative and look forward to having other agencies and entities join their efforts. To learn more, visit www.CucamongaStation.com.