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With 2025 coming to a close, Cucamonga Station Partners would like to thank you for your continued interest and support to transform the region through transportation and to continue to elevate the Inland Empire as a destination of choice. 2026 will be an important year as new transit services are launched and construction activities ramp up.
In this issue of Cucamonga Station Connections, we have highlights from Brightline West joining regional leaders to provide an update on Cucamonga Station and High Desert stations activities, GOCAL's launch of GOAT - a new transit service in Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, ONT's “Celebrating a Decade of Local Control” campaign, Omnitrans' CEO named Chair of the California Transit Association, SBCTA's West Valley Connector Project update, a Brightline West Las Vegas Station construction progress video, and more.
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.
| | IERCC Panelists Put a Spotlight on Brightline West and Transportation Connectivity in San Bernardino County | | Approximately 200 people from the private and public sectors attended IERCC's "Brightline West: Full Speed Ahead" forum. | | |
On October 22, the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum on the latest transportation developments as part of the Brightline West high-speed passenger rail project. The event highlighted that high-speed rail is about far more than faster travel—it represents billions in projected economic opportunity, tens of thousands of new jobs, and the chance to position the Inland Empire and High Desert as a major gateway to Southern California and Las Vegas.
In addition to a broad update on how the project will reshape transportation across Southern California, Brightline West speaker Sarah Watterson also highlighted the elevated guest experience planned for the rail line. Among the features shared, guests will have the ability to check their baggage and have it delivered directly to their hotel, eliminating the need for baggage pickup at the station and making travel even more seamless.
Forum speakers included:
- Sarah Watterson, President of Brightline West
- Carrie Schindler, Executive Director of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
- John Gillison, City Manager (Ret.) of the City of Rancho Cucamonga
- Fiona Ma, CPA, California State Treasurer
- Ivo Tjan, Chairman, President & CEO of Commerce West Bank
To view a video recap of the event with highlights from panelists and attendees, click here.
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Forum Speakers (L to R): John Gilison, City Manager (Ret.) of the City of Rancho Cucamonga; Sarah
Watterson, President of Brightline West; Fiona Ma, Treasurer of the State of California; Carrie
Schindler, Executive Director of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority; and Edward Ornelas
Jr., President of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce
| | Greater Ontario Area Transportation (GOAT) System to Launch in January 2026 | | GOAT transportation shuttles will connect riders in Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga to key transportation, hotel, shopping and entertainment destinations. | | |
Cucamonga Station Partner Greater Ontario California (GOCAL) announced the launch of the Greater Ontario Area Transportation (GOAT) system—a new electric and hybrid shuttle service connecting Ontario International Airport (ONT) with hotels and major destinations across Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga. The program will officially debut to the public on January 26, 2026, kicking off a year of pilot operations.
Developed in partnership with the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, and operated by VIA Transportation, the GOAT will provide affordable, sustainable mobility options for travelers, visitors, and airline crew members. Initial routes will link Ontario International Airport (ONT) with local hotels, Ontario Mills, and Victoria Gardens, with future expansions planned to include Cucamonga Station, Haven City Market, Toyota Arena and ONT Field—the region’s new professional baseball stadium.
“The GOAT represents a major step forward in enhancing the visitor experience across our region,” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO of Greater Ontario California. “It’s about connecting people—from the airport to our hotels, shopping centers, and entertainment venues—while promoting sustainability and convenience for everyone who travels through our communities.”
The program will replace many existing hotel shuttle operations with an integrated, environmentally friendly system using a fleet of electric Ford eTransits and hybrid minivans. Riders will be able to book rides directly through the new GOAT app, powered by VIA, which will offer services in English, Spanish and Mandarin and feature options for pre-booked or on-demand trips.
Supported by federal transportation grant funding thru Congresswomen Norma Torres, secured by the City of Rancho Cucamonga, GOAT underscores the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism and smart mobility innovation. Vehicles will be housed at the Ontario Convention Center North campus.
“From Ontario International Airport to Victoria Gardens, this is about creating a seamless travel experience,” said Krouse. “The GOAT connects the dots between our greatest destinations—and it’s just the beginning of what’s to come.”
| | Ontario Airport: From Milestones to Momentum | | |
November marked the launch of a year-long celebration honoring the 10th anniversary of Ontario International Airport’s (ONT) historic return to local control—a turning point that has helped redefine the Inland Empire’s place in Southern California aviation and economic growth.
Anchored by the theme Reclaimed. Revived. Ready., the “Celebrating a Decade of Local Control” campaign will roll out a full year of community events, pop-ups, limited-edition merchandise, digital storytelling, and surprise activations throughout the airport.
Since regaining local control, ONT has experienced remarkable growth. Passenger volumes have surged more than 70%, and the airport now welcomes over 7 million travelers annually with nonstop service to destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and Asia.
To learn more about the Reclaimed. Revived. Ready. Campaign, click here.
Additionally, ONT is expanding its nonstop offerings with new service to Sonoma and Honolulu, giving Inland Empire travelers even more convenient ways to connect to the world. Alaska Airlines will launch nonstop flights to Sonoma in March 2026, followed by Southwest Airlines introducing nonstop service to Honolulu in June 2026.
These additions build on ONT’s expanding portfolio of destinations, offering Inland Empire residents more direct and convenient access to new cultures, business opportunities, and memorable travel experiences.
For the latest ONT news, visit their News & Press page.
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Omnitrans CEO Erin Rogers Named Chair of the California Transit Association
Omnitrans CEO and General Manager Erin Rogers has been named Chair of the California Transit Association for the next two years—a role in which she will help guide statewide efforts to advance public transportation and advocate for transit agencies and riders across California.
The California Transit Association works to protect, strengthen, and evolve public transit services that communities rely on, serving as the collective voice for public transportation at local, state, and federal levels.
Throughout her career, Rogers has championed connectivity, sustainability, and regional collaboration. Her leadership at Omnitrans and her involvement in bringing high-speed rail to Southern California through the Cucamonga Station partnership reflects a deep commitment to the transformative role transit plays in strengthening communities and expanding access.
Learn more about the California Transit Association.
| | Congratulations to Omnitrans CEO Erin Rogers named Chair of the California Transit Association. Erin is a transit advocacy champion for the region, the state and beyond. | | West Valley Connector Project Construction Update | |
Construction work continues to move forward on San Bernardino County Transportation Authority's 19-mile West Valley Connector Project—a 100% zero-emission Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that will improve transit connection to ONT, two Metrolink lines (San Bernardino and Riverside) and major activity centers including Ontario Mills and Victoria Gardens.
Crews are focused on the widening of Holt Boulevard to accommodate center-running BRT lanes and working on side-running stations in Pomona, Montclair and Ontario.
Additionally, on-site work at the Pomona Transit Center is anticipated to begin in mid-December 2025. For real-time construction information and to learn more about the project, click here.
| | Construction crews performing trenching activities for irrigation. | Crews sawcut and install a conduit line along Holt Boulevard. | | Brightline West Las Vegas Station Progress Video | While Brightline West work in California prepares to ramp up in 2026, construction of the Las Vegas station is in full swing. Check out the progress in Las Vegas as of November 2025. The video also highlights initial work to prepare for the construction of the Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Sloan, Nevada. Click here to view the video. | | |
February 2026
Cucamonga Station Transportation & Tourism Regional Virtual Update
· February 10, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Click here to RSVP for the free virtual event.
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