The US Department of Transportation (DoT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has granted $75m to the Riverside County Transportation Commission to extend the 24-mile Metrolink 91 commuter rail line from Riverside to Perris, California.
The rail line extension is expected to attract 4,300 passengers each day and is deisgned to reduce traffic on I-215 highway and improve transit options for commuters east and south of downtown Riverside.
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Work on the $248m extension project is expected to be completed by December 2015. It will include construction of four new stations along the route with parking at Riverside Hunter Park, Moreno Valley and March Field, Perris, and South Perris.
US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said: "Bringing more good transportation options to residents in Southern California is vitally important to improving the quality of life in one of the state’s most congested corridors.
"Throughout the US, we are investing in projects like this one that help reduce congestion on our roadways while improving access to jobs, education, medical care, and other services."
FTA will provide the funding through its Small Starts Capital Investment grant programme that comprises about 30% of the total project cost.
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By GlobalDataFTA deputy administrator Therese McMillan said: "The Metrolink extension to Perris Valley is an important part of the region’s commitment to expand and modernise public transportation for hard-working families
"We are committed to investing in more good projects like this one, which help regional economies to grow and compete in the 21st century," McMillan added.
The extension project also received $63m in other funds from the DoT. However, the remaining project funds will be pooled from state and local sources.
Image: The rail line extension is expected to attract 4,300 passengers each day. Photo: courtesy of DoT.
