Metrolink I-15 Line Study

[nickv]

Metrolink I-15 Commuter Rail Feasibility



2008 Commuter Rail Feasibility Study

In 2005, the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) completed an evaluation of five potential commuter rail routes within Riverside County. The I-15 Commuter Rail Feasibility Study evaluated the potential of conventional commuter rail services between two corridors: Temecula North and Temecula South. Apart from the evaluation of conventional commuter rail options, this study also explored the potential of implementing a commuter rail level of service on the proposed California High-Speed Rail (HSR) system between Temecula and San Diego.


- A possible idea for a CA HSR/Metrolink station for Temecula, next door to the proposed RTA Temecula TC

Corridors evaluated included:

Temecula-Corona: between Temecula and points west (via Corona), including Los Angeles and Orange County work centers; and between Temecula and points east (via La Sierra), including Riverside and San Bernardino.

Temecula to San Diego: Commuter Rail Temecula to San Diego: High Speed Rail The evaluation of commuter rail options required the development of forecasts for ridership, revenue and costs, as well as assessment of potential mobility improvements and institutional issues. The planning year for the study was 2030.

This analysis utilized the same evaluation criteria developed for the 2005 RCTC commuter rail study. Feasibility was determined by examining ridership in 2030, passenger trips per train, fare box recovery ratio, right-of-way issues, daily trip time savings, access to low income households, operating cost per passenger-mile, total capital costs and capital costs per passenger.
Top four ranking alternatives:

Alternative A: commuter rail service between Temecula and both Los Angeles and Laguna Niguel.

Alternative C: commuter rail service between Lake Elsinore and both Los Angeles and Laguna Niguel.

Alterative C1: a variant of Alternative C, assume both a Dos Lagos station and a Public Private Partnership partially covering public costs of implementing commuter rail station.

Alternative G: commuter rail between Temecula and downtown San Diego, along the alignment identified for the proposed California High-Speed Rail Service. Alternative G, with commuter rail service from Temecula to San Diego, does the best in terms of passenger trips, passenger trips per train, fare box recovery, access from low income households, and operating costs per passenger-mile. However, its implementation cost of $1 billion is three times that of the next highest, Alternative A.

The analysis supports public-private partnerships, where private developers help fund or donate right of way and contribute to the overall capital costs. This concept could reduce implementation costs for Alterative C1 by $113.2 million—assuming that developers provide or fund the right-of-way requirements, the stations, and contribute $50 million in rolling stock requirements. This approach would make the service more cost efficient and could increase the viability of the project.

High-Speed Rail, if implemented, would need to address the major commuter demand from Temecula with commuter focused schedules going south.

- Riverside County Transportation Commission

---

Everybody and their grandmother in Temecula (well not literally)have been wishing for this train alignment. I believe the I-15 Corridor would be a prime candidate for frequent midday, late night and weekend rail service, mainly because there is already a high demand of traffic via this and the SR 91 corridors and also because the trains would feed to/from the CA HSR system at LAUS, Irvine TC, Riverside, and Temecula/Murrieta. I'll get into more detail on this concept one day.

[kenalpern]

Part of what's missing is the purchase of a ROW alongside or parallel to the I-15 between Corona and Ontario Airport--such a link would be critical to encourage more rail traffic between Orange County and that airport as an alternative to LAX.

As bad as traffic is for Orange County residents utilizing LAX, it's potentially worse for those hoping to access Ontario Airport--having a speedy Ontario Airport-bound train is something that could change air traffic flows throughout Southern California, to say nothing of a critical link to connect and enhance a Southern California Metrolink network.

[bobdavis]

Although this whole discussion falls into the "I should live so long" category--consider the Perris Valley line which was supposed to be up and running (or close to it) by now--the idea of a connection between Corona and Ontario Airport is most intriguing. While we're at it, how about extending north to the San Bernardino line, since many people in the east San Gabriel Valley and Pomona-Cucamonga area look upon ONT as their local airport. If and when the "I-15 Line" becomes a reality, Metrolink may have become an all-electric operation, covering territory undreamed of in Henry Huntington's Pacific Electric plans.

[jeffe77]

Dec 3, 2008 13:31:34 GMT -8 bobdavis said:

Although this whole discussion falls into the "I should live so long" category--consider the Perris Valley line which was supposed to be up and running (or close to it) by now--the idea of a connection between Corona and Ontario Airport is most intriguing. While we're at it, how about extending north to the San Bernardino line, since many people in the east San Gabriel Valley and Pomona-Cucamonga area look upon ONT as their local airport. If and when the "I-15 Line" becomes a reality, Metrolink may have become an all-electric operation, covering territory undreamed of in Henry Huntington's Pacific Electric plans.

This issue may be cured by today's article about how MTA has finalized 2 routes for the Gold Line to Ontario Airport from Montclair. See this post

[bobdavis]

Thanks--I did see the Gold Line to Ontario post before checking this one. I guess the powers that be are taking the "train to the plane" idea seriously.

[kenalpern]

I still don't know how this would help San Bernardino and Riverside and Corona and Temecula residents as much as it would help those along the 210 Freeway Corridor. A north-south I-15 line is something that would--as Bob Davis pointed out--enhance our Metrolink system to become a true network.

[whitmanlam]

Given the current situation. Does Measure R pay for Metrolink expansion outside of Los Angeles County ??

[wad]

Dec 4, 2008 1:18:25 GMT -8 whitmanlam said:

Given the current situation. Does Measure R pay for Metrolink expansion outside of Los Angeles County ??

Each respective county pays for Metrolink service and improvements within its own jurisdictions. L.A. County would be doing an act of charity.

[kenalpern]

Clearly, Riverside County will have to follow suit with its own version of what Orange and L.A. County has done in order to expedite its own transportation projects (including enhancement of the very popular Metrolink program).

[nickv]

Metrolink I-15 Line Station Concepts



Input & Feedback Wanted - Hey everybody! I have put together some maps illustrating possible train stations along the proposed Metrolink I-15 Line in Temecula/Murrieta, Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore. I'm still putting together the map of the Dos Lagos Station (I'm trying to see if OCTA still has plans to construct a rail line for the proposed highway tunnel project between Corona and Irvine). If anybody has any comments or additions, please post them here.

Temecula/Murrieta Transit Center / CA HSR Station Concepts:



I'm working on establishing a specific location for the CA HSR Murrieta/Temecula Station. CA HSR projects that the station will have 8,000 daily boardings.

The RTA Temecula Transit Center is proposed to be built at 27199 Jefferson Avenue in Temecula. The transit center will be adjacent to a park and ride facility. The City of Temecula will contribute $0.6 million for the cost of the park and ride facility. Total project cost is $8.0 million and the transit center is estimated to
be completed in fiscal year 2012.

I'm looking to have the Metrolink & CA HSR Murreita/Temecula Station placed directly next door to the proposed RTA Temecula Transit Center. If needed in the future, the Park & Ride facility would be converted into a public parking structure with proper parking tolls and transit alternatives. Numerous RTA bus routes would feed to/from the station.

Wildomar Metrolink Station Concepts:



The station location I have in mind is in the area of the I-15 and Baxter Rd, near the central portion of the City of Wildomar. Note that the map has mulitple "possible" station markers and route alignments: These are all possible ideas and one station and one alignment should be advocated for this station.

The line would deviate from the I-15 ROW to pedestrian-friendly, TOD developments toward the central city at Palomar Rd and Central St. Sound walls and/or heavy landscaping would be built between the I-15 freeway and the development to provide protection from noise and pollution. Local RTA bus routes and a possible north/south I-15 BRT route would feed to/from the station.

Lake Elsinore/Canyon Lake Transit Center & Metrolink Station Concepts:



The RTA Transit center & Metrolink station location I have in mind for Lake Elsinore is in the area of the I-15 and Railroad Canyon Rd, one of the most active areas of the city. Note that the map has mulitple "possible" station markers and route alignments: These are all possible ideas and one station and one alignment should be advocated for this station.

Like the Wildomar and Temecula/Murrieta stations, the line would deviate from the I-15 ROW to pedestrian-friendly, TOD developments. Local RTA bus routes and a possible north/south I-15 BRT route would feed to/from the station.

As I have mentioned before, I believe the I-15 Corridor would be a prime candidate for frequent midday, late night and weekend rail service, mainly because there is already a high demand of traffic via this and the SR 91 corridors and also because the trains would feed to/from the CA HSR system at LAUS, Irvine TC, Riverside, and Temecula/Murrieta.

[spokker]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought Caltrans usurped the median of I-15 for its carpool lane project, so neither Metrolink or HSR would be able to use it.

[kenalpern]

Slight typo: It's "right of way", not "right-a-way".

It's a good concept, overall, but the big question I have is whether or not Riverside County is ready for it. I also repeat my suggestion that this sort of effort be considered northbound all the way to the 60 freeway and to Ontario Airport in order to connect with the two east-west lines in that region.

[James Fujita]

I was looking at the Temecula Transit Center illustration, and a couple of things popped out at me:

- extremely good idea to plan ahead for high-speed rail, and I love the underground train platform idea. however:

- the departure screen seems to have HSR and Metrolink backwards. normally you would expect a high-speed express service to arrive less often than the local commuter train service, especially as some high-speed trains might zip through intermediate stations without stopping to pick up passengers.

[nickv]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought Caltrans usurped the median of I-15 for its carpool lane project, so neither Metrolink or HSR would be able to use it.

One of my goals is to remind ( ) our leaders to make sure local highway and bridge projects are compatible with local rail and CA HSR projects so we don't end up with another expensive lesson taught to us by the San Diego I-15 Managed Lane Project. The Caltrans I-15 project made it difficult if not impossible to use I-15 ROW between Escondido and Miramar for HSR tracks, so the CA HSR Authority had to go back to the drawing board!

I will do whatever I can to address this so this doesn't repeat itself; I'll check into RCTC's Website deeper to see if their I-15 HOT and carpool lane projects will be compatible with Metrolink. If not, that will be a subject for some TTC letters and maps written to officials and management.

The segment between the northern portion of Lake Elsinore and Corona (that's the segment where the I-15 HOT lanes are proposed) shouldn't be a big deal because there is an old existing rail ROW (minus the tracks) east of the I-15 that can be used instead of the I-15 ROW and that alternative is being considered. Obviously a few of the twists and turns will have to be straightened out to allow the trains to run faster and route will need to "go around" some developments to avoid eminent domain.

The I-15 south to Temecula has a very wide ROW with ample space both in the median and on the sides. Looking at satellite photos of the freeway, it appears the freeway can be nearly doubled to five or even six lanes each way (GP, HOV, HOT, whatever...) without even touching the median or having to resort eminent domain. When I last checked on this, RCTC plans were to add one GP lane and one carpool lane, but don't quote me on this because this concept may have changed. Another alternative of course is to slightly realign the freeway to either side of the ROW and have the rails operate next to the freeway.

My concern however is the I-215 ROW... Upgrades to this freeway appear to be coming first. As I said, San Diego County appeared to get itself into big trouble because the planned HSR ROW was paved over by their I-15 HOT Managed Lane project through Rancho Bernardo. Building the HSR line above that project will be very expensive if not impossible.

Slight typo: It's "right of way", not "right-a-way".

Fixed
Refresh / Reload the web page to see the correction if the old page still appears.

the big question I have is whether or not Riverside County is ready for it. I also repeat my suggestion that this sort of effort be considered northbound all the way to the 60 freeway and to Ontario Airport in order to connect with the two east-west lines in that region.

I've been hearing a lot of belly-aching over the need of train route for the I-15 corridor and its fortunate that RCTC is beginning to study the project. Funding of course will be the hard part, but here are some ideas worth advocating: Once the housing market recovers, TOD developers can help pitch in by either paying for or building portions of the rail line near the station stops. A public/private partnership with large entertainment areas such as Pechanga could help pay for late night and weekend service too.

I'll be sure to mention the alignment toward Ontario as I continue to produce the maps. A direct connection to airport, CA HSR, the Metro Gold Line, and Metrolink San Bernardino Line (Metrolink Max) would be a plus.

- the departure screen seems to have HSR and Metrolink backwards. normally you would expect a high-speed express service to arrive less often than the local commuter train service, especially as some high-speed trains might zip through intermediate stations without stopping to pick up passengers.

Subject to change. The departure screen is mainly for illustration purposes and to advocate better customer service, but based on high traffic volumes on I-15, I think it would great to operate 30 minute Metrolink service from the station. Looking through HSR literature, it appears that the trains will be running very frequently; so that's why I've illustrated them to run every 15 minutes on the screen. County Officials also desire targetted HSR service for commuters during rush hours.

some high-speed trains might zip through intermediate stations without stopping to pick up passengers.

My idea was to have all express HSR trains that won't stop at that station continue via the I-15 ROW so that they won't have to slow down.

[nickv]

I-15 Metrolink Trains: Rail Concepts between Corona and Temecula


I-15 Metrolink Trains - ABIE Site

Input & Feedback Wanted - Hey everybody! I have put together a webpage and lots of conceptual maps and artwork illustrating possible train stations and a potential ROW along the proposed Metrolink I-15 Line in Temecula/Murrieta, Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore.

View the Conceptual Route Map Here

If anybody has any comments or additions, please post them here. I want to make it clear that these are conceptual maps designed to get the word out of the benefits of having Metrolink service along I-15; these are not final proposals.

In 2008, the Riverside County Transportation Commission completed the I-15 Commuter Rail Feasibility Study. The recommendation from the study included further evaluation of routes to San Jacinto/Hemet and Murrieta/Temecula.

This line will be expensive to build, no argument about that! Like CA HSR, this line will probably have to be built in phases.

For example, the first phase would be a Lake Elsinore to Corona segment with peak commuter service. However, the final rail product, like CA HSR, should be a state-of-the-art mass transit line with reliable frequency and service span from early morning to late night, seven days per week.

The concepts also feature separated grade crossings along the entire line south of Corona and minimal disruptions to existing developments near the corridor.


Train Station Concepts:

An extended Metrolink system from Temecula to Corona with connections to established mass transit services will be an integral part of the solution to Inland Empire traffic congestion and long distance commuting. Note that these maps and ideas are conceptual and are subject to change following feasibility studies.

Corona Dos Lagos Station Concepts:



Located north of Cajalco Road and east of Temescal Canyon Road, the Dos Lagos Station and transit village would facilitate multi-modal transfers between Metrolink, RTA local and Corona Cruiser bus routes, and park-and-ride patrons. Ridership would be captured from Southern Corona, El Cerrito, and Dos Lagos.

Mixed-use, transit oriented development would generate walkable access to the busy Corona Crossings shopping plaza and Dos Lagos mixed use center.

Dos Lagos Metrolink Station Concepts

Temescal Canyon Station Concepts:



Located near Temescal Canyon Road and the I-15 Interchange, the Temescal Canyon Station would cater to commuters and travelers living at Trilogy, Campbell Ranch, and Horsethief Canyon Ranch.

The station would provide the seeds for a mixed-use transit village, thus providing a much needed, centralized gathering location for area residents. The transit village would also provide walkable or transit access to the attractions at Tom's Farms and the offices along Temescal Canyon Road south of the Dos Lagos area.

This station was included in the RCTC study.

Lake Elsinore Outlet Center Station Concepts:



Located south of Nichols Road and just west of I-15, the Lake Elsinore Outlet Center Station and transit village would facilitate multi-modal transfers between Metrolink, RTA local and CommuterLink bus routes, and park-and-ride patrons. Ridership would be captured from North Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, and Perris.

Mixed-use, transit oriented development would generate walkable access to the Outlet Center shopping plaza and possible local jobs and housing.

Since the station would be very close to the I-15 Freeway, a sound wall will need to be developed to offset noise and pollution within the station platform area.

Lake Elsinore Outlet Center Metrolink Station Concepts

Lake Elsinore Multi Modal Transit Center Concepts:




Feedback wanted! This is one of the most difficult locations for the I-15 rail line corridor!

Located in the heart of the Railroad Canyon Road and Mission Trail Corridors, this multi-modal transit facility would serve Metrolink train riders, local RTA bus riders, and park-and-ride patrons. Ridership would be captured from much of Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, and Menifee.

Within walking distance are the Diamond Stadium and Lake Elsinore Hotel and Casino. Mixed-use, transit oriented development would also generate walkable access to other centers in this dense area of Lake Elsinore.

This will be one of the most challenging locations for the I-15 Metrolink rail line due to steep grades along the I-15 freeway, developed land, and lack of an alternative right-of-way. The concept illustrates tunneling under the existing development between the I-15 ROW and the transit center, which would go around the steep grade.

This is a very expensive alternative, however, new urbanism developers can help construct or pay for these tunnels. RCTC has been approached regarding the potential of public/private partnerships. In that scenario, private developers would help fund or donate right-of-way and contributeto the overall capital costs. One such concept could reduce implementation costs for one of the options studied by RCTC as much as $113.2 million.

Lake Elsinore Metrolink - Official Project Fact Sheet

Lake Elsinore Multi Modal Transit Center Concepts

Wildomar Station Concepts:



Located within walking distance of the central city, the Wildomar train station would serve Metrolink train riders, local RTA bus riders, and park-and-ride patrons. Ridership would be captured from Wildomar and portions of Lake Elsinore and Murrieta.

Within walking distance would be the central district of the City of Wildomar, a prime location for revitalization. Our concept illustrates a short deviation between the I-15 ROW and the transit station. A small portion of undeveloped land would be acquired. New urbanism developers can help construct or pay for this station.

Since the station would be very close to the I-15 Freeway, a sound wall will need to be developed to offset noise and pollution within the station platform area.

Wildomar Metrolink Station Concepts

Murrieta Village Walk Station Concepts:



Located north of Kalmia Road and just west of I-15 lies the Village Walk Mixed-Use village, complete with residential, office, and retail development. A nearby Metrolink station would make this center a complete transit village and would facilitate multi-modal transfers between Metrolink, RTA buses, and area residents. Ridership would be captured from Murrieta, especially within the Village Walk development.

With a public-private partnership, a commuter parking garage with additional retail shops would be developed over the large parking lot in the retail center to provide park-and-ride connections to the Metrolink station.

Since the station would be very close to the I-15 Freeway, a sound wall will need to be developed to offset noise and pollution within the station platform area.

Village Walk Official Brochure

Village Walk Metrolink Station Concepts

Temecula/Murrieta Multi Modal Transit Center Concepts:



The Riverside Transit Agency and City of Temecula are working on the development of a future bus transit station in Temecula and potential transit-oriented uses to the north. Metrolink trains are also proposed to serve this multi modal facilitiy in the future. The Transit Coalition also aims to have the Temecula/Murrieta California HSR Station placed next door to the transit center with an old fashioned train station theme.

Trains stopping at this station would deviate from the proposed I-15 Freeway right of way toward the station via underground tunnels and trenches, thus reducing or eliminating eminent domain impacts and allowing for better pedestrian access and bus connections. 8,000 daily CA HSR riders are expected use this station.

Temecula Transit Center & CA HSR Station Location Concept with Transit Oriented Development Ideas

Temecula/Murrieta Train Station Building Design Concept

Temecula/Murrieta Train Station Layout Concepts

Temecula/Murrieta Train Station Floor Plan Concepts

Adding a set of 2 tracks and toll lanes along the I-15 Corridor:

The width of the current I-15 ROW in most areas between Corona and San Diego County is large enough to handle four additional toll lanes within the median and a set of two tracks on a side. Interchanges would be redeveloped to accommodate the I-15 rail line.

[kenalpern]

Wow--what a lot of work! Nick, you are a revolutionary and a pioneer!

[billcousert]

Do you think Riverside County would support a small (.25%?) sales tax increase to pay for this?

[Transit Coalition]

Jul 18, 2009 10:03:52 GMT -8 billcousert said:

Do you think Riverside County would support a small (.25%?) sales tax increase to pay for this?

Nope, not a chance under the present political and financial climate.

[nickv]

Do you think Riverside County would support a small (.25%?) sales tax increase to pay for this?

Lake Elsinore is big on getting a Metrolink spur into their region and is currently seeking funding for the line from the private sector and the federal government.

Temecula City Council Member Ron Roberts is also working on getting Metrolink into the Temecula Valley.

However, get a load of this bit of news:

Inland Empire city officials are at a "Bloodless Battle" over where CA HSR trains should go: I-15 Corridor or I-215?

In the short term, the transportation commission is looking at adding rapid-transit bus lines, which travel to major destinations along the freeways instead of streets, as a public transit tool along the I-15 corridor. Conceptual maps of the I-15 Transit Line can be viewed at TTC ABIE Carfree Connections, I-15. They were submitted to RTA last May during the SRTP public hearing.