ARROW PASSENGER RAIL
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 73
now. Th us, the initial three cars
will be equipped with the latest
Tier 4 emission technology, while
including provisions for later conversion
to even lower — possibly
even zero — emissions power
sources as even more green propulsion
systems become available.
SBCTA’s partner for the operation
and maintenance of the RPRP
trains is Omnitrans, the transit
service provider in the valley portions
of San Bernardino County.
Southern California Regional Rail
Authority (SCRRA) will continue
to provide dispatching and maintenance
of way for the line. In addition,
SCRRA will take the lead
on the design, implementation and
maintenance of the CTC and PTC
systems. Th e Omnitrans service
will be operated as the “Arrow,”
an homage to the Native American
heritage of the region. Omnitrans
plans for a frequent-headway commuter
service operating on 30-minute
peak period and 60-minute
off -peak service, augmented by a
limited number of Metrolink conventional
express trains providing
single-seat access to its six-county
region-wide network.
Th ere is the potential for high
ridership as the redevelopment
that follows a transit line occurs.
Th e SBTC will provide connectivity
to sbX, a 15-mile rapid transit
bus service, and six bus transit services
throughout San Bernardino
and Riverside counties. Both the
SBCTA and Downtown Redlands
stations are adjacent to employment,
entertainment and retail
land uses. Th e eastern terminus
of the route is at the educational
resource of the University of
Redlands, where the Arrow will
provide new transit access to the
students and faculty. An indicator
of the strong local commitment to
transit is the midpoint New York
Street Station. Esri soft ware, whose
work headquarters is a short walk
from the line, is fully funding the
construction and maintenance of
the station. Both the University of
Redlands and Esri have purchased
land surrounding the two stations
with plans for future transit-oriented
developments.
Ultimately, the RPRP is on
schedule to begin Arrow revenue
service in late 2020. Th e implementation
of this state-of-the-art,
innovative passenger service will
result in a greatly needed transportation
alternative that will, in
turn, improve economic opportunities,
enhance employment and
lead to an overall better quality of
life for the residents of San Bernardino
County and beyond.
For more information, visit www.MassTransitmag.com/10066174
Carrie Schindler
is the director
of transit
and rail and
Justin Fornelli is
the chief of
transit and rail
programs at
SBCTA.