The Lilac to Rancho Double Track Project has long been a critical element in improving the Metrolink San Bernardino Line and is now one step closer to becoming a reality. Initially identified in the 2014 Metrolink San Bernardino Line Infrastructure Improvement Strategic Study, the project aims to increase commuter train speeds, reduce travel times, and enhance capacity along the line. A priority segment identified in the study runs from Control Point (CP) Lilac to CP Rancho, spanning the cities of Rialto and San Bernardino. This section was recommended to strategically improve service efficiency and lay the groundwork for a more reliable and faster commuter rail system.
Environmental clearance for the project was completed in 2018 when the SBCTA Board of Directors adopted the final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. Since then, the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) has further refined the project’s scope as part of the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Program. Through this effort, SCRRA identified an initial phase of the Lilac to Rancho Project that could be implemented at a lower cost while still providing key benefits, including improved rail service, enhanced station accessibility, and safety upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, this phase supports the readiness of a quiet zone along the corridor.
The SBCTA 2025 Update to the 10-Year Delivery Plan includes the revised project limits, reflecting the refined scope and a fully funded plan. Funding for the project comes from multiple sources, including Measure I-Rail, State Transit Assistance, the State Transportation Improvement Program, and Senate Bill 125. The construction phase is slated to begin in Fiscal Year 2027/2028, thanks to the successful allocation of these funds, setting the stage for the project’s timely completion.
With funding secured, SBCTA is now recommending the initiation of the design phase for the project. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SCRRA is set to define the roles and responsibilities for the upcoming phase, with SCRRA taking the lead on design and construction. This collaborative agreement will ensure that the project is delivered as part of the aforementioned SCORE program, which aims to improve rail infrastructure throughout the region. A separate Construction and Maintenance Agreement will be developed during the design phase, ultimately paving the way for construction and the realization of a more efficient and reliable Metrolink San Bernardino Line, one of the most used corridors in the system.