Officials with the City of Temecula announced Friday plans to build “a world-class transit center” in Southwest Riverside County.
City of Temecula Council Member Jeff Comerchero, who also serves on the Board of Directors for Riverside Transit Agency and its executive committee, announced that a plan to secure over $9 million dollars of federal, regional and local funding has been approved by RTA to fund the development of a “Twin Cities Transit Center” that will be located in the Temecula and Murrieta area.
The facility will serve local and regional public transit needs and provide for connectivity with existing CommuterLink bus services traveling along the Interstate 15 and 215 corridors. The transit center is envisioned to evolve into a multi-modal transportation hub with the future addition of bus rapid transit (BRT), express bus services, and possible Metrolink commuter rail extensions associated with the near term implementation of the Perris Valley Line, according to city officials.
“I am very pleased. This puts the available funding for the Twin Cities project at $9,136,000 and, at that level, the project is fully funded,” Comerchero stated.
Officials contend that demand for additional transit services has become a critical need due to rapid growth in the cities of Temecula and Murrieta over the past decade.
City of Murrieta Mayor Doug McAllister said, “This is yet another indication of the growing collaboration between the Twin Cities of Murrieta and Temecula.” McAllister is also the Chairman of the Board for the Riverside Transit Agency and added, “RTA is thrilled to be able to further enhance our infrastructure by adding this essential link to the southwest region of Riverside County.”
Temecula Council Member Ron Roberts represents the 3rd Supervisorial District on behalf of Supervisor Jeff Stone as a member of the board of directors for Riverside County Transit Agency, and is also vice chair for the National League of Cities Transportation Infrastructure Committee. He said, “It is remarkable to be able to work on this long term vision for our region’s transportation needs and be a part of the planning as it comes to fruition.” Roberts also serves as a Commissioner for Riverside County Transportation Commission and on the Board of Directors for Metrolink.
Plans will now move forward to secure a location for the Twin Cities Transit Center as Riverside Transit Agency approved funding a site feasibility study that will determine the best location, according to city officials. Among options to be explored are sites along Jefferson Avenue.
“It makes sense to consider locations along Jefferson Avenue since plans to enhance public transit in that corridor are currently evolving through the City’s Jefferson Avenue Specific Plan planning efforts, and, particularly, the Highway 395 multi-jurisdictional planning effort that includes four cities along that corridor, including the Twin Cities of Temecula and Murrieta,” Comerchero said.
Both Council Member Roberts and Comerchero are Subcommittee Members for the Jefferson Avenue Study Area.
