CH2M will be involved with planning, risk management, assist with the acquisition of a fleet of DMUs, and conduct a fare collection study.
San Bernardino Associated Governments (Sanbag) is responsible for the project which is being funded by federal, state and local governments including a half-cent local sales tax.
The project entails upgrading a 14.5km railway to provide a commuter rail service between the existing Metrolink station in San Bernardino, Downtown Redlands and Redlands University, with four new stations. Final design is currently underway with a view to starting construction in 2017. The line is expected to open in 2020.
Trains will operate every 30 minutes during peak hours, and at hourly intervals off-peak. In addition, Metrolink Express trains will be extended to serve Downtown Redlands to provide a limited-stop service to and from Los Angeles during peak hours.
Annual operation and maintenance costs are estimated at between $US 8m and $US 10m.