San Bernardino transit agency solicits input on underground shuttle project

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is seeking public input on state-required environmental assessments for its proposed underground tunnel between the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station and the Ontario International Airport (ONT) in California.

Comments on the draft environmental impact statement are due Dec. 2.

The proposed project would accomplish a long-held goal of the SBCTA to connect the airport and the train station. An SBCTA-conducted study found that a shuttle-style service between the two would be needed to support the projected growth at ONT, SBCTA officials said in a press release.

When completed, the shuttle would be known as the ONT Connector. Autonomous, zero-emission shuttles would transport passengers through a 4.2-mile tunnel under Milliken Avenue and East Airport Drive. An 18,000 square-foot station and adjacent maintenance facility already are set to be built at the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station.

Additionally, two 10,000 square-foot terminals for the shuttles would be constructed at ONT.

The Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station is poised to become an anchor in the city’s HART District, a transit oriented, mixed-use intermodal hub, officials said. The HART District is also the future home of the Brightline West high-speed rail station. 

 A virtual public hearing will be held Nov. 13 via Zoom. Stakeholders, community members and other interested parties can register here.