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Mayor Pro Tem highlights $45 million TIFIA interest savings and updated Metrolink plans
Summary
Mayor Pro Tem Bridal Bergson told the council that RCTC recommended restructuring a TIFIA loan for 15 toll roads, which he said would save about $45,000,000 in interest and lift federal restrictions on excess toll revenues; he also described Metrolink ridership gains, an optimized schedule to shorten transfers, and early planning for BrightLine service into the region.
Mayor Pro Tem Bridal Bergson reported on multiple regional transportation items at the Oct. 17 council meeting. He said the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s accounting team recommended restructuring a TIFIA loan on 15 toll roads and that the change "will save about 45,000,000 in total of interest payments" under the existing loan. According to Bergson, restructuring will also remove federal restrictions—one cited example is a multi‑year hold on using excess toll revenues—allowing the corridor to use funds for additional improvements.
Bergson also reported transit ridership updates: a slight month‑to‑month decline on RTA but consecutive days of over 20,000 riders on Metrolink (including a free‑ride day that saw more than 26,000 riders). He urged riders to "check the new schedule" that will optimize connections to reduce transfer waits, saying riders "can save sometimes hours of time" under the new timing.
On intercity rail, Bergson said BrightLine is planning service to Rancho Cucamonga; he characterized the timing as uncertain but said "the rumblings may be 2028," while noting the timeline could slip beyond the Olympics. He also discussed potential train capacities and options for adding cars if trains become overcrowded.
Bergson said the city should ensure advertising and outreach are addressed in any memorandum of understanding with BrightLine, arguing that the city will help funnel riders to the station and that BrightLine should participate in outreach.
Why this matters: restructuring a long‑term loan and changes to train schedules can free funds for transportation projects and improve regional connectivity and commute times for local riders.
Next steps: Bergson did not identify local actions required beyond coordination with regional agencies; the matters reported are primarily at the RCTC and Metrolink planning level.
