The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is the successor to San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG).[2] They are responsible for administering the Measure I half-cent tax which voters in San Bernardino County, California, passed most recently in 2004. The SBCTA conducts transportation planning, construction, and operation in San Bernardino County. The SBCTA is a joint powers authority comprising the entire county and its cities. Every city and county supervisor is provided one seat on the board, and it also includes a nonvoting member from the California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans) District 8.
History
In 2016, Senate bill 1305, consolidated five different transit agencies into SBCTA. Those agencies were County Transportation Commission, County Transportation Authority, Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies, Congestion Management Agency, and Subregional Planning Agency.[3]
In 2019, SBCTA mulled direct takeover of Omnitrans due to its 520 million dollar deficit.[4] In response to pressure of county supervisors, SBCTA initiated a study of consolidation of Omnitrans called SBCTA County-wide Transit Efficiency Study.[5] By the end of 2020, SBCTA balked at the idea of consolidating Omnitrans under SBCTA due to pension obligations.[6]
Funding
SBCTA operates with a budget of 1.160 billion dollars as of the 2023 fiscal year[7]
SB Express Lanes
I-10 Express Lanes
The SBCTA and Caltrans completed the $929.2 million Phase 1 project to add tolled express lanes to Interstate 10 (I-10) from the Los Angeles County line to Interstate 15 (I-15).[8] Under Phase 1, 18 bridges throughout the corridor will either be replaced or widened to accommodate the new toll lanes.[9] It is expected to be completed by 2023.[10][11]
The SBCTA has planned to implement tolled express lanes to I-15 from the Riverside County line to Duncan Canyon Boulevard. Construction is expected to begin in 2023. The project is expected to cost $469.65 million.[14]
Planning
The SBCTA conducts transportation planning for San Bernardino County, California, as well as aligning with plans from neighboring agencies.
Road projects
North First Avenue Bridge
Due to automobile damage sustained to the North First Avenue Bridge in Barstow, the SBCTA took over the replacement of the bridge from the city due to its critical importance, since it passes over the BNSFSouthern Transcon rail corridor and yard. The expected cost of the project is $62 million. Currently, it is in the design phase to replace the 1930's bridge.[15][16][17]
Initially, The Boring Company proposed constructing a single 2.8-mile (4.5 km) tunnel similar to the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop that would cost $60 million.[23] However, the company eventually dropped out of the project because they refused to submit another refined proposal.[24]
Despite this, the SBCTA moved forward with plans on the project.[25] The new plans for the project include two 4.2-mile (6.8 km) tunnels that will cost roughly $492 million.[26] The SBCTA selected HNTB as their new contractor to design, build, and maintain the project.[27]
In October [28]2024, the proposed route follows a reversed L-shaped alignment consisting of the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station, Milliken Avenue, East Airport Drive towards Ontario airport
Metrolink San Bernardino Line Double Track Project (Lilac to Rancho)
In 2023, SBCTA expanded its Free Fares for School K-12 program to all transit agencies in order to boost transit use with San Bernardino County Youth.[31]
In 2019, SBCTA ordered Zero emissions multiple unit from Stadler for the Arrow line.[34] The trainset is expected to be in operation by 2024[35]
Van Pool
SBCTA administers the County's van pool Commuter service called SB Loop. Currently the system consists of 72 vehicles, averaging 37,000 trips per quarter. SBCTA also subsidizes Victor Valley Transit Authority's van pool. Averaging 119,400 trips per quarter in 189 vehicles [36]
Freeway Service Patrol
In order to reduce congestion, the SBCTA implemented the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP), whose purpose is to tow stranded motorists within the urbanized area of San Bernardino County. Service operates during peak traffic times.[37]
Active transportation
The SBCTA maintains a countywide active transportation plan. Although San Bernardino County is vast, much of the population is concentrated in the San Bernardino Valley portion in the county's southwest corner. The SBCTA requires complete streets within San Bernardino County when cities apply for roadway expansion grants.[38][39][40]
Pacific Electric Trail
The Pacific Electric Trail is a 21-mile (34-kilometer) rail trail that has been constructed along the former San Bernardino Line.[41] The Baldwin Park Subdivision within San Bernardino county is owned by SBCTA. SBCTA currently licenses the railroad right of way as a class one bike trail to the cities within the rail corridor. The city of Rialto has expressed in expanding the bike trail to SBCTA, once Union Pacific abandons the rail service in the eastern 2.5 miles of the subdivision.[42][43]