Metrolink operating budget shortfall and service reductions
Riverside County
Summary
Metrolink is staring down a $35 million deficit and has already cut service about 20%, with deeper cuts possible in October. RCTC approved $10 million to keep first-quarter funding whole, and staff will return in September with a full-year plan.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 9, 2026.
Impact analysis
RCTC is putting up to $10 million toward Metrolink now, with the total annual need still uncertain.
Commuters on the Riverside, Inland Empire-Orange County, and 91/Perris Valley lines who depend on Metrolink service.
Riders already living with the 20% service cut and facing possible deeper reductions if state funding doesn't materialize.
Mentions & discussions (3)
(RCTC-GM) Riverside County Transportation Commission General Meeting - Regular Meeting — September 9, 2026
Metrolink faces a $35 million budget deficit, mechanical problems with its F-125 locomotives, and ridership at only 57% of pre-COVID levels. Riverside County's subsidy has grown from $22 million to $32 million in five years, and the commission approved another $8 million to keep trains running through December while a full-year fix is negotiated.
(RCTC-B&I) Riverside County Transportation Commission Budget and Implementation - Regular Meeting — August 24, 2026
Metrolink is facing a growing deficit — fares are flat while costs keep climbing, and a 20% service cut didn't save as much as hoped. Riverside County's subsidy share has jumped from $21 million to $31 million in five years, and the committee approved an $8 million stopgap while a longer-term budget is negotiated.
(RCTC-GM) Riverside County Transportation Commission General Meeting - Regular Meeting — June 10, 2026
Metrolink is staring down a $35 million deficit and has already cut service about 20%, with deeper cuts possible in October. RCTC approved $10 million to keep first-quarter funding whole, and staff will return in September with a full-year plan.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Riverside County
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.