Perris Valley Line

I don't know about you -- but I am concerned by what has been called the Perris Valley Line -- which is an extension of the Riverside Metrolink to Perris by RCTC (Riverside County Transportation Commission).  We all surely understand and can even support the enhancement of transportation in our area or any other metropolitan area.  That is certainly good for all of us.  However, at what cost?

My fear is that while we currently have a stable situation with limited risk -- THIS solution has unacceptable risk for our RUSD students and staff.  The current situation involves two of our schools and very limited train traffic and low speed of travel.  RCTC is suggesting track improvement that will ultimately mean many more trains and much greater speed on the section of track that is adjacent to the Highland and Hyatt Elementary Schools.

To give you some perspective on the issue, I have included above a picture of the train situation at Hyatt Elementary along with a YouTube video of some of the issues.  At Hyatt there are concerns about a train derailment that could land on the Hyatt playground with students.  In Highland's case, there are the normal train issues and complications; however, there is a privately owned high-pressure fuel line (to March Air Base) which has potential with great speed and numbers of trains to create a situation with some similarity to the recent San Bruno disaster.

What can you do, if you have concerns?  Certainly contact our local representatives on the RCTC, including our Riverside City Councilman -- Steve Adams or his alternate, Councilman Andy Melendrez.