Senator Richard Roth Secures $7 Million for Southern California Railway Museum to Connect to Perris-Downtown Metrolink Station and $2 Million for Expansion of Perris Senior Center

Perris, CA – In a major budget win, Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) has secured $7 million to enable the Southern California Railway Museum to connect to the Perris - Downtown Metrolink Station and $2 million for the expansion of the Perris Senior Center in the State’s 2023-24 Budget.

“The Southern California Railway Museum is truly a gem in our region, and has drawn as many as 80,000 visitors a year,” said Roth. “The $7 million allocated in this year’s state budget will complete the rail connection between the Perris Depot (Perris - Downtown Metrolink Station) and the museum. Visitors, including students, will be able to take a railway museum train from the Perris Depot, allowing thousands more to visit.”

“The City of Perris is a burgeoning city whose population has doubled in size since the year 2000,” said Roth. “The Perris Senior Center was built in 1989 and there has been no major expansion since. The $2 million in state funding will enlarge the multipurpose/nutrition room to 2,250 square feet, allowing the city to increase recreational activities, health and wellness classes and the daily lunch program for our seniors most in need, and enlarge the available capacity as a warming/cooling center.”

“We are extremely appreciative to have the support of Senator Roth’s office, and for his efforts in securing funding for these community projects,” said Perris Mayor Michael M. Vargas. “The budget allocation for the railway connection will further enhance rail safety and convenience for residents, visitors and commuters, and the allocation for the Senior Center will provide more efficient services and amenities to our valued Senior community.”

“RCTC is excited to hear the State will provide $7 million to fund a connection to the Southern California Railway Museum from the Perris-Downtown Metrolink Station,” said RCTC Executive Director Anne Mayer. “Once complete, the funding will bring more visitors to Perris by riding Metrolink allowing for an immersive train experience and expanded recreational opportunities.”

In 2016, the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and Metrolink opened the Perris-Downtown Station adjacent to the historic Perris Depot, and currently provides daily train service to Los Angeles Union Station. This new station connecting Perris to the rest of Southern California provides a public transit option for tourists of the museum. To close the 1.7 mile gap between the depot and the museum, existing mainline track will need to be refurbished. Portions of the museum’s internal track and its’ trolley loop will need to be rebuilt to meet current federal and state standards and requirements.

In addition to the refurbishment, new track will be constructed to complete the trolley loop and tie back into the Mainline. Once completed, the Los Angeles historical “Red Line” Railcars will be able to meet guests at the Perris Depot and take them directly to the museum.