SBCTA and IE Commuter Earn National Honors for Transportation Innovation 

SBCTA and IE Commuter were recently recognized for their leadership in advancing innovative, practical transportation solutions that support a more connected and sustainable Inland Empire. These honors reflect the agencies’ continued commitment to expanding mobility options, reducing congestion, and improving quality of life for residents throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties. 

• IE Commuter received the Outstanding Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategy Award from the Association for Commuter Transit for its Experience Metrolink program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to remove barriers for trying public transit. By offering residents up to 90 days of free Metrolink passes, and promoting the program through employer partnerships, targeted digital advertising, and earned media, IE Commuter successfully encouraged thousands of people to explore rail travel. With about 10,000 participants to date, the program has demonstrated measurable success in shifting travel behavior and building awareness of the convenience and environmental benefits of regional rail. 

• SBCTA was honored for its work on the Zero-Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU) train, which is being recognized through the prestigious APTA Hall of Fame Awards and will be featured at the upcoming APTA TRANSform and EXPO in Chicago. As North America’s first hydrogen-powered passenger rail vehicle of its kind, ZEMU represents a major step forward in clean mobility and showcases SBCTA’s role as a national leader in next-generation transportation technology. 

Together, these recognitions underscore how SBCTA and IE Commuter are delivering meaningful, forward-thinking improvements that directly benefit Inland Empire residents. Each award highlights a successful strategy that strengthens mobility today while shaping a more sustainable transportation future for the region.