35 years in, Measure I continues funding Redlands transportation projects

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands residents may not think twice when driving down a freshly paved road or while commuting on a Metrolink train, but many of those improvements are thanks to Measure I, a countywide half-cent transportation sales tax that’s been shaping transportation in Redlands for 35 years. 

Why it matters: Measure I, a half-cent tax dedicated solely to improving transportation in San Bernardino County, has helped Redlands upkeep roads, widen freeways, expand transit options and enhance safety on local streets. The city receives roughly $2 million annually from Measure I, helping fund projects that directly affect residents’ daily commutes, traffic flow and job access.

Details: At its July 1 meeting, the Redlands City Council received an update on the impact of Measure I, presented by Tim Watkins, the chief of legislative & public affairs at the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA). The report outlined the measure’s role in improving everything from major freeway interchanges and local street paving to public transit and pedestrian safety.

“It doesn’t just create projects, it creates jobs,” Watkins said, noting the measure has generated roughly 32,000 direct and indirect jobs since 2010.

Since its inception, Measure I has produced $2.5 billion in funding, with nearly $680 million going to regional transportation projects. When combined with state and federal resources, that total investment rises to about $2.9 billion.

Watkins shared that Redlands benefits from approximately $2 million annually from Measure I to support local road and street improvements. 

“I live in Redlands, so I know firsthand that I think we have some of the best streets in the county, to be honest with you. I love what we’ve done here over time,” Watkins said. 

Measure I projects in Redlands: Over the years, Measure I has funded a wide range of transportation projects in Redlands, improving everything from major roadways to neighborhood intersections. 

Here are some notable transportation improvements funded through the sales tax:

• Major freeway projects: Extension and widening of SR-210, I-10 and University Avenue Interchange, I-10 and Alabama Street Interchange and the I-215 widening.
• Street Widening: Redlands Blvd., Orange St., Alabama St., Colton Ave., California St., Citrus Ave.
• Intersection & Signal Improvements: New and upgraded traffic signals and enhanced safety at key intersections including University St. & Colton Ave., Dearborn Ave. & Colton Ave., and Wabash Ave. & Colton Ave.
• Public Transit: Launch of Metrolink in San Bernardino County, including the Arrow Train and three Redlands stations (opened in 2022). Measure I also contributed to increased bus routes, zero-emission buses and trains and more accessible transit options
• Other Initiatives: Bike lanes and pedestrian safety upgrades.

Public transit use on the rise: Metrolink, the nation’s third-largest commuter rail system, has seen growing ridership. The system's Arrow line, which includes three stations in Redlands, continues to show signs of growth. In the first quarter of this year, it had an average weekly ridership of 553 (+21% YOY) and carried nearly 10,000 riders on weekends from January - March (+41%).

The San Bernardino Line, which connects to the Arrow train service, reported a 13% increase in weekday ridership and a 36% increase in weekend ridership compared to the previous year.

Measure I helped bring this transit infrastructure to the region and continues to support its growth. With 73% of riders choosing Metrolink despite owning a car, it’s a sign that investments in sustainable and reliable transit are paying off.

Background on Measure I: Originally approved by voters in 1990 as a 20-year transportation sales tax, Measure I was overwhelmingly extended through 2040 in a 2004 vote, with over 80% of voters in support. 

The measure is unique in that all funds are controlled locally by county and city leaders, not the state or outside organizations. Oversight is provided by an independent taxpayer committee to ensure transparency and compliance with voter-approved plans. 

Moving forward: Looking ahead, planned projects for Redlands include traffic signal installations and upgrades, intersection improvements and the widening of Orange Street. 

To learn more about Measure I and explore a full list of completed and planned projects, visit GoSBCTA.com. There, you can read a 28-page brochure and leave a comment to share your input on the future of transportation—both in Redlands and across San Bernardino County.

Watkins encouraged residents and local representatives to get involved: “We’d love to hear from you folks, as well as the folks that you represent, in that effort to move transportation forward.”