PE.COM 2/14/16

As testing on the Perris Valley Line accelerates this weekend, officials have adjusted their projection on the opening of the latest addition to the Metrolink commuter rail system.

Transportation officials started testing trains traveling at higher speeds today on the 24-mile extension that expands Metrolink into northeast Riverside, Moreno Valley and Perris.

Officials had hoped the project – plagued by lawsuits that delayed its construction – would open by the end of 2015.

Later, the target date was pushed back to February.

Now officials expect passenger service to start in March.

“Most likely sometime next month,” said Riverside County Transportation Commission Deputy Executive Director John Standiford. “Part of this testing is to determine when (the opening of service) may be.”