Commissioner asks if CRA can sponsor weekend SunRail service during big events

A commissioner raised crowding and parking issues during large events and asked whether the CRA could pay to extend SunRail service on event weekends, noting the member heard a $75,000 per‑day cost estimate for weekend service. The commissioner said Friday of the art festival saw nearly 16,000 riders, and that the congestion and parking impacts were severe.

Agency official said the CRA had supported SunRail in past years via parking-related assistance but that directly sponsoring weekend trains would require legal review and coordination with county contracts. Staff recommended consulting the CRA attorney and county partners before any CRA funding decision.

"That cost is $75,000 a day," the commissioner said when describing the vendor estimate for weekend service, and commissioners asked staff to check legal and budget feasibility.