ANZA — The Cahuilla Band of Indians celebrated a major milestone in transportation accessibility Oct. 28 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Cahuilla Express Zero Emissions Shuttle, an electric transportation service designed to connect residents of the Anza Valley with shopping, medical appointments and other essential services in Temecula and surrounding communities.
Tribal leaders, representatives from GRID Alternatives, community members who helped bring the project to fruition, and local fire department personnel gathered at the Cahuilla Band of Indians Reservation on Highway 371 to celebrate the launch.
The new 16-passenger electric shuttle, supported by a solar charging station, represents an important step toward addressing the transportation challenges faced by residents of the rural mountain communities commonly referred to as “The Hill.”
For many Anza residents, traveling down the mountain to Temecula for groceries, medical care, shopping, and other necessities can be difficult, particularly for seniors, people with disabilities and those without reliable transportation.
The Cahuilla Express aims to help bridge that gap by providing a shared transportation option while reducing vehicle emissions.
The project was made possible through funding from California’s Clean Mobility Options Program, supported by the California Air Resources Board. The statewide initiative helps underserved communities develop clean transportation solutions that improve mobility while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to renewable energy and clean transportation, was among the organizations represented at the celebration.
Jeremy Jordan, tribal administrator for the Cahuilla Band of Indians, emphasized the importance of transportation access in rural communities.
“In the greater Anza area, access to a ride can determine whether someone reaches a medical appointment or stays connected to their community,” Jordan said. “The Cahuilla Express turns clean transportation funding into a practical benefit for our neighbors.”
Jordan said the project is about more than reducing emissions.
“By expanding shared, zero-emission mobility, we can help residents maintain their independence while reducing tailpipe pollution,” he said. “Rural and Tribal communities deserve to share in the benefits of California’s clean transportation future, and this shuttle is an important step toward making that vision a reality.”
Hunter Grove, who helped coordinate the project for the Cahuilla Band of Indians, said the tribe used grant funding to purchase the 16-passenger electric shuttle and construct the solar charging station needed to support its operation.
The goal, Grove explained, is to provide transportation for residents who need to travel to Temecula or other nearby communities for shopping and everyday conveniences.
“This service will bridge a serious transportation void that most of the community deals with on a daily basis,” Grove said.
The shuttle is expected to be especially beneficial for tribal Elders, youth and other community members who face transportation barriers.
The ribbon-cutting celebration brought together the tribal government, project partners and local residents whose combined efforts helped transform the transportation initiative into a reality.
The participation of local fire department personnel and community supporters reflected the importance of the project to the broader Anza Valley.
In addition to providing a practical transportation solution, the Cahuilla Express demonstrates how renewable energy technology can be used to address everyday challenges in rural communities.
With its electric shuttle and solar charging infrastructure, the program combines environmental stewardship with the tribe’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its members and neighbors.
For residents who have long struggled with limited transportation options, the Cahuilla Express offers a new way to travel down the hill and back, helping connect the Anza Valley with essential services and opportunities beyond the mountain.
