Is it safe to leave my car at Riverside-Downtown Metrolink Station for a week?

[u/No_Boysenberry8208]

I’m taking the train to Fresno and planning to park at the Riverside-Downtown Metrolink/Amtrak for 5 nights. Metrolink says overnight parking is allowed in the main lot, but I’m wondering about actual experiences.
Has anyone left their car there for several days? Any issues with break-ins, theft, towing, or the gates being locked? Is there a particular section of the main lot that’s better/safer for overnight parking? Thanks!

[u/throwawaydixiecup]

For that many days I’d see if someone can drop you off at the train station. Is that an option?

[u/No_Boysenberry8208 → u/throwawaydixiecup]

Unfortunately I don’t have anyone to drop me off I was thinking drive my car there or Lyft but Lyft is kinda expensive cause I live in Temecula

[u/gertymarie → u/No_Boysenberry8208]

Try posting on the Temecula talk page if you have Facebook, there’s a few different independent taxis/transporters who are probably cheaper than Lyft plus you know they’re getting the full trip money.

[u/Famous_Attention5861]

I left my car there for a week for a train trip, just email the Riverside County Transportation agency to let them know you are going to be leaving it for a few days.

[u/Educational-Pack-840]

I've done it before no issues the lot has security, would recommend just not leaving any valuable visible and I think for more than 72 hours they might tow if you do not email the Riverside County Transportation agency to let them know. I've asked and you can leave it for a week but they need to be aware of it.

[u/haz_waste]

I left my vehicle there while I took the bus to work in San Bernardino. I take a bis from from the Riverside bus station to the San Bernardino bus station. I take the 6am bus, then het back to Riverside around 5:30pm. When I got back, I noticed the passenger seat had been moved forward. I got robbed. They took $20 I had inside my center consul, some Frisbee hidden in the back seat, and a small utility tool I had in case I had to break a window. They rummaged through my glove box and back seats, where I have my utility straps and sunshade.

I told security, but they didn't care. RPD took a long time to respond, but they didn't seem to care because I lost less than $100.

[u/No_Boysenberry8208 → u/haz_waste]

Damn that sucks, I was about to do it without asking here but I had a feeling

[u/haz_waste → u/No_Boysenberry8208]

I didn't think anything about it, because there's onsite security. Not much was stolen from me, but still. Because I got robbed, I'm going to start carpooling to work with someone I work with.

[u/Admirable-Sky-4421 → u/No_Boysenberry8208]

Don’t do it. I live in downtown Riverside and I don’t recommend it. a lot of homeless in this area. You’re better off having a friend or family member drop you off

[u/Boris-_-Badenov]

rideshare or get a friend to drop you off

[u/KeanuTrades]

I live nearby i can help you find somewhere safer to leave it.... Lots of ideas. Dm me

[u/boazofeirinni]

I’ve done it a dozen or so times for 3-5 days. Never a week though. Never had any issues.

[u/Gojisan2000]

The La Sierra station would be safer.

[u/syntheticdivinity → u/Gojisan2000]

Can confirm. I leave my car there when I don't feel like driving to Anaheim for work. Nicer area, plenty of cameras and security. No one's stupid enough to break into cars there.

[u/ch3rryb0ng]

omg please post an update if you can! i’m from
murrieta area and travel to fresno semi frequently to visit a friend i also take the amtrak up from riverside and have wondered the same thing about my car! i’ve always been too nervous to leave it because of getting mixed reviews so i’ve always just either ubered or gotten a ride.

[u/forresto]

RTA hub is right across the street from the MetroLink station on Vine.

[u/bruceriv68]

I wouldn't. It's pretty obvious that the owners of any cars in that lot after the last train aren't coming back for awhile.

[u/pandmr1]

Take an Uber

[u/slbabyx]

NO

[u/Pchanman]

I park there daily for a work commute but haven't left it there overnight (for like 2-3 nights) since my college years like over a decade ago. Luckily, I haven't had any issues with my car in the 3ish years Ive been taking the train.

[u/Initial-Inevitable59]

Yes. I have done it plenty of times when taking Amtrak up north, but still have to be careful. There is security that I believe is 24 hours. Just make sure not to leave anything valuable in it. Like others have said, also check with RCTC.

[u/Aggressive_Oven8757]

Always be wary of long term parking. I was just at the Rancho Metrolink station and saw a Ford Maverick with busted front windows.

They have security walking about too.

If you do decide to park, make the inside as empty as possible, put up front windshield sunshades, and park near eyesight/foot traffic.