Metrolink Adds 26 Trains to its Schedule

Metrolink announced that on Monday, April 4 riders will see the restoration of 24 trains and the addition of two new trains.

The service update also makes four Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains available to all Metrolink ticketholders, which adds Saturday and Sunday service on the Ventura County Line.

“As Metrolink CEO, I’m elated that we’re able to restore our service close to pre-pandemic levels, so our riders can get to work, to friends and family and to fun – more  affordably and without the headaches of traffic and parking,” said Darren Kettle, Metrolink CEO. “As a Metrolink rider, I am happy that my two favorite Ventura County Line trains are coming back into service, so I can have more flexibility to get to and from work. And I know from my conversations with fellow Metrolink riders, they too are looking forward to the flexibility our new schedule will bring to their lives.”

On March 24, 2020 Metrolink reduced its schedule by approximately 30% following a 90% drop in ridership at the outset of the pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders.

Metrolink said it has recently recorded significant ridership growth in its weekday and weekend ridership.  Metrolink is at approximately 30% of its weekday ridership compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to the news release. 

Following the additional service on April 4, the agency said it anticipates that percentage will grow to about 44% by midsummer. On the weekends, Metrolink has recovered nearly 70% of its pre-pandemic ridership.

Key schedule highlights include:

• 91/Perris Valley Line: Two added trains with midday service to Los Angeles and a reverse morning trip to Riverside County. 
• Antelope Valley Line: Six added trains and schedule updates offering increased flexibility for weekday travel. 
• Orange County Line: Two added trains offering more weekday morning service.  
• Riverside Line: Four added trains offering increased flexibility for weekday travel. 
• San Bernardino Line: Six added trains including later evening trains, plus new Sunday service. 
• Ventura County Line: Six added Metrolink trains including weekday morning and evening trains, plus four Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains that are now available to all Metrolink ticket holders – including on Saturday and Sundays. 

An overview of the full schedule can be found here.

“Metrolink is the backbone of public transportation in southern California as it literally links people from their homes to their workplaces and other destinations – from the Inland Empire to Oceanside or Ventura, throughout the Antelope, San Fernando and Perris valleys and into Los Angeles,” said Ara Najarian, Metrolink Board Chair. “With soaring gas prices and excessive traffic congestion, it was important that we bring back more service now as people are returning to the office and traveling for leisure and more.”