Rail passengers got their first look at the new Anaheim Canyon Metrolink station, an improvement project to facilitate a rail experience for passengers traveling through north Orange County.  

The Anaheim Canyon Station is an important stop along the Inland Empire-Orange County line, with more than 36 trains traveling through the area daily, according to the Orange County Transportation Authority's news release.

“Improving the passenger experience is vital to encouraging more people to get on and continue riding the train in Orange County,” said Gene Hernandez, OCTA chairman. “The Anaheim Canyon Station is an important link in our rail network and I think it’s clear these improvements will enhance the traveling experience for everyone who uses the station.”

As part of the OCTA-led improvement project, in partnership with Metrolink, the Anaheim Canyon Metrolink Station now has:

• A new second passenger platform.

• New benches, shade structures, and ticket vending machines.

• An extension to the previous passenger platform.

• A new second track of approximately 3,400 feet, allowing more than one train at a time to stop at or pass through the station, for more efficient travel and scheduling.

• Improvements to at-grade crossings at La Palma and Tustin avenues.

The improvements are expected to enhance rail service reliability and on-time performance for Metrolink passengers, according to OCTA.

The project costs approximately $34.2 million and is paid for with local dollars from Orange County’s voter-approved Measure M sales tax for transportation improvements (OC Go), and with federal funds.