Messages sent over Twitter are called "tweets" and are transmitted using the same technology that is used to send text messages by cell phones or other portable devices. Anyone who wants to receive updates from a Twitter account holder just needs to subscribe to or "follow" that sender. You can set up your account to receive and send tweets from a cell phone or other text message enabled portable device. All you need to do is send a text message from yourportable devicethat reads "Follow Metrolink" to 40404. You will get a message that will ask you to confirm your desire to receive updates with additional instructions on how to set up an account.

Ifyou don't have an account you can go to twitter.com/metrolink to view our Twitter updates on the Internet or follow us right on our home page at metrolinktrains.comor our line-by-line updates page.

We've been sending train status updates or"tweets" to our "followers" sincelate July2008 as a pilot program and we plan to continue to test Twitter's effectivenessbut we need your feedback. But first you have to subscribe. Visit twitter.com to learn how to set up your free account.

Metrolink Line-By-Line Updates - NEW!

StartingDecember 11, 2009, Metrolink is offering Line-By-Line service updates via Twitter Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Below is the Line-By-Line breakdown:

For Metrolink's Antelope Valley Line, follow @MetrolinkANT

For Metrolink's Inland Empire-Orange County Line, follow @MetrolinkIEOC

For Metrolink's Orange County Line, follow @MetrolinkOC

For Metrolink's Riverside Line, follow @MetrolinkRIV

For Metrolink's San Bernardino Line, follow @MetrolinkSB

For Metrolink's Ventura County Line, follow @MetrolinkVC

For Metrolink's 91 Line, follow @Metrolink91

FAQ:

Why are you doing this?

Our research has shown that our passengers are technically sophisticated and are already accustomed to sending and receiving text messages, e-mail, using instant messaging and many other real-time communications technologies. Twitter is one of the latest of those technologies.

Is this going to cost me anything?

Twitter is a free service but there may be some costs associated with receiving text messages on your portable device. Check with your cellular phone service provider for details of your text messaging plan and any charges you might incur before you sign up(and don't send us any requests for reimbursements).

Will I be able to choose the trains I receive updates about?

Not yet. At this time we only have one Twitter account and updates for all trains on all lines will be sent through that account. We have established accounts for each line so you can subscribe to only updates for trains on your route but that is still probably a few months away.

What if I don't want to get an update at 4:00 a.m. about a delay to the first train out of Lancaster?

Once you establish your Twitter account, you can log in, select "Settings" and then "Devices" and you can limit the hours during which you will receive updates.

What if I want to stop receiving Metrolink updates altogether?

All you have to do is send "End Metrolink" to 40404 and our updates will stop (believe us when we say youwill be missed.)

Twitter is a two-way service. What if I send a "tweet" to Metrolink?

It depends on the message (just kidding!) For now, we are only using Twitter to send updates. We are unable to respond to any updates we receive. Another future project is to look at Twitter as a way to get passenger feedback. For now, any comments about Metrolink on Twitter or any other aspect of our service can be submitted HERE or by calling (800) 371-5465.

I would like to also receive updates on my computer along with on my cell phone. Are there any applications I can install so I can do this?

Metrolink does not endorse any particular application but we are currently using Hootsuite. Hootsuite is a free application that allows you to monitor and post to multiple social networks, including Facebook and Twitter using the Hootsuite dashboard.It has other convenient features as well. For more information on Hootsuite visit http://hootsuite.comor try Tweetdeck at http://www.tweetdeck.com.

What if I stop receiving "tweets" or I believe I am not getting all of Metrolink's "tweets"?

Twitter is a free service and has experienced short service disruptions to customers of one of more cell phone service providers over the past year. You can visit http://status.twitter.com/to confirm any problems. Metrolink will attempt to let our followers know whenever we become aware of any Twitter service problems. You can also try deleting your portable device and re-registering it or even deleting your account and reestablishing it.