LOS ANGELES – Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail provider, will once again celebrate Earth Day by offering free rides systemwide on Wednesday, April 22. Riders can travel on any train line, including the Arrow service, with no ticket required: simply step aboard and go.

Whether commuting to work, meeting friends or exploring a new destination, Metrolink’s annual fare-free days provide an opportunity to leave traffic behind and experience a more sustainable, less stressful way to travel across Southern California. For many drivers who are frustrated with day-to-day congestion and rising costs, it’s a chance to try something new and take the first step toward making the train part of their regular routine.

“Earth Day is a reminder that small changes, like choosing public transit over driving one day a week, can have a meaningful impact on our environment,” Metrolink Board Chair Doug Chaffee said. “As high gas prices continue to put a strain on communities across the region, we encourage Southern Californians to ride for free on April 22 and discover the ease of climbing aboard one of our trains to get where they’re going.”

Metrolink is one of several transit providers waiving fares on Earth Day. Riders can connect for free to numerous local services across Metrolink’s six-county service area, including those operated by LA Metro and the Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Ventura County Transportation Commission.

On Earth Day, Metrolink trains will run on a reduced weekday service schedule, introduced March 23. Metrolink continues to serve all station cities and lines during this time. The current schedule is available at metrolinktrains.com/schedule-update.

Those planning their first trip or rediscovering the system can access a curated guide of destinations within walking or biking distance of a Metrolink station at metrolinktrains.com/explore. Bicycles are welcome onboard Metrolink and Arrow trains, though space is limited. Regular train cars can accommodate up to three bikes, while most designated bike cars can carry up to nine.

Visit metrolinktrain.com/earthday to learn more about Metrolink’s free ride days and plan your trip. Customers can also use Metrolink’s Personal Impact Calculator to see how choosing the train instead of driving can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower out-of-pocket fuel costs.