18
June
2018
|
05:23 AM
America/Los_Angeles

Kick off Summer and Dump the Pump

Summary
In advance of National Dump the Pump Day June 21, Metrolink is reminding long distance drivers and others that travel by train is the best way to beat rising gas prices.

Metrolink offers cheaper, more relaxing alternative to driving for work, school or play

LOS ANGELES – In advance of National Dump the Pump Day June 21, Metrolink is reminding long distance drivers and others that travel by train is the best way to beat rising gas prices.

Gasoline prices are expected to reach $3 a gallon as a national average for unleaded gasoline this summer, a four-year high. Tighter supplies, more demand, and the switch to a summer blend of gasoline that is better for the environment are some factors behind a steady rise in fuel prices.

That’s a burden for many workers who are commuting longer distances from the Inland Empire, Northern Los Angeles County and elsewhere where homes are more affordable to jobs in Central Los Angeles and Orange County.

“Metrolink is a viable alternative to driving,” says Metrolink CEO Art Leahy. “It saves you money, and it’s healthier than dealing with the stress of worsening traffic.”

Leahy noted Metrolink offers passenger rail service in six Southern California counties, paralleling major freeways that are frequently congested.

The price of gas is only part of the cost of owning and driving a car. Parking, maintenance, insurance and depreciation also must be considered. In 2017, the Auto Club estimated that it cost $8,469 to drive an average new vehicle 15,000 miles in Southern California.

Just taking Metrolink, Southern California’s regional rail system, to work once or twice a week can save commuters thousands of dollars annually.

Beyond serving commuters, Metrolink is ideal for summer day trips to the most popular family and tourist destinations. From beaches to Disneyland and Universal Studios, Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles, Dodgers and Angels baseball games and so much more, Metrolink is a vehicle of discovery.

Many of the most popular venues, such as the beaches in San Clemente and Oceanside, Mission San Juan Capistrano or Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles, are an easy walk from the Metrolink stations.

Metrolink fares on Saturday and Sunday are only $10 for unlimited rides making Metrolink one of the best travel bargains anywhere. Starting July 4, Metrolink also will be charging $10 for holiday service.

Metrolink riders also can transfer free to many local bus and rail operators such as Metro that serves world famous museums in Exposition Park, Old Town Pasadena, Universal Studios as well as Santa Monica and its popular beaches and pier.

At Metrolink’s ARTIC Station in Anaheim, riders bound for Disneyland, California Adventure and Downtown Disney can take a free shuttle operated by Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) for a short ride to the Magic Kingdom.

For more information or to plan your work or day trip go to www.metrolinktrains.com.

ABOUT METROLINK

Metrolink is Southern California's regional commuter rail service in its 25th year of operation. Metrolink is governed by The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. Metrolink operates seven routes through a six-county, 538 route-mile network. Metrolink’s passengers travel approximately 441 million miles each year making Metrolink the second busiest public transportation provider in Southern California. Metrolink is the third largest commuter rail agency in the United States based on directional route miles and the eighth largest based on annual ridership.

ABOUT NATIONAL DUMP THE PUMP DAY

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation and to take them where they need to go, instead of driving a car. Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a convenient travel option that also helps people save money.

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