Los Angeles – Today, on Transit Equity Day, Metrolink invited everyone to take a seat, any seat aboard Metrolink trains to commemorate Rosa Parks’ bold stand toward a more just public transportation system. People were invited to ride the train for free, any Metrolink train, on any line, no ticket required. And people absolutely rode the train.

“We are so very thankful and appreciative to the people who took the opportunity to ride Metrolink on Transit Equity Day,” Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said. “While we honor Rosa Parks and the efforts to make public transportation an equitable experience, we look forward to those first-time riders today becoming regular Metrolink customers.”

Metrolink experienced a 43 percent ridership increase Friday morning and projects to have nearly 13,000 total boardings today. Metrolink has averaged just over 8,600 passenger boardings the past four Fridays.

In addition to Metrolink, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is offering free transportation throughout their county today, which includes transfers to and from Metrolink. San Bernardino County public transportation providers that are also offering free rides on Transit Equity Day include OmniTrans, MBTA, Mountain Transit and Victor Valley Transit.

In 2021, Metrolink took a deep look at its business and ridership to better understand the evolving needs of riders since the beginning of the pandemic. Metrolink’s Accessibility and Affordability Study provided clarity on equity within the communities Metrolink serves and offered a pathway to increased future success of the passenger rail’s service.

Metrolink ensures that everyone has access to fares they can afford by offering everyday discount fare options. Reduced rates are available for students, children, the disabled, seniors and active military.

Metrolink, the third largest commuter rail system in the country and southern California’s essential regional passenger rail system, provides workers transit to work and home, helps students get to school on time, provides mobility for those with physical disabilities and offers families a fun adventure to area destinations.

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