Friday May 26, 2017

Metrolink kicking off summer travel by adding more Memorial Day service

LOS ANGELES– To kick off summer travel, Metrolink is offering more service than ever before on Memorial Day, running a schedule regularly available on Sundays. Metrolink’s Memorial Day schedule includes service on the Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Orange County, 91/Perris Valley and Inland Empire-Orange County lines. In prior years, Metrolink only offered limited service on the one or two lines.

Public transportation is the best way for tourists and those vacationing at home this summer to experience what makes Southern California a premier tourist destination -- while beating world-class traffic. That was the message transportation officials shared yesterday during a press conference at Los Angeles Union Station.

“The easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get to and from the hundreds of Southern California attractions is by using Metrolink and public transportation,” said Metrolink Board Chair and City of San Jacinto Councilmember Andrew Kotyuk. “Whether it be Metrolink, Amtrak, Metro or any of the dozens of available public transit agencies, there are many options to access the places that make Southern California a top destination without the infamous traffic.”

Metrolink is one of 26 transportation agencies in Los Angeles County to join the TAP network, creating the largest seamless smart-card program in the nation. Tickets and passes from these agencies all have a TAP chip that is recognized by all gates, conductors and operators.

For example, with the purchase of a Metrolink ticket, a passenger can transfer to any of Metro’s light rail or subway systems at no additional charge to reach Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Old Town Pasadena, Santa Monica or any of the Downtown Los Angeles attractions.

“Metro is pleased to join with Metrolink, Amtrak and our bus providers to highlight our world-class travel destinations this summer,” said said John Fasana, Metro Board Chair and Mayor Pro-Tem of the city of Duarte. “Whether it’s shopping, museums, landmarks, dining, theaters, sports venues, concerts, theme parks or nightlife, you can get there by Metro.”

The same Metrolink ticket can also be used to board more than 20 bus operators throughout the county. Additional fare payment may be required for express or other non-local bus services.

“People who use our systems don’t see a distinction between a train, a subway or a bus. They just want to be able to get where they want to be,” said Art Ida, the Culver City Transportation Department Director and Chair of the Los Angeles County Municipal Operators Association (LACMOA). “People don’t come to Southern California to sit in traffic. Traffic is a problem that can be avoided by using public transportation.”

Beyond Los Angeles County, a Metrolink ticket allows free transfers onto buses and shuttles to destinations including Disneyland, Riverside’s Mission Inn and the Irvine Spectrum Center.

People can also take a short walk to destinations such as Angel Stadium of Anaheim, the Mission San Juan Capistrano or the San Clemente and Oceanside beaches.

“With service to great destinations throughout southern California, the train offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to take a day trip or a weekend staycation,” said David Golonski, the former chair and current board member of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service. “Instead of dealing with the stress of driving, you can relax and reconnect with family and friends while you enjoy a scenic ride.”

The Pacific Surfliner provides daily rail service between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, connecting with many of the same transit partners as Metrolink.

Taking Metrolink or one of its transportation partners, is a great way to explore Southern California, beat traffic and save money. On either Saturdays or Sundays, a Metrolink ticket is only $10 for unlimited rides throughout the Metrolink system, which is cheaper than parking at most venues.

For more information about Metrolink and its connections, please visitwww.metrolinktrains.com.

For more information about the Pacific Surfliner, visitpacificsurfliner.com.

For more information about Metro, visitMetro.net.

ABOUT METROLINK (www.metrolinktrains.com)

Metrolink is Southern California's regional commuter rail service in its 24th 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, 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.

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