Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle and Board Director Pam O’Connor distributed candy and gifts to passersby at LA Union Station.
February is a busy but celebratory time at Metrolink. In the first half of the month, we executed two cornerstone campaigns to lead off our annual slate of customer engagement programming.
Transit Equity Day
Like many of our fellow transit agencies, Metrolink offered free rides on Tuesday, Feb. 4 in honor of Transit Equity Day. Held annually on civil rights leader Rosa Parks’ birthday, Transit Equity Day is an important opportunity to highlight the role public transportation plays in ensuring reliable and affordable mobility options are available for everyone. Waiving fares also encourages new users to explore Southern California’s comprehensive public transit network, giving them the chance to experience the convenience of incorporating public transportation into their regular travel habits.
In addition to three planned free-ride days throughout the year, Metrolink utilizes multiple avenues to deliver our commitment to provide equitable service. Last fall, we introduced the largest service expansion in our history with more midday and evening options, making our system more accessible for previously underserved groups. We also provide everyday discounts for children, seniors, riders with disabilities, low-income individuals and active military members, while our Student Adventure Pass allows anyone with a valid student ID to ride for free. By making our service work for more people, we are creating a more inclusive and accessible region.
Customer Appreciation Day
Metrolink staff and friends were out on the system en masse for our seventh-annual Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, Feb. 14. Board Second Vice Chair Tony Trembley and Directors Tam Nguyen and Pam O’Connor joined CEO Darren Kettle and local elected officials across the region to surprise passengers at a series of pop-up events spanning each of our seven lines. Metrolink’s largest presence was felt at LA Union Station, our service hub, with outlying events at the Fullerton, Moorpark, Newhall, Riverside-Downtown and San Bernardino-Downtown stations.
Metrolink representatives wore specialty ‘I Heart SoCal’ hats while expressing their gratitude for our customers by handing out candy, Metrolink swag and giveaways provided by event sponsor Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. Darren also shared a heartfelt video message reflecting on the region's resilience and generosity in the wake of last month’s unprecedented wildfires.
LA Union Station
Back from left: Chief Safety, Security & Compliance Officer Hilary Konczal, staff member Amber Moyers, Chief People Officer Alberto Lara, CEO Darren Kettle, Board Director Pam O’Connor, Chief Customer Experience Officer Lisa Bahr, staff members Brett Hawkins, Mary Riemer and Carmen Honhanessian; front from left: staff members Jeremiah Eaton, Crystal Grant, Anna Denecke, Sheri Candler, Sharon Cruz and Claudia Casasola
Fullerton
From left: Staff members Edison Abrenica, Arisa Hicks, Jennifer Farinas and Ricardo Davila III, Board Director Tam Nguyen and Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung
Moorpark
From left: Staff members Sabrina Davis, Christopher Bryan and Meredith Yeoman, and Board Second Vice Chair Tony Trembley
Newhall
From left: Staff members Kevin Glynn, Manoushka Pierre and Joanna Olmos
Not pictured: Staff from California State Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo’s office
Riverside-Downtown
From left: Staff members Illya Robertson, Luis Bracamontes and Lillian Martinez
San Bernardino-Downtown
From left: Staff members Scott Johnson, Cory Elmore and Angelica Cardona, and engineer Veronica Brown
Not pictured: Staff from California State Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes’s office