From left: Jerone Hurst, Director, Train Control and Communications, Metrolink; Jose Meza, Supervisor, Communications Systems; Paul Hubler, Chief Strategy Officer, Metrolink; Congressman George Whitesides (D-CA); Patsy Ayala, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Santa Clarita; Marsha McLean, Councilmember, City of Santa Clarita.
For Metrolink customers, timely and accurate information can make all the difference in navigating their journey, particularly when delays or disruptions occur. Two recent federal investments will help Metrolink modernize customer information technology along the Antelope Valley Line, supporting improvements that will provide riders with clearer, more reliable service updates at several key stations.
During the August congressional district work period, U.S. Rep. George Whitesides (CA-27) joined Metrolink and City of Santa Clarita representatives at the Newhall Station to highlight $250,000 in Community Project Funding he secured for technology improvements along the corridor. Metrolink operations staff provided an overview of station operations and planned Customer Information System (CIS) upgrades designed to deliver more timely and accurate information about train arrivals, departures and delays. The funding will also support technology that helps Metrolink monitor rail conditions and proactively identify potential issues caused by extreme temperatures.
As the group enjoyed a short ride between the Newhall and Santa Clarita stations, Metrolink Chief Strategy Officer Paul Hubler spoke with Rep. Whitesides about the future of regional rail and the investments needed to continue strengthening mobility, reliability and the customer experience for Antelope Valley Line riders. The visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate firsthand how targeted federal support can translate into practical improvements for the customers and communities Metrolink serves.
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (center) was instrumental in securing hundreds of thousands of dollars for improvements at Metrolink stations in Burbank and Glendale.
Last month’s tour followed another $250,000 federal investment secured by U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (CA-30) and announced in July, which will update and replace CIS infrastructure at the Glendale and Burbank stations. Planned enhancements include modern arrival and departure displays and upgraded public-address systems that more conveniently connect customers with the information they need to confidently navigate their trips.
Together, these investments will strengthen the technology behind the customer experience while supporting a more modern and responsive regional rail system. As Southern California prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, improvements like these will help ensure both longtime riders and first-time visitors have access to clear, timely information throughout their journeys.