Translate
Funding Will Get Service for Residents Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels, Study Strategies to Reduce Train Horn Noise
Riders of Metrolink’s Antelope Valley Line (AVL) will see its services restored to pre-pandemic levels and enjoy increased weekend service with the approval of $1.6 million in unspent FY23 Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) operating funds to this service, as decided by the board of directors during The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) monthly meeting. Metro is one of five county transportation agencies that fund Metrolink.
“I am pleased that my fellow board members recognize the value and critical role that the Antelope Valley Line has in the lives of residents from the Antelope, Santa Clarita, and San Fernando Valleys,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro and Metrolink Board Member Kathryn Barger. “It will be the first line back to pre-pandemic levels and the first to introduce predictable schedules. Service restoration during the week and weekends will increase a steady ridership base by providing more frequent service options and supporting more transit flexibility. I’m proud to have helped lead this effort.”
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted ridership on the Metrolink AVL, which historically had been the third busiest line on the Metrolink system, averaging 7,000 riders per weekday, pre-pandemic. These additional funds will add four trips each weekday including late night service and will significantly expand weekend service with hourly trains between Santa Clarita and Union Station and bi-hourly trains between Lancaster and Union Station.
“Thank you to the Metro Board for approving the necessary funding to meet the changing needs of our Antelope Valley Line riders,” said Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle. “This funding will allow us to expand existing service by increasing mid-day and late-night options on weekdays and will double our weekend trains. The new schedule will improve the customer experience and, thanks to the Metro Board’s vision, preview what regional rail service could look like across our entire system soon.”
Many of the Antelope Valley residents live and work in Equity Focus Communities and have lower income and non-traditional jobs that require non-traditional, non-peak service opportunities. The AVL serves as a transit alternative to the congested SR-14 freeway and provides a vital link between the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area.
“The Antelope Valley Line is a critical link for North County residents to access jobs, entertainment, and services across the greater Los Angeles region.” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “The Metro Board action today will empower more North County residents to leave their cars at home and use public transportation to get to and through the rest of LA County. That’s a good thing for people and the planet.”
Additionally, to help combat the added noise that has been historically experienced by residents near the corridors, especially the Glendale Station and along the AVL corridor, the Metro board passed a motion for Metro to help fund a study with Metrolink on reducing train horn noise. The purpose of the study is to ensure and preserve safety at rail crossings while looking at potential options, including possible rail crossing elimination. Metro will report the results of its study to the board in April 2024.
For more information, please visit; boardagendas.metro.net/events/
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries about 900,000 boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and seven rail lines.
Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, twitter.com/metrolosangeles and twitter.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.
About Metrolink (metrolinktrains.com)
Metrolink regional passenger rail service offers reliable, safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation throughout Southern California. The Agency’s 545.6 total service line miles and 66 stations across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and San Diego counties connect people, communities, and businesses and is an essential link in the region’s mobility network. Metrolink’s Arrow service, which launched in October 2022 with nine miles of track and four new stations between San Bernardino and Redlands, provides greater local and regional rail connectivity.
