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LOS ANGELES – More Metrolink trains were moving along the tracks today at a rate not seen in more than two years as Metrolink operated its new schedule that added 26 trains. The schedule also made four Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains available to all Metrolink ticketholders. And Metrolink customers were happy.

“Today Metrolink broadened travel options for current riders, visitors to the region and riders who may have taken a break from the train,” Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said. “Customers across SoCal, myself included, enjoyed new flexibility in train options to get to work, important appointments, or just to have some fun.”  

Metrolink staff greeted riders at stations and asked them their thoughts about the restored trains on their routes. Passengers were elated to have more options available to the them for their daily activities.

“This added train has made me ecstatic now that its back,” said Erika Retzer, who will now be taking Riverside Line train 405 to Los Angeles Union Station on weekdays. “I will be continuing to ride and so will my fellow employees.”

“It’s a game changer, I was not able to complete a full work-day at the office prior,” said Della Castillo who rode Orange County Line train 682 Monday morning. “It’s a great day for me. I can’t overstate how excited I am for this train to be back after two years.”

People can view the entire Metrolink train schedule at metrolinktrains.com.  

Metrolink has recently recorded significant ridership growth in its weekday and weekend ridership. Metrolink is at approximately 30% of its weekday ridership compared to pre-pandemic levels. Following today’s launch of additional service, the agency anticipates that percentage will grow to about 44% by midsummer. On the weekends, Metrolink has already recovered nearly 70% of its pre-pandemic ridership.

As gas prices remain high, Metrolink is an affordable option with ticket prices ranging from $0.50 to $26.50 – depending on distance traveled – while the average fare for a one-way trip is $6.60. Discounts are available for youth, students (including college students), seniors, persons with disabilities and active military. Kids ages five and under always ride free with a paying adult, while on the weekends, kids 17 and under ride free with a paying adult.

Metrolink trains are cleaned multiple times daily and an electrostatic sprayer is used to mist hospital-grade disinfectants throughout all trains. Touch point cleaning on seats, arm and headrests, rails, grab bars, tables, trash cans and restrooms takes place throughout the day. Each train car is equipped with two hand sanitizer stations – one by each door.

Face coverings continue to be required by Transportation Security Administration directive on public transportation, which includes Metrolink stations, platforms and trains.