News release
Metrolink, Southern California’s six-county passenger rail service, will continue to operate on a reduced weekday schedule moving forward, the transportation agency announced in a news release.
On March 23, Metrolink decreased weekday service levels by 20% to address reliability issues stemming from mechanical challenges and supply chain delays, the release said. To minimize disruption to customers, the agency prioritized preserving the highest-ridership trains and travel windows. Originally, these changes were anticipated to remain in place for seven weeks but will now continue for the foreseeable future.
Metrolink will continue to operate at a 20% reduction in previous weekday service levels, the release said. Metrolink’s weekday ridership has modestly decreased by approximately 4% since the modified schedule went into effect, demonstrating that many customers have adjusted their regular travel patterns, the release said, adding that maintaining a consistent, predictable timetable going forward will allow riders to plan with confidence.
This change was initially introduced on March 23, as a temporary measure; Metrolink’s adjusted schedule will now remain in place until further notice, the release said.
Weekday reductions will continue on six of Metrolink’s seven lines, impacting riders in all six counties in which the agency operates; the Riverside Line and Arrow service remain unaffected by these changes.
The change will impact weekday Metrolink riders on the Antelope Valley Line — which serves the Santa Clarita Valley — as well as the 91/Perris Valley, Inland Empire-Orange County, Orange County, San Bernardino and Ventura County lines.
“While Metrolink has made significant progress in working through mechanical challenges and a backlog of repairs, those issues have not yet been fully resolved,” the release said. “Metrolink is also facing financial pressures that will affect the agency’s future ability to provide the level of service riders have become accustomed to. Keeping the current schedule in place will prevent repeated short-term changes that could create more uncertainty and frustration for customers.”
