Increased weekday, weekend service
Antelope Valley Metrolink riders will have more options for trips starting next month after the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors have approved $1.6 million for increased weekday and weekend service and armed security services for late night trains.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who is also a Metrolink and Metro board member, initiated the funding request for the Antelope Valley Line.
“Since the outset of the pandemic, we’ve been keeping a close eye on Metrolink ridership recovery and have found there is demand for service that we historically haven’t provided,” Barger said. “So, when the opportunity presented itself, I seized the moment to both bring back pre-pandemic service levels and advance how we serve the needs of our previous, current, and future riders.”
Acessibility and availability for a large swath of county riders from across the Antelope, Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys.
The service changes will start Oct. 23.
Funding for the program came through cost savings earmarked exclusively for the Southern California Regional Rail Authority.
The new schedules will provide riders with predictable train arrival times throughout the day, fill midday service gaps, and provide options for riders who work unconventional hours or who wish to use the system to attend community events, visit family, and other activities within reach of the AV Line, Barger’s office said.
The Metro Board also approved a motion by Director Ara Najarian and co-authored by Barger, Hilda L. Solis and Paul Krekorian that seeks to address issues throughout the AV Line corridor pertaining to train horn noise.
“Service changes can also introduce some challenges,” Barger said. “Train horns, for example, are critical for safety but can create quality-of-life issues for residents who live nearby. I am sensitive to these and other concerns that may arise. I’m committed to finding solutions.”
