More trains set to run

BURBANK — Citing increased customer demand, Metrolink is expanding the number of weekend trains that run through Glendale and Burbank, Metrolink officials said.

Starting Saturday, Metrolink will increase the number of trains from four to six on the Antelope Valley Line, between Lancaster and Union Station, which services Burbank and Glendale. On Sunday, Metrolink will begin running three trains on the Antelope Valley Line.

“This new service increases the options for our passengers,” Metrolink spokeswoman Denise Tyrrell said. “We found that there was a high demand.”

As communities expand, Metrolink has been forced to change their travel approach, Tyrrell said.

Now, trains run Monday through Friday, with limited weekend service in selected areas.

The option to increase Metrolink’s Saturday schedule and add a Sunday line from Lancaster to Union Station came to fruition after officials could justify the cost.

Paul Dyson, president of the Rail Passenger Assn. of California has been calling for the continued expansion of Metrolink train service throughout the region.

“At last, Metrolink is beginning to fulfill its potential as a true regional rail system,” Dyson said.

Metrolink was formed in 1991 as a joint-powers authority of five-member agencies representing Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

Its intention was to act as a commuter train for those going to and from work, Dyson said.

The cost for increased usage will be partially subsidized by the joint authorities, Tyrrell said.

“Passenger fares will pay for about 45%, 10% from other Metrolink revenue, and about 45% from the joint powers, who get their money from the community,” she said. “In a sense, it is the people who are subsidizing it. Really, we work for the people of Southern California.”

Dyson is pleased with the changes, though his organization still called for more train service.

“Our goal was to have service seven days a week,” he said. “That has happened, but there certainly is more work to be done. As far as service is concerned, we need regular service on the weekend, every hour.”

Metrolink is satisfied with its current service.

“At this point, we are not going to change any more than we just have,” Tyrrell said. “However, the board of directors are always open to new service. But we’re satisfied with what happens every day. If the demand is there on the weekend, the board will look [to increase] service.”

Any increase in usage, Tyrrell cautioned, would come only after Metrolink has justified the cost.

“It does cost money to run these trains,” she said. “Because the people pay for the service, we’re very careful with how we pay for these things.”

For more information on the lines, visit www.metrolinktrains. com/schedules/html.php?id=401.