Families can skip traffic and explore fun destinations safely by rail trough Ventura County and the Simi and San Fernando Valleys starting Memorial Day weekend.
Los Angeles CA—Just in time for summer, and for the first time in its history, Metrolink will launch a new Saturday service on its Ventura County Line beginning Saturday, May 29—Memorial Day weekend. The new Saturday service connects Ventura County residents in Moorpark and Simi Valley through the San Fernando Valley stations at Chatsworth, Northridge, Van Nuys, Burbank Airport and Burbank Downtown and Glendale with Los Angeles Union Station. The service was made possible from funding provided by the Ventura County Transportation Commission and Metro.
Saturday service departs the Moorpark Station at 8:52 a.m. and arrives at Union Station at 10:07 a.m. The return trip leaves Union Station at 4:28 p.m. and arrives at Moorpark at 5:39 p.m. L.A. County riders can also choose to leave Union Station at 4:28 p.m. on Saturday and spend time exploring the sites traveling northwest along the route and return Monday morning. Metrolink train times can be seen at metrolinktrains.com/schedules.
“Now that health and social conditions are steadily improving from the COVID-19 pandemic, we see a bourgeoning demand for weekend leisure travel. Metrolink’s new Saturday service on the Ventura County Line will help families get out and explore Southern California again,” said Metrolink Board Member and Ventura County Transportation Commission Vice Chairman Tony Trembley.
With just a short walk or Metro connection from LA Union Station, families can skip the traffic and visit fun destinations including Chinatown, Grand Hope Park and The Bloc, an open-air plaza in downtown Los Angeles featuring restaurants, upscale shops, bars, and entertainment, and even a movie theater. Or families may prefer to check out sites at destinations along the way, such as the Arroyo Simi Bike Path or Verdugo Park and Rec Center.
“We are excited about Metrolink’s Saturday service which will open more opportunities for fun, safe and affordable rail travel for families,” said Darren Kettle, executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission. “We look forward to expanding it farther west in the near future.”
Adults can use the $10 Weekend Day Pass that provides unlimited rides on Metrolink trains on the Saturday or Sunday the pass is purchased. And with Metrolink’s new Kids Ride Free on Weekends fare, as many as three children age 17 and younger ride for free with a paying adult so the new service will offer more affordable connections to summer fun. Paid Metrolink fare includes free transfers to the Los Angeles County Metro bus, subway, and light rail system.
“Saturday service has been an oft-requested addition by Ventura County Line customers in Metrolink’s recent rider surveys,” said Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “We’re delighted to see it come to fruition as summer gets into full swing so families can get out and enjoy the beauty of our region.”
At Metrolink, safety is foundational. The air on all trains is recirculated through antimicrobial air filters that destroy 99.98% of viruses and bacteria. Masks are required on all platforms and trains, and you can ensure you have plenty of space for physical distancing by using our online tool How Full is My Train?
Each train car also has two hand sanitizer stations and cars are cleaned and disinfected throughout the day using hospital grade products. Read more here.
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, Metrolink will offer its holiday schedule with service on the Antelope Valley Line, the Orange County Line, the 91/Perris Valley Line and the Inland Empire-Orange County Line with system-wide passes for just $10. Trains will not operate on the Ventura County and Riverside lines on Memorial Day. The $10 Holiday ticket can be purchased on the Metrolink Mobile App or at Metrolink Station Ticket Machines found under “special ticket options.” The $10 Holiday ticket allows for unlimited rides throughout the system.
Metrolink’s Rail 2 Rail® program with Amtrak, which allows Metrolink Monthly Pass holders to travel on Pacific Surfliner trains within station pairs at no additional charge, will be suspended from Friday, May 28 through Tuesday, June 1. The program will resume on Wednesday, June 2.