View source for Metrolink (California)

{{Short description|Regional commuter rail system serving Southern California}}
{{About|the commuter rail system in Southern California|other similarly-named systems around the world|Metrolink (disambiguation){{!}}Metrolink}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox public transit
| name = Metrolink
| image = Metrolink logo 2022.svg
| imagesize = 250px
| image2 = Train Waiting at Chatsworth Station.jpg
| imagesize2 = 300px
| caption2 = A Metrolink train stopped at [[Chatsworth station]]
| locale = [[Southern California]]
| transit_type = [[Commuter rail]]
| lines = {{Unbulleted list|8}}
| stations = 69
| daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|CA Los Angeles Metrolink daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|CA Los Angeles Metrolink annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| chief_executive = Darren Kettle<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 23, 2021 |title=Darren Kettle is named new Metrolink CEO |language=en-US |work=Los Angeles Times |agency=City News Service |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-07-23/socal-regional-rail-authority-board-of-directors-names-new-metrolink-ceo |access-date=July 24, 2021}}</ref>
| headquarters = [[Wilshire Grand Center]]<br />[[Los Angeles]], California
| website = {{url|metrolinktrains.com}}
| began_operation = {{start date and age|1992|10|26}}<ref name="20th-Anniversary">{{Cite web |title=Metrolink 20th Anniversary Report |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/pdfs/20thAnniversaryReport/ |access-date=August 14, 2013 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref>
| operator = [[Amtrak]] {{small|(under contract)}}<br />[[Alstom]] (post–2025)
| marks = SCAX
| host = {{Unbulleted list
 | SCAX
 | [[BNSF Railway]]
 | [[North County Transit District]]
 | [[Union Pacific Railroad]]
 }}
| vehicles = 60 locomotives, 274 rail cars, 3 [[Diesel multiple unit|DMU]] vehicles (Arrow)<ref name="Metrolink-Fact2016" /><ref name="ArrowOpens"/>
| system_length = {{Convert|545.6|mi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name="30th-Anniversary">{{Cite press release |title=Metrolink Celebrates 30th Anniversary by Gifting Customers and Introducing New Logo |date=October 26, 2022 |url=https://www.metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-news/metrolink-celebrates-30th-anniversary-by-gifting-customers-and-introducing-new-logo/ |language=en-us |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=Metrolink Celebrates 30th Anniversary by Gifting Customers and Introducing New Logo}}</ref>
| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| average_speed = <!-- {{convert|0|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} -->
| top_speed = {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
| map = {{switcher
| {{maplink-road|from=Metrolink (California).map}}
| Show interactive map
| [[File:Metrolink System Map.png|275px]]
| Show static map
| {{Metrolink (California) lines|inline=yes}}
| Show route diagram
}}
}}

'''Metrolink''' {{Reporting mark|SCAX}} is a [[commuter rail]] system in [[Southern California]], serving [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles]], [[Orange County, California|Orange]], [[Riverside County, California|Riverside]], [[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino]], and [[Ventura County, California|Ventura]] counties, as well as to [[Oceanside, California|Oceanside]] in [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]].<ref name="Routes" /><ref name="How2Ride">{{Cite web |title=Metrolink – How 2 Ride Guide – Southern California System Map |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/pdfs/Ride_Guide.pdf |access-date=August 14, 2013 |publisher=American Automobile Association (AAA)}}</ref> The system consists of eight lines and [[List of Metrolink (California) stations|69 stations]] operating on {{convert|545.6|mi|km}} of track.<ref name="30th-Anniversary" /> This includes [[Arrow (rail service)|Arrow]], which Metrolink operates under a contract with the [[San Bernardino County Transportation Authority]] (SBCTA).<ref name="ArrowOpens"/>

In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|CA Los Angeles Metrolink annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|CA Los Angeles Metrolink daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.

Metrolink connects with Los Angeles County's [[Los Angeles Metro Rail|Metro Rail]] and [[Los Angeles Metro Busway|Metro Busway]] systems, [[North County Transit District|North County Transit District's]] [[Coaster (rail service)|Coaster]] commuter rail and [[Sprinter (rail service)|Sprinter]] hybrid rail services, and with [[Amtrak]]'s ''[[Pacific Surfliner]]'', ''[[Coast Starlight]]'', ''[[Southwest Chief]]'', ''[[Sunset Limited]]'', and ''[[Texas Eagle]]'' inter-city rail services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles |url=http://www.amtrakcalifornia.com/rail/go/amtrak/stations/l_p/los-angeles/index.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327125228/http://www.amtrakcalifornia.com/rail/go/amtrak/stations/l_p/los-angeles/index.cfm |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |access-date=March 28, 2010 |publisher=Amtrak California}}</ref> Metrolink owns several hundred miles of track; however, it also shares track with freight railroads.

The system, founded in 1991 as the '''Southern California Regional Rail Authority''' ('''SCRRA''') and adopting "Metrolink" as its moniker,<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Metrolink |url=https://www.metrolinktrains.com/about/agency/history-of-metrolink/ |access-date=November 9, 2017 |publisher=Southern California Regional Rail Authority |language=en}}</ref> started operation in 1992. Average weekday ridership was 42,928 as of 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2018 |title=FY 2018–19 Adopted Budget |url=https://www.metrolinktrains.com/globalassets/about/financial-reports/fy2018-19-adopted-budget.pdf#page=37 |access-date=April 29, 2019 |publisher=Southern California Regional Rail Authority |page=33 |language=en}}</ref> It is operated by [[Amtrak]] under contract with the SCRRA.

== Routes ==
In addition to suburban communities and cities, Metrolink also serves several points of interest such as [[downtown Los Angeles]], [[downtown San Bernardino]], [[Burbank, California|Burbank]], [[Hollywood Burbank Airport]], [[California State University, Los Angeles|Cal State LA]], [[Angel Stadium]], and the [[San Clemente Pier]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Train Stations |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/stations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101232735/https://www.metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/general-info/stations/ |archive-date=January 1, 2018 |access-date=January 1, 2018 |publisher=Southern California Regional Rail Authority}}</ref> Special service has also been extended to the [[Fairplex|Pomona Fairplex]],<ref name="PomonaFairplex">{{Cite web |title=Metrolink to Make Special Stops at Fair |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/news/?id=237 |access-date=April 3, 2010 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref> the [[Seaside Park (Ventura)|Ventura County Fairgrounds]],<ref name="VenturaFairgrounds">{{Cite web |title=Metrolink to Again Offer Service to Ventura County Fair |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/news/?id=212 |access-date=April 3, 2010 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref> and [[Auto Club Speedway]]<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |title=Take Metrolink to the Auto Club Speedway for NASCAR Action! |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/spevents/?id=31 |access-date=April 3, 2010 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref> for certain events.

Weekend service is offered on all routes except the Riverside Line.

The system currently consists of eight lines:<ref name="Routes">{{Cite web |year=2018 |title=Timetable |url=https://www.metrolinktrains.com/globalassets/schedules/lossan-timetable.pdf |access-date=June 30, 2018 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref><ref name="How2Ride" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Line
! colspan="2" class="unsortable" | Termini
! rowspan="2" class=unsortable | Routes used
|-
! class="unsortable" | Western/Northern
! class="unsortable" | Eastern/Southern
|-
| {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Antelope Valley|inline=route}}
| [[Lancaster station (California)|Lancaster Station]]
| [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|LA Union Station]]
| Runs southwest from Lancaster station, paralleling [[California State Route 14|State Route 14]]. It then turns west, then southeast to then roughly follow [[Interstate 5 in California|Interstate 5]] to Union Station.
|-
| {{nowrap|{{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Inland Empire–Orange County|inline=route}}}}
| [[San Bernardino Transit Center|San Bernardino-Downtown Station]]
| [[Oceanside Transit Center|Oceanside Station]]
| Runs southwest from downtown San Bernardino to follow the Riverside Freeway ([[Interstate 215 (California)|Interstate 215]] south and [[California State Route 91|State Route 91]]) west. It then parallels [[California State Route 55|State Route 55]] from Anaheim to Santa Ana, and then parallels Interstate 5 from Tustin to Oceanside.
|-
| {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Orange County|inline=route}}
| LA Union Station
| Oceanside Station
| Runs southeast from Union Station along Interstate 5. It deviates slightly from the interstate in southeast Los Angeles and north Orange counties.
|-
| {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Riverside|inline=route}}
| LA Union Station
| [[Riverside–Downtown station|Riverside-Downtown Station]]
| Runs southeast from Union Station, before paralleling [[California State Route 60|State Route 60]] along the south Inland Empire, then goes southeast to downtown Riverside.
|-
| rowspan="2" | {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|San Bernardino|inline=route}}
| rowspan="2" | LA Union Station
| San Bernardino-Downtown Station
| rowspan="2" | {{bulleted list
   | Runs east from Union Station, and in the [[Interstate 10]] median starting near [[California State University, Los Angeles|Cal State LA]]. It then continues east to downtown [[San Bernardino, California|San Bernardino]] between [[Interstate 10 in California|Interstate 10]] and [[Foothill Freeway|State Route 210]].
   | [[Express trains]] only serve seven of the busiest stations on the line.
   }}
|-
| [[Redlands–Downtown station|Redlands-Downtown Station]] ''(express only)''
|-
| {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Ventura County|inline=route}}
| [[Ventura–East station|Ventura-East Station]]
| LA Union Station
| Runs east from Ventura, roughly following [[California State Route 118|State Route 118]]. It then turns south at [[Hollywood Burbank Airport]] towards Union Station.
|-
| {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|91/Perris Valley|inline=route}}
| LA Union Station
| [[Perris–South station|Perris-South Station]]
| Runs southeast from Union Station along [[Interstate 5 in California|Interstate 5]], east along the [[California State Route 91#Riverside Freeway|Riverside Freeway (State Route 91)]] to Riverside, and then south along [[Interstate 215 (California)|Interstate 215]].
|-
| {{rcb|Metrolink (California)|Arrow|inline=route}}
| San Bernardino-Downtown Station
| [[Redlands–University station|Redlands-University Station]]
| Runs east from downtown San Bernardino to the [[University of Redlands]] in Redlands.
|}

== Fares ==
[[File:Metrolink TVM.jpg|thumbnail|right|Metrolink ticket vending machines. Machines also sell tickets for [[Amtrak]] trains and the [[FlyAway (bus)]] bus service to [[Los Angeles International Airport]].]]

Metrolink's fare structure is based on a flat fee for boarding the train and an additional distance cost with fares calculated in 25-cent increments between stations.

Metrolink tickets are valid [[fare]] for most connecting buses and trains; certain Metrolink tickets are valid on certain [[Amtrak]] routes.<ref name="EZTransit">{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2005 |title=Metrolink Considering Raising Fares Due to Higher Fuel Costs |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/fares/?id=6 |access-date=March 27, 2010 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref>

Fare increases normally occur annually in July, to coincide with increased fuel and labor expenses, and have generally averaged between 3.5% and 5% per year (although restructuring caused a larger jump in rates).<ref name="Fares2008">{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2008 |title=Metrolink Board approves increase to systemwide and Group Travel Program fares |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/news/?id=2321 |access-date=March 27, 2010 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref> The [[oil price increases since 2003]] are partly to blame for consistently increasing fares, as Metrolink trains are powered by [[diesel fuel]].<ref name="FuelCost">{{Cite web |title=EZ transit pass program |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/news/?id=403 |access-date=March 27, 2010 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref>

In late 2018, Metrolink announced that [[San Bernardino Line]] ticket prices would be reduced by 25% at least through 2019 in an attempt to increase ridership. Similar discounts have been introduced to other lines since 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2018 |title=Metrolink is keeping the 25 percent discount on tickets along the San Bernardino-to-LA line |url=http://www.dailybulletin.com/metrolink-is-keeping-the-25-percent-discount-on-tickets-along-the-san-bernardino-to-la-line |access-date=December 31, 2019 |website=Daily Bulletin |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2023, Metrolink made fares free for students of all ages.<ref>{{cite web |title=Student Adventure Pass {{!}} Metrolink |url=https://metrolinktrains.com/ticketsOverview/discounts/student-adventure-pass/ |website=metrolinktrains.com |access-date=24 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

== History ==
===Early organizing===
{{See also|CalTrain (Los Angeles)|Orange County Line#History}}

[[File:Metrolink trains outside Union Station.jpg|thumb|400px|Metrolink trains approaching and leaving Union Station during the evening rush hour (2008)]]
Inter-city rail service around Los Angeles persisted through the formation of [[Amtrak]] in 1971. Rail operations suitable for commuters remained elusive throughout the 1980s. On October 18, 1982, [[CalTrain (Los Angeles)|CalTrain]], LA's first commuter rail service, began on the existing [[Ventura County Line]], but only lasted a few months before termination, on March 1, 1983.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1983-03-13 |title=State PUC dumps commuter train |pages=16 |work=Santa Cruz Sentinel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33537602/state-puc-dumps-commuter-train/ |access-date=2022-12-25}}</ref>

The [[Orange County Transportation Authority|Orange County Transportation Commission]] initiated the Amtrak-operated ''[[Orange County Line#History|Orange County Commuter]]'' in early 1990, running between Los Angeles and San Juan Capistrano, but a more comprehensive approach was deemed necessary. Senate Bill 1402 was signed into law on May 25, 1990, which directed local transportation authorities to establish a regional plan for commuter rail by the year's end.<ref name="1991CARDP" />

In October 1990, the member agencies of the SCRRA had announced the purchase of {{convert|175|mi}} of track, maintenance yards, and stations and other property from [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]] for $450 million in 1990 (${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|450000000|1990}} }} adjusted for inflation).<ref name="1991CARDP">{{CA-Rail Passenger Development Plan-1991}}</ref> The rights to use [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Los Angeles Union Station]] were purchased from [[Union Pacific]], the station's owner at the time, for $17 million in the same year (${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|17000000|1990}} }} adjusted for inflation) (Union Station has since been purchased by the [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]).<ref name="SoCalBusiness">{{Cite news |date=September 1, 1991 |title=LACTC to acquire Union Pacific property and trackage rights for planned five-county commuter rail system. (Los Angeles County Transportation Commission) |work=Southern California Business |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-11377072/lactc-acquire-union-pacific.html |access-date=March 28, 2010}}</ref><ref name="RailwayAge">{{Cite news |last=Middleton |first=William D. |date=November 1, 1992 |title=California gets it together. (rail systems) |work=RailwayAge |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-12907311/california-gets-together-rail.html |access-date=March 28, 2010}}</ref> Freight operations would continue on some corridors under coordination with passenger services.<ref name=1991CARDP /> The [[joint powers authority]] was formally founded in 1991.<ref name=1991CARDP /><ref name="MetrolinkAbout">{{Cite web |title=EXPERIENCE METROLINK'S HISTORY |url=https://www.metrolinktrains.com/about/agency/history-of-metrolink/ |access-date=June 11, 2018 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref>

===Initial service and expansion===
Services commenced on October 26, 1992, under contracted operation by [[Amtrak]] with the Ventura, Santa Clarita (now the [[Antelope Valley Line|Antelope Valley]]), and [[San Bernardino Line|San Bernardino Lines]].<ref name="20th-Anniversary" /><ref name="FreeLibraryOpening">{{Cite web |date=October 22, 1992 |title=Metrolink Train Service Begins Monday, Oct. 26 |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/METROLINK+TRAIN+SERVICE+BEGINS+MONDAY,+OCT.+26-a012686400 |access-date=April 2, 2010 |publisher=The Free Library |archive-date=November 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119095253/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/METROLINK+TRAIN+SERVICE+BEGINS+MONDAY%2c+OCT.+26-a012686400 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1993, service was expanded to include the Riverside Line and the following year the Orange County Line was conveyed from Amtrak branding to Metrolink. The 1994 [[1994 Northridge earthquake|Northridge Earthquake]] saw the closure of Interstate 5 and other regional freeways, bringing widespread attention on Metrolink alternatives. Metrolink experimented with expanded service to Camarillo and Oxnard, and it extended the Antelope Valley line ten years ahead of schedule, rapidly adding six stations in six weeks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metrolink's 20th Anniversary |url=https://metrolinktrains.com/globalassets/about/20thanniversery.pdf}}</ref> The Inland Empire-Orange County Line opened in 1995, and more trains on the Orange County service were funded.<ref name="LATimesOC">{{Cite news |last=Berkman |first=Leslie |date=July 14, 1995 |title=Metrolink Adds 2 More Trains Per Day for Orange County |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-07-14-me-24009-story.html |access-date=March 27, 2010}}</ref> The 91 Line (now the 91/Perris Valley Line) opened in 2002.<ref name="MetrolinkMilestones">{{Cite web |title=Metrolink Milestones |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/about/?id=5 |access-date=March 27, 2010 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref>

From July 2004, Metrolink fares were changed from zone based to one based on distance. In 2005, a five-year operational contract was awarded to Connex Railroad/[[Veolia Transport]]. That same year, the [[Orange County Transportation Authority]] approved a plan to increase frequencies to 76 trains daily on the Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County Lines by 2009,<ref name="OCRDouble">{{Cite news |last=Radcliffe |first=Jim |date=November 14, 2005 |title=Metrolink daily O.C. service to nearly double |work=Orange County Register |url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/service-30056-county-metrolink.html}}</ref> and funding for increased Metrolink service was included in the renewal of the Measure M sales tax for transportation approved by voters in November 2006.<ref name="OCTAM2">{{Cite web |title=Measure M2 |url=http://www.octa.net/M2Home.aspx?entryid=332 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612061936/http://octa.net/M2Home.aspx?entryid=332 |archive-date=June 12, 2010 |access-date=March 27, 2010 |publisher=Orange County Transportation Authority}}</ref> A proposed station in [[Yorba Linda, California|Yorba Linda]] was canceled after the city rejected it due to local opposition on March 16, 2004.<ref>Pang, Kevin (March 17, 2004) [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-17-me-metrolink17-story.html "Yorba Linda Rejects Train Station Plan"] ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''</ref>

In July 2008, it was announced that ridership had risen 16% over the previous year.<ref name=APTAQ42009 /><ref name="LATimesRecord">{{Cite news |last=Hymon |first=Steve |date=August 2008 |title=Metrolink sets ridership record, candidates don't talk traffic and sales tax: Ramping up, August 18 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/bottleneck/2008/08/take-the-olympi.html}}</ref> Following the [[2008 Chatsworth train collision]] in which 25 people died and 135 were injured a number of safety measures were taken; in the fall of 2009, inward-facing video cameras were installed in locomotives in order to ensure that staff were complying with regulations, in particular a ban on use of mobile phones.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Willon |first=Phil |date=October 6, 2009 |title=Metrolink adds video cameras to locomotives |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-oct-06-me-metrolink-cameras6-story.html}}</ref> In 2010, the first of 117 energy absorbing passenger carriages (which lessen the toll on passengers in the case of an accident) were received by the operator.<ref name="CamarilloAcorn">{{Cite news |last=Groff |first=Joann |date=March 12, 2010 |title=Metrolink receives passenger cars specially designed to absorb a crash |work=Camarillo Acorn |url=http://www.thecamarilloacorn.com/news/2010-03-12/Community/Metrolink_receives_passenger_cars_specially_design.html |url-status=dead |access-date=April 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716225038/http://www.thecamarilloacorn.com/news/2010-03-12/Community/Metrolink_receives_passenger_cars_specially_design.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011}}</ref> Amtrak regained the contract to operate Metrolink beginning in July 2010.<ref name="MetrolinkMattersMarchApril2010">{{Cite web |date=March–April 2010 |title=Metrolink Matters |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/includes/metrolink_matters/MetrolinkMattersMarchAprilWEB.pdf |access-date=March 25, 2010 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref> Average weekday ridership for the fourth quarter of 2009 was 38,400.<ref name="APTAQ42009">{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2010 |title=Public Transportation Ridership Report: Fourth Quarter 2009 |url=http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/Ridership/2009_q4_ridership_APTA.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810142349/http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/Ridership/2009_q4_ridership_APTA.pdf |archive-date=August 10, 2011 |access-date=March 25, 2010 |publisher=American Public Transportation Association |page=5}}</ref>

In 2010, to save money in the face of funding cuts, the Metrolink board voted to reduce mid-day service on the Inland Empire–Orange County Line, as well as weekend service on the Orange County, Riverside, and Inland Empire–Orange County lines.<ref name="LATimesWeekendCuts">{{Cite news |last=Connell |first=Rich |date=January 8, 2010 |title=Metrolink cuts some weekend trains, but fares stay put |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/01/metrolink-cuts-some-weekend-service-but-fares-stay-put-for-now.html |access-date=March 26, 2010}}</ref>

Average weekday ridership was 41,000 during May 2011. A survey found that 90% of users during a typical weekday in 2009 would have previously driven alone or carpooled and that the system replaced an estimated 25,000 vehicle trips.<ref name="Metrolink-Fact2012">{{Cite web |year=2012 |title=Southern California Regional Rail Authority's Fact Sheet |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/pdfs/Facts&Numbers/Fact_Sheets/Fact_Sheet_Dec_2012_Q2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531151228/http://metrolinktrains.com/pdfs/Facts%26Numbers/Fact_Sheets/Fact_Sheet_Dec_2012_Q2.pdf |archive-date=May 31, 2013 |access-date=August 14, 2013 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref> During a weekend closure of [[Interstate 405 (California)|Interstate 405]] in July 2011, the system recorded its highest-ever weekend ridership of 20,000 boardings which was 50% higher than the same weekend in 2010 and 10% higher than the previous weekend ridership record which occurred during [[U2 360° Tour]] in June 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2011 |title=Metrolink sets weekend ridership recording during 405 closure |url=http://thesource.metro.net/2011/07/21/metrolink-sets-weekend-ridership-recording-during-405-closure/ |access-date=July 21, 2011 |website=The Source}}</ref> Ridership continued to rise in 2012 (up 2%),<ref name="Metrolink-Fact2012" /> when average weekday ridership reached 42,265.<ref name="Metrolink-Fact2012" /> Although 2013 annual boardings were almost 12.07 million, ridership dropped to 11.74 million by fall 2014 which was contrary to projections. Blaming the decrease on the [[Great Recession in the United States|worst recession since World War II]], Metrolink said it found itself caught between cutting service and boosting fares, both of which would likely further decrease ridership.<ref>Weikel, Dan (September 7, 2014) [http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-metrolink-riders-20140908-story.html "Metrolink's annual ridership continues to drop"] ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''</ref>

Metrolink began offering [[mobile ticketing]] in early 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Worrell |first=Carolina |date=March 14, 2016 |title=Metrolink launches mobile ticketing app |work=[[Railway Age]] |url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/commuter-regional/metrolink-launches-mobile-ticketing-app.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315221900/http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/commuter-regional/metrolink-launches-mobile-ticketing-app.html |archive-date=March 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=Metrolink board approves purchase of mobile ticketing technology |date=January 15, 2016 |publisher=Metrolink |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/news/news_item/news_id/1043.html |access-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310150202/http://www.metrolinktrains.com/news/news_item/news_id/1043.html |archive-date=March 10, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 1, 2016 |title=Metrolink wants to turn your smartphone into a ticket |language=en-US |work=San Gabriel Valley Tribune |url=http://www.sgvtribune.com/2016/04/01/metrolink-wants-to-turn-your-smartphone-into-a-ticket/ |access-date=November 9, 2017}}</ref>

The [[Riverside County Transportation Commission]] (RCTC) extended the 91 Line (which was renamed the [[91/Perris Valley Line]]) southeast {{convert|24|mi}} to [[Perris, California|Perris]], using the existing San Jacinto Branch Line, which it purchased in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Perris Valley Line Project Description |url=http://perrisvalleyline.info/description |access-date=February 3, 2014 |publisher=[[Riverside County Transportation Commission]] (RCTC)}}</ref> Initial plans were for construction/renovation of the line to begin in 2012, but these were delayed by a lawsuit filed by homeowners in the affected area, who challenged the RCTC's environmental report. The lawsuit was settled in late July 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Downey |first=David |date=July 30, 2013 |title=PERRIS VALLEY LINE: Judge signs off on settlement |work=[[The Press-Enterprise]] |url=http://www.pe.com/local-news/local-news-headlines/20130730-perris-valley-line-judge-signs-off-on-settlement.ece |access-date=August 10, 2013}}</ref> Construction on the $248.3 million extension began in October 2013;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Perris Valley Line |url=http://www.rctc.org/projects/rail-projects/perris-valley-line |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219214439/http://www.rctc.org/projects/rail-projects/perris-valley-line |archive-date=December 19, 2015 |access-date=May 9, 2015 |publisher=Riverside County Transportation Commission}}</ref> service was originally planned to begin in December 2015,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Downey |first=David |date=September 14, 2014 |title=Transportation: Perris Valley Line taking shape |work=[[The Press-Enterprise]] |url=http://www.pe.com/articles/riverside-750051-rosso-county.html |access-date=May 9, 2015}}</ref> and then in February 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Weikel |first=Dan |date=December 11, 2015 |title=Metrolink expansion to Perris is dedicated ahead of its 2016 opening |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-perris-train-20151212-story.html |access-date=December 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sheridan |first=Tom |date=December 11, 2015 |title=PERRIS: Perris Valley Line welcomed in style; service to begin in February |work=[[The Press-Enterprise]] |url=http://www.pe.com/articles/perris-789069-service-riverside.html |access-date=December 13, 2015}}</ref> In mid-February 2016, the extension's opening was planned in March of that year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 14, 2016 |title=PERRIS VALLEY LINE: High-speed tests to help set opening date for new commuter route |newspaper=Press Enterprise |url=https://www.pe.com/2016/02/14/perris-valley-line-high-speed-tests-to-help-set-opening-date-for-new-commuter-route/}}</ref> The extension officially opened in June 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sheridan |first=Tom |date=June 6, 2016 |title=TRANSPORTATION: Perris Valley Line rolls out right on schedule |work=[[The Press-Enterprise]] |url=http://www.pe.com/articles/train-804917-perris-line.html |access-date=June 6, 2016}}</ref>

When [[COVID-19]] impacted Los Angeles and its communities in March 2020, Metrolink ridership fell by 90%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coronavirus Updates |url=https://www.metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/safety--security/health-safety/coronavirus/coronavirus-updates/ |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=www.metrolinktrains.com |language=en}}</ref> Metrolink increased cleaning measures, added COVID safety protocols, and reduced service. On March 26, 2020, the agency ran on a temporarily reduced schedule, removing most trains.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metrolink |date=March 26, 2020 |title=Metrolink Temporary Reduced Schedule - March 2020 |url=https://metrolinktrains.com/globalassets/schedules/metrolink-temporary-reduced-service-schedule.pdf |website=Metrolink}}</ref> 

On April 4, 2022, Metrolink restored its 24 trains and added 2 new trains to the schedule.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metrolink Adds 26 Trains to its Schedule on April 4 |url=https://www.metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-news/metrolink-adds-26-trains-to-its-schedule-on-april-4/ |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=Metrolink Adds 26 Trains to its Schedule on April 4 |language=en-us}}</ref> Metrolink and Amtrak also entered into a code-sharing agreement on the [[Ventura County Line]], with [[Pacific Surfliner]] trains A761, A770, A777, and A784 accepting valid Metrolink tickets between stations served by the Ventura County Line and [[Ventura station]]. Metrolink also announced that Metrolink service to Ventura station on the Ventura County Line is planned.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 8, 2022 |title=METROLINK SCHEDULE UPDATE |url=https://metrolinktrains.com/schedules/scheduleupdate/?epsremainingpath=schedule-update |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref> [[Alstom]] will begin as the operator for Metrolink on July 1, 2025 for a three year contract period. The operating contract also includes the Arrowline service in San Bernardino county.<ref name="h550">{{cite news | title=Alstom to become contract operator for LA's Metrolink | work=Trains | date=2024-12-10 | url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/alstom-to-become-contract-operator-for-las-metrolink/ | access-date=2024-12-12}}</ref>

===Arrow expansion===
[[Arrow (rail service)|Arrow]], formerly the Redlands Passenger Rail Project, opened on October 24, 2022.<ref name="ArrowOpens">{{cite news |last=Asperin |first=Alexa Mae |title=Metrolink's new 'Arrow' train service from Redlands to San Bernardino begins |url=https://www.sbsun.com/2022/10/24/metrolink-arrow-train-begins-redlands-to-san-bernardino-service/ |access-date=October 24, 2022 |work=[[KTTV]] |date=October 24, 2022}}</ref> The {{convert|9|mi|km|sing=on}} eastward rail extension from [[San Bernardino, California|San Bernardino]] to [[Redlands, California|Redlands]] was planned by the [[San Bernardino Associated Governments]] (SANBAG). The association considered whether to extend commuter rail along the corridor or to install either [[bus rapid transit]] or [[light rail]] lines,<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 11, 2013 |title=Downtown San Bernardino and Redlands Passenger Rail Projects |url=http://www.sanbag.ca.gov/projects/redlands-transit.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205180546/http://www.sanbag.ca.gov/projects/redlands-transit.html |archive-date=February 5, 2012 |access-date=August 12, 2013 |publisher=San Bernardino Associated Governments}}</ref> but in December 2015, SANBAG officials said they planned to extend Metrolink service only to the [[San Bernardino Transit Center]] and use [[diesel multiple units]] operated by [[Omnitrans]] in lieu of Metrolink locomotive-hauled coaches on the rest of the route.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Emerson |first=Sandra |date=May 6, 2015 |title=Redlands City Council updated on Redlands Passenger Rail project |work=Redlands Daily Facts |url=http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/business/20150506/redlands-city-council-updated-on-redlands-passenger-rail-project/2 |access-date=May 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Hagen">{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2015 |title=San Bernardino Transit Center opening makes commuting easier |url=http://www.sbsun.com/general-news/20150908/san-bernardino-transit-center-opening-makes-commuting-easier}}</ref><ref name="RPRFSDec15">{{Cite web |title=Redlands passenger rail project |url=http://www.sanbag.ca.gov/projects/redlands-sb-rail/RPRPFactSheetDecember2015.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222084057/http://www.sanbag.ca.gov/projects/redlands-sb-rail/RPRPFactSheetDecember2015.pdf |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=June 2, 2016}}</ref> In late 2019, Metrolink assumed the operating rights and carried out construction after Omnitrans was dismissed due to restructuring of that organization.<ref name="520mil">{{Cite news |last=Scauzillo |first=Steve |date=October 21, 2019 |title=$520 million deficit has Omnitrans eyeing layoffs and bus-line reductions, but is it enough? |agency=The Sun |url=https://www.sbsun.com/2019/10/21/520-million-deficit-has-omnitrans-eyeing-layoffs-and-bus-line-reductions-but-is-it-enough/ |access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref> Groundbreaking for Arrow's construction took place on July 19, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 19, 2019 |title=Construction begins for rail connecting Redlands to San Bernardino |url=http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/construction-begins-for-rail-connecting-redlands-to-san-bernardino |website=Redlands Daily Facts}}</ref> Arrow began operation on October 24, 2022.

== Notable incidents ==

218 people were killed in Metrolink train incidents from 1993 to 2008, the majority of these being pedestrians killed on the tracks, whilst 39 were as a result of three train collisions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 28, 2009 |title=Metrolink has 218 deaths in 15 years |work=[[U-T San Diego]] |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2009/sep/28/metrolink-has-218-deaths-15-years/ |access-date=February 24, 2015}}</ref>

=== Placentia, 2002 ===
{{Main|2002 Placentia train collision}}
Two people died and 22 were seriously injured on April 23, 2002, when a [[BNSF Railway|BNSF]] freight train collided head-on with a Metrolink train in [[Placentia, California|Placentia]], near the [[Atwood, California|Atwood Junction]], at the intersection of Orangethorpe Avenue and Richfield Road. Both trains were on the same east–west track moving toward one another. The Metrolink had the right-of-way; it was supposed to switch to a southbound track. The BNSF train was supposed to slow and stop just before the switch while the Metrolink passed, but the crew missed a signal one and a half miles back warning them to slow down. By the time the crew saw the red "stop" signal at the switch and the Metrolink train, they were going too fast to avoid a collision. Although there was speculation that the signals alerting the BNSF to slow and stop had malfunctioned, an investigation later concluded that it was human error by the crew that caused the accident.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2003 |title=Railroad Accident Report- Collision of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Freight Train With Metrolink Passenger Train- Placentia, California- April 23, 2002 |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2003/RAR0304.pdf |access-date=November 22, 2005 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}</ref>

=== Glendale, 2005 ===
{{Main|2005 Glendale train crash}}
Eleven people were killed (including an off-duty sheriff's deputy and a train conductor) and over 100 people were injured, about 40 seriously on January 26, 2005, when a Metrolink passenger train collided with a vehicle parked on the tracks, which then jackknifed and struck a stationary freight locomotive and a Metrolink train moving in the opposite direction. The man who parked the vehicle on the tracks, Juan Manuel Alvarez, was apprehended and charged with 11 counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, including murder by train wrecking.<ref name="LATimesCharges">{{Cite news |last1=Muskal |first1=Michael |last2=Sanchez |first2=Jesus |date=January 26, 2005 |title=Man Faces Charges in Metrolink Collision |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/la-012605crash_lat,0,7433465.story |access-date=April 2, 2010}}</ref><ref name="LATimesVerdict">{{Cite news |last1=Simmons |first1=Ann M. |last2=Leonard |first2=Jack |date=June 27, 2008 |title=Verdict in train wreck: murder |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-27-me-metrolink27-story.html |access-date=April 2, 2010}}</ref> On June 26, 2008, Alvarez was convicted on the 11 murder counts and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.<ref name="LATimesConvicted">{{Cite news |last=Simmons |first=Ann M. |date=August 21, 2008 |title=Metrolink killer gets 11 life terms, no parole |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-aug-21-me-metrolink21-story.html |access-date=April 2, 2010}}</ref>

=== Chatsworth, 2008 ===
[[File:Chatsworth train crash wikinews.jpg|thumb|2008 Chatsworth crash aftermath|alt=]]
{{Main|2008 Chatsworth train collision}}
Twenty-five people were killed and 135 injured when a Metrolink commuter train carrying 222 persons<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 12, 2008 |title=Commuters killed in head-on train crash |work=KABC-TV |url=https://abc7.com/archive/6388256/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521102637/http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local&id=6388256 |archive-date=May 21, 2011}}</ref> collided head on with a Union Pacific freight train, toppling one of the [[passenger car (rail)|passenger cars]] and the [[locomotive]] onto its side in the [[Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California|Chatsworth]] district of Los Angeles.<ref name="Tribune death toll">{{Cite news |last1=Hymon, Steve |last2=Oldham, Jennifer |last3=Simmons, Ann M. |date=September 16, 2008 |title=L.A. train crash death toll at 26 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2008/sep/16/nation/chi-train_tuesep16 |access-date=April 2, 2010}}</ref> Of the 135 people who were injured, 81 were transported to local hospitals in serious or critical condition.<ref name="Flaccus">{{Cite news |date=September 13, 2008 |title=Death toll from L.A. train collision reaches 25 |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20080913-1631-ca-traincollision.html |access-date=September 13, 2008}}</ref> The velocity of the trains caused the Metrolink locomotive to [[telescoping (railway)|telescope]] into the first passenger car.<ref name=Flaccus />

=== Oxnard, 2015 ===
{{Main|2015 Oxnard train derailment}}
Thirty people were injured when southbound Metrolink Ventura County Line train 102 (East Ventura to LA Union Station) crashed into a truck that was stopped on the tracks at the Rice Avenue crossing near Oxnard at about 5:40 am on February 24, 2015. One person, the train's engineer, later died of his injuries.<ref name="Oxnard Crash">{{Cite news |date=February 25, 2015 |title=Metrolink train crash: more than 30 injuries, driver involved in custody |work=[[KABC-TV]] |url=http://abc7.com/532179/ |access-date=March 26, 2015}}</ref> The driver, who had left the truck before the crash, was located by the police and taken into custody. The train consisted of a Hyundai-Rotem "guardian fleet" cab car in the lead, a Bombardier Bi-level "bike car" coach, two Hyundai-Rotem "guardian fleet" coach cars and an EMD F59PH locomotive. After this accident, Metrolink leased 40 diesel freight locomotives from BNSF, to be placed into service as temporary cab cars while they investigated problems with their Hyundai-Rotem cars. On July 8, 2016, the Metrolink board approved a $1.5 million plan to repair the plows on the Hyundai Rotem cab cars. Once the repairs were completed, the cars returned to service and the leased BNSF locomotives were returned.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 8, 2016 |title=Metrolink approves $1.5 million to repair defective cab cars |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-ln-metrolink-repairsl-20160708-snap-story.html |access-date=July 9, 2016}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

== Planned expansions ==
Metrolink has grown in popularity, and there are a number of planned extensions of the system and new stations. Station parking capacity has also been strained.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reyes |first=David |date=July 5, 2008 |title=Metrolink growth strains station parking capacity |work=[[The Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/local/orange/la-me-stations5-2008jul05,0,5218936.story |access-date=July 7, 2008}}</ref>

===Train frequency increases and SCORE===
On April 26, 2018, Metrolink was awarded $1.175 billion from the [[California State Transportation Agency]] in order to dramatically increase train service along its existing lines and for the expansion of the Metrolink station in time for the [[2028 Summer Olympics]]. These funds will be used to heavily increase frequency on Metrolink's lines, with half-hourly frequencies planned on most routes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=STATE APPROVES MORE THAN $1.2 BILLION IN SB 1 AND CAP AND TRADE FUNDS FOR SOCAL RAIL TO IMPROVE SERVICE, EASE FREEWAY TRAFFIC|url=https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-news/state-approves-more-than-12-billion-in-sb-1-and-cap-and-trade-funds-for-socal-rail-to-improve-service-ease-freeway-traffic/|date=April 27, 2018|access-date=November 27, 2022|publisher=Metrolink|archive-date=October 15, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015053841/https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-news/state-approves-more-than-12-billion-in-sb-1-and-cap-and-trade-funds-for-socal-rail-to-improve-service-ease-freeway-traffic/}}</ref>

=== High speed rail interface ===
During the initial years of operation of the [[California High-Speed Rail]] between [[Merced]] and [[Burbank Airport station (California High-Speed Rail)|Burbank]], projected to commence in 2022 (but since repeatedly delayed to 2033), passengers would use Metrolink for travel between [[Burbank Airport station (California High-Speed Rail)|Burbank]] and [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Los Angeles]]. An alternative plan would have track-sharing to [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Union Station]] but this would require electrification for that portion of the line. Such an electrification would be similar to the [[Caltrain Modernization Program]], which also involves electrifying a rail line for eventual use by commuter and high-speed trains.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://hsr.ca.gov/high-speed-rail-in-california/project-sections/san-francisco-to-san-jose/ | title=San Francisco to San José }}</ref> This alternate plan would provide a "one-seat ride" at the start of service between the Central Valley and downtown, or even Orange County (via [[Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center|Anaheim]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://hsr.ca.gov/high-speed-rail-in-california/project-sections/los-angeles-to-anaheim/ | title=Los Angeles to Anaheim }}</ref>).<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/local/politics/la-me-adv-bullet-metrolink-20141214-story.html "Bullet train's eventual link to L.A. rail system far from clear-cut"] ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''</ref>

===Placentia infill station===
[[Placentia station|A new Metrolink station in Placentia]], which will serve the 91/Perris Valley Line's north Orange County passengers, has completed its final design phase, save for issues related to the parking needed to accompany the station.<ref name="Placentia-station">{{Cite web |title=Old Town Santa Fe District Metrolink Station |url=http://www.placentia.org/index.aspx?nid=187 |access-date=May 9, 2015 |publisher=City of Placentia}}</ref> Construction on the $24 million Placentia station began in 2018, and was scheduled to open in 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2019 |title=County, Placentia explore innovative financing to improve Old Town infrastructure and spur development |url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/entertainment/tn-wknd-et-placentia-financing-infostructure-metrolink-20190426-story.html |access-date=December 31, 2019 |website=Daily Pilot |language=en-US}}</ref> but now is on hold pending further negotiations with [[BNSF]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metrolink Station and Parking Structure &#124; Placentia, CA – Official Website |url=https://www.placentia.org/705/Metrolink-Station-and-Parking-Structure}}</ref>

===Burbank Junction speed improvement project===
On November 9, 2022, Metrolink broke ground on the Burbank Junction speed improvement project. The project will realign and replace the mainline track and siding between [[Burbank Boulevard]] and [[Magnolia Boulevard]]. The project will shorten trip lengths on the [[Antelope Valley Line]] trains, [[Ventura County Line]] trains, [[Pacific Surfliner]] trains, and [[Coast Starlight]] trains by one and a half minutes and will permit trains to operate with 30-minute headways in both directions, massively improving service frequencies along the corridors. The location of the tracks will be slightly realigned in order to accommodate a new pedestrian overcrossing. The project was delayed by almost one year, with the project initially scheduled to break ground in the winter of 2021 and was expected to be completed in the winter of 2022. The current expected completion date is the Summer of 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BURBANK JUNCTION SPEED IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: ANTELOPE VALLEY AND VENTURA COUNTY LINES|url=https://metrolinktrains.com/about/agency/score/burbank-project/|access-date=November 27, 2022|publisher=Metrolink|archive-date=November 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109234214/https://metrolinktrains.com/about/agency/score/burbank-project/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Metrolink speed improvement project to break ground in Burbank|url=https://la.urbanize.city/post/metrolink-speed-improvement-project-break-ground-burbank|date=November 9, 2022|access-date=November 27, 2022|publisher=Urbanize Los Angeles|archive-date=November 9, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109205859/https://la.urbanize.city/post/metrolink-speed-improvement-project-break-ground-burbank}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Metrolink Breaks Ground on New 'Score' Project|url=https://www.metro-magazine.com/10186674/metrolink-breaks-ground-on-new-score-program|date=November 10, 2022|access-date=November 27, 2022|publisher=[[Metro Magazine]]|archive-date=November 13, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113034159/https://www.metro-magazine.com/10186674/metrolink-breaks-ground-on-new-score-program}}</ref>

===Expansion to Temecula and Hemet===
In 2008, lobbyists pushed for a rail line to [[Temecula, California|Temecula]] in southwestern Riverside County via the 91 Line's (now the [[91/Perris Valley Line]]) [[Riverside–La Sierra station]].<ref name="RCTCFeasability">{{Cite web |date=June 29, 2007 |title=I-15 Commuter Rail Feasibility Study |url=http://rctc.org/uploads/media_items/i-15-commuter-rail-feasibility-study.original.pdf |access-date=January 20, 2014 |publisher=Wilbur Smith Associates |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201165411/http://rctc.org/uploads/media_items/i-15-commuter-rail-feasibility-study.original.pdf |archive-date=February 1, 2014}}</ref> While this proposed line could follow the route of an abandoned freight line, it would require significant funding, as freight service ceased almost 30 years ago. Despite this, the Riverside County Transportation Commission's 2008 Commuter Rail Feasibility Study still lists this route as one possibility being considered.<ref name="RCTCStudy">{{Cite web |year=2008 |title=2008 Commuter Rail Feasibility Study |url=http://www.rctc.org/planning/rail/2008-commuter-rail-feasibility-study |access-date=February 2, 2014 |publisher=Riverside County Transportation Commission |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628173444/https://www.rctc.org/planning/rail/2008-commuter-rail-feasibility-study |archive-date=June 28, 2012}}</ref> Expansion to [[Hemet]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 29, 2017 |title=Hemet mobility hub — a bus station and more — will bring economic growth, not trouble, officials say |url=https://www.pe.com/2017/07/29/economic-driver-or-trouble-magnet-transportation-leaders-back-hemet-mobility-hub/ |author=Craig Schultz |website=Press Enterprise}}</ref> has also been discussed, with two stations planned.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City of Hemet General Plan 2030, Chapter 4: Circulation Element |url=https://www.hemetca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4520/4_Circulation_web-4-11-2017 |access-date=August 24, 2023 |publisher=City of Hemet}}</ref>

===Expansion to the Coachella Valley/Palm Springs Area===
The cities of the [[Coachella Valley|Coachella Valley Palm Springs Area]] ([[Palm Springs, California|Palm Springs]], [[Cathedral City, California|Cathedral City]], [[Palm Desert, California|Palm Desert]], [[Indio, California|Indio]], and [[Coachella, California|Coachella]]) have requested commuter rail service from Los Angeles and Orange County, but the Union Pacific Railroad opposes further passenger service on its tracks.<ref name="CVAG">{{Cite web |title=Coachella Valley Rail Service |url=http://www.rctc.org/planning/rail/coachella-valley-rail-service |access-date=February 3, 2014 |publisher=Riverside County Transportation Commission |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628173206/https://www.rctc.org/planning/rail/coachella-valley-rail-service |archive-date=June 28, 2012}}</ref> Nonetheless, in 1999, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments was investigating the possibility of two daily round trips via the Riverside Line from Los Angeles's [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Union Station]] through Fullerton and Riverside to stations in Palm Springs and Indio (with a possible stop near [[Palm Desert, California|Palm Desert]]),<ref name="RCTCCoachella">{{Cite web |date=February 1999 |title=Coachella Valley Passenger Rail Feasibility Study |url=http://www.rctc.org/downloads/1999%20Coachella%20Valley%20Rail%20Study.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223012117/http://www.rctc.org/downloads/1999%20Coachella%20Valley%20Rail%20Study.pdf |archive-date=December 23, 2008 |access-date=March 27, 2010 |publisher=Schiermeyer Consulting Services}}</ref> possibly through a partnership with [[Amtrak]]. This extension would likewise require significant money for infrastructure improvements: at least $500 million, according to the California State Rail Plan of 2005.<ref name="CVAG" /> Nonetheless, in 2013 [[California Department of Transportation|Caltrans]] conducted a feasibility study of a Coachella Valley service<ref name="CalTransCoachella">{{Cite web |date=May 2013 |title=Coachella Valley Intercity Rail Corridor Planning Study |url=http://rctc.org/uploads/media_items/planning-study-coachella-valley-intercity-rail-corridor.original.pdf |access-date=January 20, 2014 |publisher=AECOM |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201165401/https://www.rctc.org/uploads/media_items/planning-study-coachella-valley-intercity-rail-corridor.original.pdf |archive-date=February 1, 2014}}</ref> and RCTC has resolved to pursue establishing one.<ref name="Ref_13042">{{Cite web |date=October 2013 |title=RCTC Resolution 13-042 to Establish Daily Intercity Rail Service |url=http://rctc.org/uploads/media_items/resolution-no-13-042-to-establish-daily-intercity-rail-service.original.pdf |access-date=January 20, 2014 |publisher=Riverside County Transportation Commission |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201165302/http://rctc.org/uploads/media_items/resolution-no-13-042-to-establish-daily-intercity-rail-service.original.pdf |archive-date=February 1, 2014}}</ref> By 2020, plans for the [[Coachella Valley–San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service]] had evolved to an Amtrak-operated service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service| url=https://www.rctc.org/projects/coachella-valley-san-gorgonio-pass-corridor-rail-corridor-service-project/| publisher=Riverside County Transportation Commission| access-date=August 24, 2023}}</ref>

===Extension to Kern County===
Expansion to [[Kern County, California|Kern County]] has been discussed in a 2012 Kern County Council of Governments report.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010 |title=Draft report |url=http://www.kerncog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/KernCOG_Commuter_Rail_Draft_Report_20120720.pdf |access-date=November 13, 2019 |publisher=kerncog.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012 |title=Commuter Rail Report |url=http://www.kerncog.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/KernCOG_Commuter_Rail_Draft_Report_20120720.pdf |access-date=September 28, 2019 |website=www.kerncog.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=Rail System Plan |url=http://scagrtpscs.net/Documents/2016/proposed/pf2016RTPSCS_PassengerRail.pdf |access-date=September 28, 2019 |website=scagrtpscs.net}}</ref> The expansion proposed is to extend the Antelope Valley line from Lancaster to Rosamond, along the Rosamond Corridor to service [[Edwards Air Force Base]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Connect SoCal Passenger Rail Technical report Adopted on September 3, 2020 |url=https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-attachments/0903fconnectsocal_passenger-rail.pdf?1606001722 |website=Southern California Association of Governments.}}</ref>

===Service between the cities Ventura and Santa Clarita===
The [[Santa Paula Branch Line]] was acquired by the Ventura County Transportation Commission in 1995.<ref name="McLeod2014">{{Cite news |last=McLeod |first=Jean |date=July 23, 2014 |title=Western Railway, VCTC still at odds over track maintenance, lease |agency=The Fillmore Gazette |url=http://www.fillmoregazette.com/front-page/western-railway-vctc-still-odds-over-track-maintenance-lease |access-date=August 19, 2018}}</ref> The railway, a former portion of the [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]] [[Coast Line (SP)|Coast Line]], connects the city of [[Ventura, California|Ventura]] to Santa Clarita paralleling [[California State Route 126]]. Sierra Northern Railway operates the services on the line. Plans exist to rehabilitate tracks for Metrolink service. A study from 1991 estimated a cost between $70&nbsp;million to $90&nbsp;million to rebuild the line.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Green |first=Nick |date=January 25, 1997 |title=Santa Clara Valley Training for Future |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-01-25-me-21988-story.html |access-date=December 22, 2020 |work=Los Angeles Times |agency=}}</ref>

===Orange County maintenance facility===
As of December 1, 2022, the [[Orange County Transportation Authority]] (OCTA) has laid a third track south of the [[Interstate 5 in California|Interstate 5]] overpass in [[Irvine, California|Irvine]] leading into the future site of the Orange County maintenance facility. The facility will serve as an additional site to service Metrolink and Amtrak trains on a parcel of land owned by the Orange County Transportation Authority just north of [[Irvine Transportation Center|Irvine station]]. The project will receive funding from California's SCORE Transit Intercity Rail Capital Program. The project also includes an extension to Ridge Valley, a road north of the parcel where the project will occur.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://octa.net/Projects-and-Programs/All-Projects/Rail-Projects/Orange-County-Maintenance-Facility-Project/?frm=13884|title=Orange County Maintenance Facility Project (OCMF)|publisher=[[Orange County Transportation Authority]]|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208034023/https://octa.net/Projects-and-Programs/All-Projects/Rail-Projects/Orange-County-Maintenance-Facility-Project/?frm=13884|archive-date=December 8, 2022}}</ref>

===Zero Emissions Multiple Unit===
Beginning in 2024, [[Arrow (rail service)|Arrow]] will use at least one [[hydrail]] unit, called a Zero Emissions Multiple Unit (ZEMU). Furthermore, the [[San Bernardino County Transportation Authority]] (SBCTA) has expressed interest to expand usage of the ZEMU from [[Arrow (rail service)|Arrow]] to the [[San Bernardino Line]], which would result in them operating all the way to [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Los Angeles Union Station]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Agenda -Transit Committee meeting June 15, 2023 |url=https://www.gosbcta.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Transit_Committee_Agenda_6.15.2023.pdf |website=San Bernardino County Transportation Authority |access-date=3 July 2023 |ref=AGENDA ITEM: 7}}</ref>

===Orange County Line realignment===
OCTA officials are interested in moving the [[Surf Line|LOSSAN corridor]] (Los Angeles-San Diego), which carries the [[Orange County Line]] and the ''[[Pacific Surfliner]]'', from its current alignment inland to avoid service disruptions due to coastal erosion along the route.<ref>{{cite web |title=Federal officials get up-close look at coastal erosion threats to key rail line. |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2023/04/13/federal-officials-get-up-close-look-at-coastal-erosion-threats-to-key-rail-line/ |website=Orange County Register |access-date=3 July 2023 |date=14 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Amid crumbling cliffs, Orange County considers moving its famously scenic rail line inland |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-06-29/orange-county-landslide-erosion-scenic-coast-railroad-tracks-surfliner-relocation-inland |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=3 July 2023 |date=29 June 2023}}</ref>

===LA General Medical Center and Pico Rivera infill stations===
The [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (LA Metro) has plans to add the current [[LA General Medical Center station]] on the [[El Monte Busway]] as an [[infill station]] to the [[San Bernardino Line]]. This would involve building a second track and center platform. The cost of this project is estimated between $51&nbsp;million and $110&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=numble |number=1671287371994677255 |title=LA Metro study on infill Metrolink station at LA General Medical Center (LA County-USC Medical Center). Would build a second track and center platform. Cost $51m-$110m (depends on if pedestrian bridge is built). Existing bridge is hard to retrofit.}}</ref> Currently, westbound Metrolink passengers must exit at the [[Cal State LA station]] and take any of the westbound buses one stop to the Medical Center.

LA Metro also has plans for an infill station serving [[Pico Rivera, California|Pico Rivera]], located on the [[91/Perris Valley Line|91/Perris Valley]] and [[Orange County Line|Orange County]] lines between {{scax|Commerce}} and {{scax|Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs}} stations.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Scauzillo |first1=Steve |title=Plans for new Metrolink stations in Boyle Heights and Pico Rivera press on |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2023/06/27/metrolink-may-get-two-new-stations-in-la-county-boyle-heights-and-pico-rivera/ |access-date=October 28, 2023 |work=[[Los Angeles Daily News]] |publisher=[[Digital First Media|MediaNews Group]] |date=June 27, 2023}}</ref>

== Governance ==
The SCRRA is a [[joint powers authority]] governed by five county-level agencies that fund the Metrolink service: the [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]], the [[Orange County Transportation Authority]], the [[Riverside County Transportation Commission]], the [[San Bernardino County Transportation Authority]], and the [[Ventura County Transportation Commission]].<ref name=MetrolinkAbout />

Each agency appoints members to the Metrolink board of directors. Los Angeles gets four seats on the board, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties each get two seats, and Ventura County gets one seat. There are also three non-voting, [[Ex officio member|e''x-officio'' members]] from the [[Southern California Association of Governments]], the [[San Diego Association of Governments]], and the [[Government of California|state of California]].<ref name="Metrolink-Fact2016">{{Cite web |year=2016 |title=Southern California Regional Rail Authority's Fact Sheet |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/pdfs/Facts&Numbers/Fact_Sheets/Fact_Sheet_2016_Q4.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828143628/https://www.metrolinktrains.com/pdfs/Facts%26Numbers/Fact_Sheets/Fact_Sheet_2016_Q4.pdf |archive-date=August 28, 2017 |access-date=October 21, 2016 |publisher=Metrolink}}</ref>

Metrolink is headquartered at the [[Wilshire Grand Center]] alongside the Southern California Association of Governments. Metrolink had previously operated out of the [[Metro Headquarters Building]] from 2011 until 2018, when Metro needed more space in their building.<ref name="Hoberman2017-11-14">{{Cite news |last=Hoberman |first=Natalie |date=November 8, 2017 |title=Metrolink inks deal for 30K sf at Wilshire Grand |language=en-US |work=[[The Real Deal (magazine)|The Real Deal]] Los Angeles |publisher=[[Korangy Publishing]] |url=https://therealdeal.com/la/2017/11/08/metrolink-inks-deal-for-30k-sf-at-wilshire-grand/ |access-date=November 14, 2017}}</ref> Before 2011, Metrolink's headquarters were in the [[MCI Center (Los Angeles)|MCI Center]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=Contact Us |publisher=Metrolink |url=http://www.metrolinktrains.com/contact/ |access-date=March 18, 2010}}</ref> where they occupied around {{convert|40000|sqft|sqm}} of space.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 3, 2000 |title=Commercial Real Estate; Deals |page=10 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/61929287.html?dids=61929287:61929287&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+03%2C+2000&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=COMMERCIAL+REAL+ESTATE%3B+DEALS&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605055910/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/61929287.html?dids=61929287:61929287&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+03,+2000&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=COMMERCIAL+REAL+ESTATE%3B+DEALS&pqatl=google |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 5, 2011 |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 5, 2010 |via=[[ProQuest]] Archivermd-all}}</ref>

Law enforcement service systemwide is handled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's Transit Services Bureau.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Board of Directors April 22, 2022 Agenda |url=https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/metrolink/017f432af152455d38b5687302e0cb9a0.pdf |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=Metrolink |publisher=Southern California Regional Rail Authority}}</ref>

== Facilities ==
Metrolink operates several maintenance facilities across its service area. Its Keller Yard Central Maintenance Facility (CMF) is located on the east bank of the [[Los Angeles River]] near the intersection of the 5 and 110 Freeways, just south of the location of the former Southern Pacific [[Taylor Yard, Los Angeles|Taylor Yard]].<ref name="RiverProject">{{Cite web |title=Taylor Yard History |url=http://www.theriverproject.org/tayloryard/history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526181615/http://www.theriverproject.org/tayloryard/history.html |archive-date=May 26, 2009 |access-date=March 27, 2010 |website=The River Project}}</ref> The facility is operated by Metrolink's equipment maintenance contractor: Bombardier Transportation.<ref name="Bombardier">{{Cite web |title=Bombardier Transportation in the USA |url=http://www.bombardier.com/en/transportation/about-transportation/worldwide-presence?docID=0901260d8000ede1# |access-date=March 27, 2010 |publisher=Bombardier}}</ref> The Eastern Maintenance Facility is located in [[San Bernardino, California|San Bernardino]]. Metrolink trains are also serviced at [[Coaster (rail service)|Coaster]]'s Stuart Mesa Facility, which is located between [[San Clemente Pier station|San Clemente Pier]] and [[Oceanside Transit Center|Oceanside]] at the southwest end of Camp Pendleton. This yard is owned by the [[North County Transit District]].<ref name=Bombardier />

Metrolink's [[operations center]] is located in [[Pomona, California|Pomona]], near [[Pomona–North station]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 7, 2013 |title=News 101: When a story is 'news' |url=http://www.dailynews.com/general-news/20130507/news-101-when-a-story-is-news |website=[[Los Angeles Daily News]]}}</ref>

== Rolling stock ==
{{Main|Metrolink rolling stock|Arrow (rail service)#Rolling stock}}
The core Metrolink fleet consists of 60 [[locomotive]]s,<ref name="Metrolink-Fact2016" /> 137 [[Bombardier BiLevel Coach]]es (called the “Sentinel Fleet” by Metrolink), and 137 [[Rotem Commuter Cars]] (called the “Guardian Fleet”).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fleet plan |url=http://metrolink.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=metrolink_0e45aa65088f01bf84c11a7cb31dab4b.pdf&view=1 |access-date=September 28, 2019 |website=metrolink.granicus.com}}</ref>

Since Arrow’s opening in October 2022, its fleet consists of three [[Stadler FLIRT]] self-propelled trainsets.<ref name="ArrowOpens"/>

=== Livery ===
Until recently, most Metrolink-owned units were painted in a white livery with blue stripes that was introduced in the late 1990s as a replacement for a similar scheme that had been in use since the agency's launch. Beginning in 2007, the agency began the process of switching to a new blue and green "ribbons" design; the Guardian Fleet and [[EMD F125]] locomotives already arrive from the factory in the new colors.<ref name=MetrolinkMattersMarchApril2010 /><ref name="CEM">{{Cite news |last=Connell |first=Rich |date=May 3, 2010 |title=Metrolink's crash-resistant cars are unveiled |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/05/metrolinks-new-crashresistant-cars-unveiled.html |access-date=May 6, 2010}}</ref> With the introduction of the 2022 rebranding in celebration of the agency's thirtieth anniversary that included a new two-toned blue logo, newly-refurbished rolling stock is currently in delivery wearing these colors starting in 2024.

== See also ==
{{Portal|Railways|Trains|Greater Los Angeles}}
* [[Transportation in the Inland Empire]]
* [[Transportation in San Diego County]]
* [[Transportation in Los Angeles]]
* [[Hal Bernson]], former Metrolink chairman

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
{{Commons category|Metrolink (Southern California)}}
* {{Official website|http://www.metrolinktrains.com/}}
* {{Twitter|name=Metrolink service updates}}
* [http://www.metro.net/projects/regionalrail/metrolink/ Metrolink] at the [[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] website
* [http://www.octa.net/Metrolink/Overview/ Metrolink] at the [[Orange County Transportation Authority]] website
* [http://www.rctc.org/rail/commuter-rail-services Metrolink] at the [[Riverside County Transportation Commission]] website
* [http://www.gosbcta.com/commuter-services/public-transit-rail/ Metrolink] at the [[San Bernardino County Transportation Authority]] website
* [http://www.goventura.org/?q=travel-ventura/train Metrolink] at the [[Ventura County Transportation Commission]] website

{{Metrolink (California)}}
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