Service improvements are on the way for commuters on the Metro Gold Line this Monday, June 27, as Metro makes key schedule changes as a result of requests from the riding public.
All Gold Line trains will now run to the APU/Citrus College station every seven minutes in the morning and afternoon peak hours on weekdays. Trains previously ran every six minutes during peak hours between East Los Angeles and Pasadena and every 12 minutes between Pasadena and Azusa.
The service change will mean that riders bound for the new extension stations no longer have to spend extra time waiting at Union Station for an Azusa-bound train, nor will they have to switch trains at Sierra Madre Villa Station in Pasadena.
Overall, service improvements will simplify the Gold Line schedule, reduce customer confusion, eliminate inconvenient transfers and even out passenger loads to help relieve crowding.
“The Metro Gold Line Extension has been a resounding success since it opened March 5, with trains consistently running at full occupancy,” said Mark Ridley-Thomas, L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board chair. “The line has been so successful, that it has pushed us to up our game in order to meet our riders' expectations. Today, we are proud to report that we have heard the public’s call for better service, and we are delivering a schedule with even greater frequency."
Metro has taken additional efforts to increase capacity on the Gold Line since the extension to Azusa opened. Metro has added three-car trains to the service during morning and afternoon peak hours. As more rail cars are delivered, longer trains will be run.
“These service improvements are just what we need to further increase ridership and service,” said John Fasana, Duarte city council member and first vice chair of the Metro Board. “Rush hour trains that operate every seven minutes and stop at all stations will help drive the ongoing success of this line and generate enthusiasm for its planned extension to more east San Gabriel cities.”
Metro will monitor this service change as a pilot program over the next year and will make any additional changes to improve on-time performance and customer satisfaction.
The Gold Line is now Metro’s longest rail line, logging 50,000 boardings on an average weekday.
