Metrolink is launching a new Saturday service on its Ventura County Line starting 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 Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. 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.
“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 L.A. Metro connection from Union Station, families can skip the traffic and visit destinations including Chinatown, Grand Hope Park and The Bloc, an open-air plaza in downtown Los Angeles featuring restaurants, upscale shops, bars and entertainment. 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 aged 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 L.A. 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 percent of viruses and bacteria. Masks are required on all platforms and trains, and riders can ensure they have plenty of space for physical distancing by using the 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.
