Metrolink continues to offer the “golden ticket” throughout the region, providing
connections to nearly 30 other public transportation providers at no additional
cost. Metrolink riders have always been able to transfer seamlessly to all Metro
subway, light rail and
bus lines. This will
continue as Metro
latches its turnstiles
leading to its Red
and Purple Lines
this June.
As mentioned in
the December/
January issue of
Metrolink Matters,
Metrolink and
Metro have worked
collaboratively to
create a Metrolink
ticket that is
compatible with the
Metro TAP system.
TAP-enabled tickets
will be dispensed
from Metrolink
Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) and will allow passage through Metro’s
turnstiles, which are scheduled to be latched this summer. All Metrolink tickets
with Los Angeles County destinations will be TAP-compatible, and all riders will
be required to physically tap their tickets at the turnstiles or validators when
transferring to a Metro Rail line. When boarding a bus, show the bus operator
your Metrolink ticket. Tapping is not required on buses.
Currently, Metrolink TAP-enabled tickets are being tested in the field for
durability and functionality throughout the transportation network. Metrolink
riders will begin to see new tickets in May 2013. The Metrolink TAP-enabled
tickets are easily identifiable by the TAP logo in the upper right-hand corner.
In an additional measure to reduce fare evasion, the new Monthly Passes will
only be available for purchase starting the 25th of the current month through
the 5th of the new month beginning in May, so be sure to keep those dates
in mind.
Metrolink introduces new
TAP-enabled tickets
Inside
• Fiesta Broadway
• Taste of Orange
• Dodger trains
• Safety matters
• LA Times Festival of Books
6|
• Railroad days
• Lemon Festival
5|
2| 3|
• CicLAvia
• National Bike Month
• Angels Express trains
4|
• Word from the CEO
• Celebrating Earth Day
Go car-free to LAX with
Metrolink and FlyAway
®
Paying for the LAX
FlyAway
®
bus will
soon get a little easier
for Metrolink riders. If
you’re traveling to LAX,
you no longer have to purchase a separate
ticket to ride the FlyAway
®
starting April
22. Metrolink, in partnership with the Los
Angeles World Airports (LAWA), will give
you the option of adding the $7 cost of a
one-way LAX FlyAway
®
trip to the cost of
your Metrolink ticket.
All you have to do is go to any Metrolink Ticket
Vending Machine and simply select LAX as your
final destination when purchasing your ticket,
take the train to L.A. Union Station and board
the FlyAway
®
. The buses run seven days a
week and every 30 minutes during peak hours.
The added ticket feature applies to the following
Metrolink tickets: One-Way Tickets, Round-Trip
Tickets and Advance Purchase Tickets. You can
buy One-Way or Round-Trip Advance Purchase
Tickets for a future date, up to one year in
advance (visit metrolinktrains.com for more
information on Advance Purchase Tickets).
If you’re a Monthly Pass holder, remember
you can ride the LAX FlyAway
®
shuttle at no
additional charge as long as you show a valid
flight boarding pass.
METROLINK NEWS AND EVENTS
April/May 2013
800-371-5465(LINK)
metrolinktrains.com
Printed on recycled paper with soy ink.
(continued on page 2)
On Wednesday, March 6, Metrolink and Metro collaborated on
a successful test-latching of Metro’s fare gates at L.A. Union
Station. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., two of the largest groups of
Metrolink riders successfully transferred to Metro Red and
Purple Lines through latched turnstiles at the Alameda Street
entrance of the station. For the first time ever, Metrolink riders
were tapped through the turnstiles by staff using the
Metrolink TAP-enabled tickets.
Testing is expected to continue until the official launch date.
Metrolink riders will receive more information regarding the
launch of TAP-enabled tickets as the turnstile latching
draws nearer.
Visit metrolinktrains.com/tap for additional information.
...TAP-enabled tickets
(continued from page 1)
800-371-5465(LINK)
metrolinktrains.com
2
METROLINK NEWS AND EVENTS
Word from
the CEO
On Wednesday, March 27,
Metrolink introduced Customer
Connect, a customer service
initiative that will help us better
understand your needs and
improve your commute. I joined
Metrolink staff members at L.A.
Union Station’s East Portal to meet
riders, hear their feedback and
answer questions. It was great getting to know the riders who
stopped by, and I was glad to hear that some of the riders
were interested in joining our Rider Advisory Group.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit our Customer Connect
booth, please take the opportunity to stop by. Metrolink staff
members are available every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
at L.A. Union Station’s East Portal, near the escalators leading
up to the bus plaza facing Vignes Street. We would love to
hear what you think about our service and hear your ideas
about how we can make improvements.
If you’re interested in joining our Rider Advisory Group or just
want more information about Customer Connect, please visit
metrolinktrains.com/CustomerConnect. We look forward to
seeing and hearing from you soon.
Celebrating Earth Day:
What Metrolink is doing to
reduce its carbon footprint
Metrolink does its part to improve the environment by removing
an estimated 8.5 million weekday automobile trips from the road
every year. But our efforts do not stop there. Over the years, we
have adopted green policies to reduce our
carbon footprint. An example includes
the implementation of our
Fuel Conservation Program
in combination with the
installation of Automatic
Engine Start Stop
mechanism on 32 of
our 52 locomotives to
prevent excess idling
and reduce fuel use
and emissions.
One of our most recent
undertakings to reduce
our carbon footprint is our
plan to upgrade our fleet. In
December, our Board of Directors authorized Metrolink to
secure up to 20 Tier 4 locomotives, making Metrolink the
first commuter rail provider in the nation to procure the
cleanest-burning diesel engines on the market.
The upgrade is expected to reduce particulate matter and nitrous
oxide by more than 80 percent. The improved fuel efficiency will
allow Metrolink to operate using less fuel, resulting in significant
annual cost savings.
We continue to secure funding for the locomotive procurement.
Last August, the California Transportation Commission (CTC)
allocated $60 million to help pay for our fleet upgrades, and
in February, South Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) committed $34.66 million. Additional funding will
be provided by our member agencies,
along with state and federal lawmakers.
Read more about our efforts at
metrolinktrains.com/sustainability
Metrolink employees discussing
Customer Connect
with riders
metrolinktrains.com
3
April/May 2013
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Celebrate Latino culture at Fiesta Broadway
Join the hundreds of
thousands of people
expected to attend this year’s
24th annual Fiesta Broadway,
the largest Hispanic event in
the nation’s largest Hispanic
market. The popular street
and music festival, dubbed
the largest “Cinco de Mayo”
celebration in the world, is a
celebration of Latino music
and culture.
Watch live performances
by top Latin music stars
and roam 12 square blocks
of downtown Los Angeles
where you can find some of
the best Mexican and Latin
American food in the world.
All the action will happen
on Sunday, April 28. To get
there, take Metrolink to
L.A. Union Station and then
transfer to the Metro Red or Purple Line. Get off at the Civic
Center or Pershing Square station, located one block away from
the festivities.
For more information, visit metrolinktrains.com/fiestabroadway
Sample best food and drinks in Orange County
at 8th annual Taste of Orange
If you’re a foodie or wine and beer lover, the Taste of Orange is a
must-attend event. It will be held on April 28 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
at the Assistance League Chapter House (124 S. Orange St.),
just two blocks from the Metrolink Orange Station.
Indulge in fine American, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine
prepared by more than 30 of the best local restaurants. Sip some
of the best wine and beer in town*. Enjoy live music and use the
photo booth to capture memories of the event.
Admission is $30 for Metrolink riders and $40 for the general
public. $20 of the ticket price is tax deductible (nonprofit tax
ID: 95-6101256) since all proceeds will go toward helping
underserved families in Orange. For those interested in donating
more funds, there will also be a silent auction and opportunity
drawings at the event. *Alcoholic beverages are an additional cost.
Visit Metrolink.TheTasteOfOrange.org to purchase your
discounted tickets.
Metrolink and Metro partner to provide service from Orange County to Dodger Stadium
Metrolink is teaming up with Metro to provide special Orange County Line train service to L.A. Union Station and back on May 27 and 28
so baseball fans can watch the Dodgers and the Angels contend against each other in the annual Freeway Series. The special Metrolink
train service will complement the Dodger Stadium Express buses operated by Metro from L.A. Union Station to Dodger Stadium and back.
On May 27 and 28, Metrolink riders will be able to purchase special $7 Metrolink Round-Trip Tickets to travel from any Orange County
Line station to L.A. Union Station*. Metrolink riders who show their Dodgers tickets (or proof of payment for will-call tickets) will be able to
ride the Dodger Stadium Express bus at no additional cost from L.A. Union Station to Dodger
Stadium and back. Riders without a Dodgers ticket must pay $1.50 to board the Dodger
Stadium Express or use a Metro rail or bus day pass, weekly pass or monthly pass.
The shuttle and train service is funded by a Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review
Committee (MSRC) grant awarded to Southern California public transit agencies that offer
alternative transportation during major events to help reduce air pollution by removing cars
from the road.
*Check metrolinktrains.com for more information on ticket prices as the event draws nearer.
800-371-5465(LINK)
metrolinktrains.com
4
METROLINK NEWS AND EVENTS
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CicLAvia’s near: LA’s biggest bike event
returns in late April
Cyclists, walkers, joggers and
skaters, mark your calendar for the
first of three CicLAvia events this
year. CicLAvia – To the Sea will
happen on April 21 from 10 a.m. to 3
p.m., and it’s free to the public.
CicLAvia gives communities an opportunity to connect in ways
that aren’t possible when they’re in their cars. Ten miles are
closed off to cars and will feature art, performances, music, food
and many more activities that the whole family can enjoy.
To accommodate bicyclists, Metrolink will add additional Bike
Cars on select trains. Check metrolinktrains.com/CicLAvia for
the modified Bike Car schedule as the event draws nearer.
To get to CicLAvia, ride Metrolink to L.A. Union Station. Exit on
the west side of the station, cross Alameda Street and walk to
the end of Plaza at Olvera Street to get to Main Street where
you’ll join hundreds of other CicLAvia participants.
National Bike Month events
To celebrate National
Bike Month in May,
the Los Angeles
County Metropolitan
Transportation
Authority (Metro)
and Orange County
Transportation
Authority (OCTA)
are holding free public events to encourage people to trade in
their cars for an environmentally friendly alternative. Below is a
list of events happening near you. Metrolink also encourages
you to bring your bike on board the trains throughout the year
to explore Southern California’s many beautiful bike trails
(metrolinktrains.com/bikes).
Los Angeles County
May 13: Fix Your Bike Day
May 14: Blessing of the Bicycles
May 15: Guided Ride Day: Bike Lanes and More
May 16: Bike to Work Day
May 17-19: Bike Local Weekend
More information at metro.net/bikes/bike-week
Orange County
April 28: Bike Festival at Huntington Beach Pier Plaza
from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
May 16: Bike Rally
May 13-17: Bike to Work Week
More information at octa.net/bike
Popular Angels Express service returns
Metrolink and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) have once again
partnered to offer special train service on the Orange County Line to and from Angels
weeknight home games April 9 through September 24. You can take the special round-trip
service on weeknight game days to Anaheim from the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station
and LA Union Station. The service is also available from the Riverside-Downtown Station on
the Inland Empire-Orange County Line to Friday night games only. The special trains depart
30 minutes after the end of the games, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to make it
back to the Anaheim Station for your return trip. For Friday night games, Metrolink will hold
the train 45 minutes so you can stay behind a little longer to enjoy the fireworks.
Visit metrolinktrains.com/AngelsExpress to view train schedules and special Angels discounts. The round-trip train tickets cost $7 for
adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for youth ages 6 to 18. Up to three children ages 5 and younger can ride for free as long as they are
accompanied by a paying adult.
You can purchase same-day tickets at Ticket Vending Machines at L.A. Union Station and Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange
County line stations.
800-371-5465(LINK)
metrolinktrains.com
5
METROLINK NEWS AND EVENTS
Be Safe. Be Smart.
In 2012, rail-related trespass deaths and injuries increased,
according to the nonprofit rail safety organization,
Operation Lifesaver. Federal Railroad Administration
preliminary 2012 data indicates that rail-related trespass
deaths and injuries have been recorded at their highest
levels since 2008. California once again leads the
nation with 74 lives lost due to trespassing on railroad
tracks. “Educating a distracted public in order to reduce
trespassing injuries and fatalities continues to be a
challenge,” said Operation Lifesaver President and
CEO Joyce Rose.
There are more distractions today than ever before. Texting,
talking on the phone or listening to music near train
crossings and on station platforms are big distractions.
Metrolink urges you to Be Safe. Be Smart. because
safety is everyone’s responsibility, including yours.
Be aware of your surroundings. Simple things like
taking your head phones off and/or putting away your
handheld device could save your life.
Remember:
Cross safely! Look both ways and listen before
crossing train tracks. Always expect a train at
any time, from either direction.
Don’t be distracted. Refrain from using your cell
phone, iPod or other music players when you’re
near train tracks; texting also can be a deadly
distraction near the tracks.
Never race a train. If you see a train coming,
don’t try to “beat” it; stay off the tracks.
Remember, an approaching train will always be
closer and moving faster than you think.
Do not trespass. Tracks, trestles and train yards
are all private property. Cross only at designated
crossings.
Never walk, bike, jog or run down a train track;
it’s illegal and dangerous.
BE SAFE. BE SMART.
SAFETy iS EvERyonE’S RESponSiBiliTy.
Ride Metrolink to the 18th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, which
will be held at the University of Southern California (USC) on Saturday, April 20
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. The Festival
of Books is the largest public literary festival in the nation, attracting more than
150,000 book enthusiasts every year. It’s an event fit for the entire family, and
it’s absolutely free.
See some of your favorite authors engage in storytelling and participate in
panel discussions. Browse the hundreds of booths set up by booksellers,
publishers and literary and cultural organizations. You can even watch live
cooking demonstrations and poetry readings.
To get there, take Metrolink to L.A. Union Station, then transfer to the Metro
Red or Purple Line. Get off at the 7th Street/Metro Center/Julian Dixon
Station, and go upstairs to connect to the Metro Expo Line. USC is right
across from the Expo Park/USC exit.
Celebrate all things literary at
LA Times Festival of Books
metrolinktrains.com
6
April/May 2013
Printed on recycled paper with soy ink.
HWDS 4/13
METROLINK MATTERS
San Bernardino Railroad Days
Where: Santa Fe Depot (1170 W. 3rd St.),
right next to the Metrolink San Bernardino Station
When: Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Activities:
• View the historic #3751 Steam Engine. You can even ride it on
Saturday at approximately 10 a.m. from L.A. Union Station to the
San Bernardino Station or Sunday at approximately 3 p.m. from
the San Bernardino Station to L.A. Union Station. Ticket prices
range from $70 to $115.
• Eat food, watch western-themed re-enactments, listen to
country music and more. There may be a fee for some activities.
• View railroad memorabilia, antique horsedrawn buggies, fire
engines and other historical items at the San Bernardino Railroad
Museum. The museum will be open both days. Admission is free.
More information: metrolinktrains.com
Fullerton Railroad Days
Where: Santa Fe Depot (120 E. Santa Fe Ave.),
right next to the Metrolink Fullerton Station
When: Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Activities:
• Take tours of more than 40 railroad equipment displays,
including the Amtrak 40th anniversary exhibit train and a BNSF
locomotive. View a scenic railroad garden made of 7,000 square
feet of model train layouts. Dabble in train-themed face
painting. Select from a variety of food vendors and browse
booths set up by railroad organizations.
More information: metrolinktrains.com
National Train Day
Come out to L.A. Union Station on Saturday,
May 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Amtrak’s
sixth annual National Train Day. National Train
Day is a day to reflect on how important trains
have been for the mobility of community
members as well as economic development and
job opportunities. The theme of this year’s event
is “trains matter.”
You will have the chance to explore interactive and educational
exhibits, view model train displays and even take tours of private
luxury railcars, as well as Amtrak, freight and Metrolink trains.
There also will be special fun-filled activities just for kids.
Don’t forget to stop by the Metrolink booth where you can pick
up some Metrolink giveaways.
Visit NationalTrainDay.com for more information.
Editor-in-Chief and Writer: Delana Gbenekama
Contributor: Tracy Berge, MBI Media, Scott Johnson
Designer: Harlan West/HWDS
Send comments or story ideas to metrolinkmatters@scrra.net
or to Metrolink/SCRRA, One Gateway Plaza, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Published by Metrolink Communications
If you’re craving some good old-fashioned lemon meringue pie, lemon cookies or lemon
tarts that you can wash down with some freshly squeezed lemonade, then the 2013 Lemon
Festival is calling your name. Themed When life hands you lemons…, the festival will take
place on April 26 (3 to 11 p.m.), April 27 (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and April 28 (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
right across from the Metrolink Upland Station.
Not only will you be able to indulge in lovely lemon delights, but you will also be able to participate
in many family friendly activities. Compete in the lemon pie eating contest, and put your vocal skills
to the test in the wildly popular Lemon Idol singing competition. Watch a live western show, listen
to live country music and take pictures with real-life
cowboys and cowgirls dressed in authentic western
attire. Go on carnival rides with your kids and watch
the many musical and dance performances.
Admission to the festival is free, but there is a
charge for some activities. For more information,
visit uplandlemonfestival.com
When life hands you lemons… eat them!
Railroad days are near
