Metrolink commuter rail has served southern California for nearly 30 years, providing convenient car-free transportation for commuters and weekend adventurers.
During that time, Metrolink continually added new routes, including the three that serve Orange County: Orange County (Orange County, Inland Empire-Orange County, 91/Perris Valley).
A little history:
In March 1994, the Orange County Line opened with three weekday round-trips between Los Angeles Union Station and Oceanside, becoming the agency’s fifth and longest route in the system.
Metrolink expanded its service again by providing the nation’s first suburb-to-suburb commuter rail line when it opened the Inland Empire – Orange County Line in October 1995.
Looking again to increase connectivity in the region, Metrolink opened the seventh route in 2002: the 91 Line (now known as the 91/Perris Valley Line) which linked Downtown Riverside, Fullerton and Downtown Los Angeles.
Last year, the three lines serving Orange County recorded a total of 5.1 million boardings.
Fun Facts About Metrolink:
- Metrolink is the nation’s 3rd largest commuter rail system with 409 unduplicated route miles.
- 2.8 million train miles per year and 400 million passenger miles per year.
- 39,838 average weekday boardings, according to the latest estimates.
- Metrolink has a very low tax subsidy of $0.35 per passenger mile.
- 60% of Metrolink riders travel across county lines.
- 81% of weekday trips are work-related.
- 82% of Metrolink riders own an automotive but choose Metrolink.
Metrolink’s service:
- Reduces 8.7 million car trips annually.
- Reduces 110,338 metric tons of greenhouse gasses (GHG) emission.
- Reduces traffic volume by 30% on parallel freeways.
Discover more about Metrolink’s history in the article Metrolink Celebrates 27 Years.