Every weekday, 54 Metrolink trains make their way through Orange County via the OC, IEOC and 91 Lines, which together transport an average of 15,000 riders daily. Popular with commuters, the train is a relaxing alternative to driving alone. Designated quiet cars even promise a distraction-free zone for those who want to work or rest. For others, like Mimi Ko Cruz, riding the rails is a time to forge new friendships.
Mimi commutes from her home in Fullerton to the Tustin Metrolink Station. This gives her time to read, put on makeup, chat on the phone, work – and make friends and celebrate. In the past few months, Mimi and her train friends have enjoyed four train parties, with more on the way.
“I know when everyone’s birthdays are,” explains Mimi. “I have them on a list in my phone.”
It started with a shower for Eunice. “She was pregnant when we met, so we planned a little baby shower on the train,” says Mimi. “Since most of us get on in Fullerton, Leslie, who takes the train from Pasadena, was in charge of saving a table for the party. We brought gifts for the baby and breakfast goodies for everyone to enjoy. I made blue chocolate-covered strawberries because Eunice was expecting a boy.”
Next were a series of parties for Laurinda – when she left for a month to care for her husband, when she came back, and for her birthday. The train friends celebrated her return with a quick happy hour stop at Ruby’s Diner in Orange before jumping back on the Metrolink to their final destination.
OCTA is inspiring people to enjoy the journey while taking Metrolink adventures of their own through the Seven Summer Treasures campaign. Thousands have already visited metrolinktreasures.com for exciting trip ideas, which feature destinations from Los Angeles to San Clemente and Oceanside. A sweepstakes, which lasts through Sept. 1, also offers participants a chance to win one of many prizes.
