LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Metrolink has announced its Ventura County Line, which connects Moorpark and Simi Valley with stations in the San Fernando Valley and Union Station, will operate on Saturdays beginning May 29.
The line stops at stations in Chatsworth, Northridge, Van Nuys, the Burbank Airport area, downtown Burbank and Glendale before arriving at Los Angeles Union Station. Saturday trains will depart Moorpark at 8:52 a.m. and arrive at Union Station at 10:07 a.m. Trains will then leave Union Station at 4:28 p.m. and arrive in Moorpark at 5:39 p.m.
“Now that health and social conditions are steadily improving from the COVID-19 pandemic, we see a burgeoning 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.
Metrolink officials hope that Saturday service will encourage Ventura County families to skip the traffic and take the train to visit destinations walking distance from Union Station, including Chinatown, Grand Hope Park and the Bloc.
“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.”
Riders can purchase a $10 Weekend Day Pass for unlimited rides on Metrolink trains on the Saturday or Sunday that the pass was purchased. Sunday service is not provided for the Ventura County Line and the Riverside Line, which also does not operate on Saturday.
Free rides during the weekends are provided for to up to three children age 17 or younger who are traveling with a paying adult.
“Saturday service has been an oft-requested addition by Ventura County Line customers in Metrolink’s recent rider surveys,” Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins said. “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.”
Riders can view Metrolink’s schedules at metrolinktrains.com/schedules. For information on safety protocols taken by Metrolink during the COVID-19 pandemic, people can visit bit.ly/3wgOZOb.