Metrolink Hosts Media Events for May 9 Express Train and Service Expansion Launch

LOS ANGELES, May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As gas prices creep towards $5 a gallon, Metrolink is providing Southern California commuters with more affordable transportation options. On May 9, Metrolink will launch 16 new trains across Southern California, including:

• 4 express trains on the San Bernardino and Antelope Valley lines that can save daily commuters up to 5 hours every week
• 10 additional trains on the Antelope Valley, San Bernardino and Ventura County lines
• Added connectivity to and from Bob Hope Airport for early morning travelers
• 2 seasonal Inland Empire-Orange County line trains taking passengers to and from San Clemente Beach

What:  Media has two opportunities to participate in Metrolink's May 9 service expansion events. Please RSVP to [email protected]

Los Angeles Union Station Press Conference

• Monday, May 9 at 7:30 a.m. (Media is encouraged to arrive to get footage of express trains arriving and interviews with the first passengers)
• Speakers include: Metrolink Board Chairman Richard Katz and Vice Chairman Mayor Patrick Morris, Metrolink CEO John Fenton (awaiting additional speaker RSVPs)
• Visuals: Footage of customers detraining new express trains, new Guardian cars, trains entering and leaving Union Station, customers boarding and detraining trains, dignitaries interacting with customers (Media will also be given b-roll of the Metrolink System)

San Bernardino Express Train Ribbon Cutting

• Monday, May 9 at 5:00 a.m. at the San Bernardino Metrolink Station
• Hosted by San Bernardino Mayor and Metrolink Board Vice Chair Patrick Morris
• Visuals: Mayor Morris cutting the ribbon in front of new Guardian fleet cars, first customers boarding new express trains, first time customers buying tickets
• Note: Media can ride express train into the L.A. Union Station press conference and ride 9:02 a.m. regular service train back to San Bernardino if they are interested. Please RSVP to [email protected].

ABOUT METROLINK

Metrolink is Southern California's regional commuter rail service in its 19th year of operations. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, governs the service. Metrolink operates over seven routes through a six-county, 512 route-mile network.

SOURCE Metrolink