The west coast’s largest commuter rail system, Metrolink, celebrated 20 years of service on Friday. To date, Metrolink has transported more than 100 million people throughout Southern California, including residents of Walnut and Diamond Bar.
Metrolink has a station in the City of Industry, located off of Brea Canyon Road, between Diamond Bar and Walnut.
Metrolink began operations on Oct. 26, 1992 with three routes, 11 stations and 112 miles of track in two counties. It initially carried 2,300 daily passengers. Today, Metrolink offers seven routes, 55 stations and 512 miles of track in six counties. Average weekday ridership consists of over 44,000 boardings.
“This is a tremendous milestone,” Metrolink Board Chairman Richard Katz said. “When you consider the tens of thousands of lives we impact each and every day, our positive impact on improving air quality and reducing congestion…it can be overwhelming. Our employees and crews take great pride in their work and being a part of this occasion is very special for everyone associated with Metrolink.
“The safety of our passengers and crews is and always will be Metrolink’s core value,” he said.
Metrolink has become a world leader in rail technological innovations and safety enhancements to maximize efficiency and the quality of public transit for Southern Californians.
In 2009, Metrolink became the first railroad company in the nation to install inward-facing video cameras on its locomotives, while in 2010, Metrolink purchased 137 Guardian Fleet cars equipped with crash energy management technology.
Metrolink’s dedication to implementing Positive Train Control technology system-wide will be met before the 2015 Federal mandate.
For details on Metrolink’s 20th Anniversary, please visit www.metrolinktrains.com.
