Los Angeles – Today, the Metrolink Board of Directors approved free rides across all Metrolink lines on Transit Equity Day, February 4. Metrolink invites everyone to take a seat, any seat aboard Metrolink on the anniversary of Rosa Parks’ birthday. Ms. Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a public bus set in motion the end of segregation on public transportation and highlighted that all people should have the right to equitable and affordable public transit.
“At Metrolink equity means fostering inclusive, fair and just opportunities for those we serve,” said Metrolink Board Chair Ara Najarian. “Along with free rides on Transit Equity Day, we are committed to providing safe and affordable transportation every day.”
On Transit Equity Day, Metrolink will commemorate Rosa Parks’ stand for fairness by inviting everyone to take a seat, any seat aboard Metrolink trains. Riders can simply arrive at a Metrolink station and board any train at no charge with no ticket required. Metrolink ensures everyone has access to affordable transit by offering a number of reduced fare options. Everyday discounted fares are available for students, children, the disabled, seniors and active military.
As an essential part of southern California’s public transportation system, Metrolink provides employees transportation to and from their workplaces, helps students get to class and home, allows those with physical disabilities to be mobile, and provides families a fun trip to the beach, while helping create stronger communities throughout the region.
In addition, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is providing free transportation throughout their county, which includes transfers to and from Metrolink. San Bernardino County public transportation providers that will also be offering free rides on Transit Equity Day include OmniTrans, MBTA, Mountain Transit and Victor Valley Transit. Please note, public transit providers in other counties may require fare.
In 2021, Metrolink took a deep look at its business and ridership to better understand the evolving needs of riders since the beginning of the pandemic. Metrolink’s Accessibility and Affordability Study provided clarity on equity within the communities Metrolink serves and offered a pathway to increased future success of the passenger rail’s service.
MEDIA CONTACT: Scott Johnson at [email protected] or (213) 842-2287.
About Metrolink (metrolinktrains.com)
Metrolink is southern California’s regional passenger rail service providing reliable, safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation that connects people, communities and businesses to greater opportunity. The Agency’s 538 miles of track and 62 stations across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties serve as an essential link in the region’s mobility network, enabling people to connect to their jobs and explore all that the region has to offer. Prior to the pandemic, Metrolink had nearly 12 million annual boardings from people who choose to ride the train to avoid gridlock, removing an estimated 9.3 million vehicles from the roads and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 130,000 metric tons each year with its fleet of Tier 4 locomotives.
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