Riding the rails for work and play

With driving becoming more expensive and less enjoyable due to increased traffic volume on roads and freeways, more drivers discovered the ease of commuting by rail. During fiscal year 2011-2012, combined ridership on Orange County’s three Metrolink lines rose to 4.2 million. While this figure represents a 7 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, it also represents the 4.2 million vehicles that weren’t on our streets and freeways, which helped reduce congestion and improve air quality for all Orange County residents.

As part of the continuing Metrolink Service Expansion Program to bring more trains more often to Orange County, track and station improvements were made during the year. The Tustin and Fullerton stations gained new multi-level parking structures with many amenities that appeal to rail passengers.

The Angels Express trains helped 37,896 Angels fans—84 percent more than last season and the most since the program began—get to home games and avoid traffic and parking hassles. Special promotions throughout the year, including Lunar New Year, the Dana Point Festival of Whales and San Clemente Ocean Fest, introduced large numbers of people to the benefits of train travel.