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If you have a hefty commute and have been thinking about trying Metrolink service, you now have an additional 16 options thanks to expanded service. Among the options for travelers and commuters include express lines between Los Angeles and two popular hubs, more trains on multiple lines, help for airport passengers, and seasonal trains to the beach.
Here's the full breakdown of the 16 new trains and other improvements:
* 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
Metrolink says the new express trains "are one of [the rail service's] biggest initiatives" aimed at shaving time off commutes and attracting new riders, reports the San Bernardino Sun. For example, on the San Bernardino line, riders on the express train will find about 30 minutes taken off their commute, though the ticket price remains the same as the original train.
"Metrolink officials want to remind passengers and drivers that the express trains will not stop at every station. The express trains also cannot come to an immediate stop," cautions ABC7, who spoke with riders at the Covina station, one of the only two stops between San Bernardino and Los Angeles on the new express train.