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Great news for transit-minded surfers: you can now bring your board on all Metrolink trains.
The OC Register reports that the Metrolink board voted two years ago to modify their policy and allow surfboards, but it took a bit of time to design the netted shelves that would accommodate the boards (they replaced existing bike racks). The Southern California regional commuter rail service travels to beach destinations in San Clemente and Oceanside on the Inland Empire-Orange County Line and the Orange County Line. It also offers service to Union Station, where travelers can transfer to L.A.'s Metro rail system. Metro has allowed riders to bring their surfboards with them since the Expo Line opened.
Starting last weekend, Metrolink has offered surfboard storage on all of its lines with its Bike/Board cars (there is one car per train, and each is capable of holding five surfboards). Surfboards must not exceed six feet, four inches in length. Metrolink would also like you to know that bodyboards and boogie boards, along with beach chairs, toys, umbrellas and ice chests are also allowed on trains. On a side note, we feel sorry for anyone who doesn't live in Southern California.
“As an avid surfer, I know that this addition to Metrolink service will be used by surfing enthusiasts,” Borja Leon, Mayor Eric Garcetti's director of transportation and a Metrolink board member, said in a press release. “Biking and surfing are core activities in sunny Southern California. I too take my board and use this new service to avoid freeway traffic congestion and parking hassles, while easily accessing the beach.”
