Boarding and alighting reports for two of Santa Clarita’s three Metrolink stations show an increase in ridership from March to April. Alighting numbers are up at the third station. Almost half of the over-2,200 riders on the Antelope Valley Metrolink line board at one of the stations in Santa Clarita. On average in April 2005, 494 riders boarded at the Santa Clarita station, 293 boarded at Newhall, and 297 got on the train at the Via Princessa station daily.

The first Metrolink station opened in Santa Clarita in 1992 and ridership has increased steadily since the first trains rolled through. The Via Princessa Station, which opened in 1994 after the Northridge earthquake, is located at 19201 Via Princessa. The Newhall Station, the newest in Santa Clarita, is at 24300 Railroad Avenue. The Santa Clarita Station is at 22122 Soledad Canyon Road. Each of the stations has a parking lot where commuters can leave their vehicles and service is available Monday through Sunday. Hours vary by train and day, so riders should check the schedule to make sure they find the appropriate route.

“Alternative transportation such as the Metrolink is becoming more popular as people realize how convenient it really is,” says Cameron Smyth, Mayor for Santa Clarita. “The City is pleased because more people choosing alternatives results in fewer cars on the roads and less pollution due to traffic, both of which benefit our community.”

For more information about transportation options in Santa Clarita, please visit the City’s Transit Division website, www.santaclaritatransit.com. More information about Metrolink, including fares and schedules can be found online at www.metrolinktrains.com.