To prevent cutting vital commuter services for the residents of the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys, the Metrolink Board of Directors approved Director Michael D. Antonovich’s recommendation to use MTA surplus funds to cover budget shortfalls.

With these funds, Metrolink will continue service for:

• Antelope Valley / San Bernardino line: 4 Saturday trains (numbers 260, 265, 356, and 361)
• Chatsworth / Ventura County line: 8 weekday trains (numbers 103, 105, 107, 108, 112, 114, 900, and 901)

The budget shortfalls have been a concern of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) for months now. Prior to this decision, the SCRRA considered raising fares to meet the budget’s needs. Patrons of the rail system were outraged at the idea to increase prices.

Without raising fares, Metrolink felt it would be forced to shut down up to 50 lines including the ones listed above.

For now, the new allocation of funds has saved our local lines, but for how long remains to be seen. To find out more about Metrolink schedules and lines, click here.