Metrolink Director Michael D. Antonovich announced a six-month pilot express train service for the Antelope and Santa Clarita Valleys beginning May 9, 2011.

“This new service will eliminate 32 minutes each way for Antelope Valley commuters and Santa Clarita Valley commuters will save 15 minutes each way to and from Union Station,” said Antonovich.

“Eliminating 9 stops, the Antelope Valley express train will make just make two stops between Palmdale and Los Angeles Union Station — at the Santa Clarita Valley and Downtown Burbank stations.”

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• The new trains likely will have up to 6 cars to accommodate increased capacity.
• The AM train will depart Palmdale at 5:37 am, stop at Santa Clarita at 6:20 am, Downtown Burbank at 6:49 am and arrive at LA Union Station at 7:05 am.
• The PM train will depart LA Union Station at 5:25 pm, stop at Downtown Burbank at 5:38 pm, Santa Clarita at 6:06 pm and arrive in Palmdale at 6:53 pm.
• Both trains will have a running time of 88 minutes to and from the Antelope Valley and 45 minutes to and from the Santa Clarita Valley.

“In addition to these vital new express lines, we’ve worked closely with Metrolink CEO John Fenton to provide new service on major holidays, late night service from Dodger Stadium, and deploying safer railcars,” he added.