Metrolink's express service starts today

LOS ANGELES - Commuting will get a lot faster for some Metrolink passengers today, as the rail service implements express service between downtown Los Angeles and the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys and San Bernardino.

Metrolink officials said the express lines could save commuters as much as 32 minutes in travel time by eliminating stops along the routes.

"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," according to Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, a member of the Metrolink Board of Directors.

"Eliminating nine stops, the Antelope Valley express train will make just two stops between Palmdale and Los Angeles Union Station -- at the Santa Clarita Valley and downtown Burbank stations," he said.

The express trains will have up to six cars, he said.

The morning express train will leave Palmdale at 5:37 a.m., stop at Santa Clarita at 6:20 a.m., Burbank at 6:49 a.m. and arrive at Union Station at 7:05 a.m. The afternoon train will leave Union Station at 5:25 p.m., stop at Burbank at 5:38 p.m., Santa Clarita at 6:06 p.m. and arrive in Palmdale at 6:53 p.m.

Metrolink also is adding 10 trains on the Antelope Valley, San Bernardino and Ventura County lines, along with seasonal trains that will carry passengers from the Inland Empire to San Clemente Beach.

Poppy Montgomery Christina Milian Carrie Underwood Sarah Polley Laetitia Casta