Hop a Train and Save on Gas

Whether you want to save gas during the week to get to and from your job or just get away from it all,  may be able to help. It has a station right here in our backyard. It's off the beaten track on Forbes Road behind but easy to find once you know it's there.

Metrolink recently added 16 new trains to its system, hoping to provide more affordable transportation options as gas prices near record levels. Of the new trains, four are part of an express service pilot program that can save commuters up to an hour every day by limiting the number of stops.

In addition to adding 16 new trains, Metrolink is expanding the routes of two early-morning trains to Burbank's Bob Hope Airport to provide travelers more opportunities to take the train to their plane. Metrolink also adjusted the schedules of Orange County and San Bernardino line trains to connect with early-morning trains to the airport.

The cost of new service is being offset by operational savings and an anticipated increase in fare revenue as a result of increased ridership.

The added service:

• Six additional trains on the Antelope Valley line, including two peak-hour express trains.
• Six additional trains on the San Bernardino, line including two peak-hour express trains.
• Two additional trains on the Ventura County line.
• Two  seasonal beach trains will operate on the Inland Empire-Orange County line between July and October.
• Two trains extended to the Burbank Airport. Additionally, trains on the San Bernardino and Orange County lines schedules will change to connect with a train at Union Station arriving  at the Burbank Airport in time for 7 a.m. airport departures.
• Various time changes to accommodate new service additions.

The new schedule can be viewed at metrolinktrains.com/schedules/.