All Metrolink trains will be shut down for four days after Christmas for maintenance and repairs, the passenger-rail agency announced on its website on Friday, Nov. 3.
Metrolink trains will not operate from Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Dec. 29. The Southern California regional rail system will resume its regular service schedule on Saturday, Dec. 30, said Scott Johnson, Metrolink spokesperson.
None of its trains will operate during those four days. They include the following lines: San Bernardino-to-Los Angeles, Antelope Valley, Ventura County, Riverside, Orange County, 91/Perris Valley, Arrow Line (between Redlands and San Bernardino) and Inland Empire-Orange County, Johnson said.
During the four days, Metrolink will update all track and signal systems where trains enter and exit at Union Station, the multi-modal rail hub in downtown Los Angeles.
“We’re making the most of the closure to clean, repair and upgrade our rail network, including a new signal system that will provide better operational throughput and reliability in and out of Union Station for our trains,” the agency wrote on its website.
“The signal system going into and out of Union Station needs an entire overhaul,” Johnson said.
Although the Arrow Line and the IE-OC Line do not enter Union Station, the rail agency is using the closure to do maintenance on tracks of those lines and trains on the new Arrow Line, Johnson said.
“We made a decision to have a systemwide service closure,” he said.
Metrolink is not providing alternative transportation. All LA Metro subways, light-rail trains and buses will be operating as usual out of Union Station.
Typically during the days between Christmas and New Year’s, Metrolink ridership is low, Johnson said. “We have seen lower ridership during that week. Often, individuals don’t go to work and take vacation during those days. And none of our universities are open, so there will be fewer students taking our trains,” he added.
Johnson said the work will be completed during the four-day closure.
“By modernizing our rail network, we are preparing our system for the World Cup, Olympics, Paralympics, and World Rugby Championships,” Metrolink wrote on its website.
Metrolink customers can get more information by calling: 1-800-371-LINK (5465) or by visiting: https://metrolinktrains.com/no-service for a list of FAQs.