Pilot Metrolink Service to Make Faster Trip to Downtown Los Angeles

Metrolink passengers in Covina, Azusa, Glendora and other surrounding communities will have the chance to ride a faster train route to downtown Los Angeles.

Metrolink’s board approved an express train pilot program for the San Bernardino Line, which currently takes passengers to downtown Los Angeles in 13 stops.

Starting May 9, the train will make only four stops – San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Covina and Los Angeles Union Station. The pilot program will run six months.

According to Tony Bell, Communication Deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, the Covina Metrolink Station is the main train portal to downtown Los Angeles for residents in the East San Gabriel Valley.

According to Bell, the new service eliminates 22 minutes and 3 stops from the roundtrip between Covina and Union Station.

“The service was created to improve service for commuters that use the trains,” said Bell. “This is a significant improvement in effectiveness, affordability and convenience for our Metrolink passengers.”

The morning train will leave the Covina station at 6:19 am and arrive at Los Angeles Union Station at 6:45 a.m. The evening train will depart from Los Angeles at 5:18 p.m. and arrive in Covina at 5:46 p.m.

"By reducing the number of stops, commuters will save an hour on each round trip," said Metrolink Chairman Richard Katz in a prepared statement. "This translates to five hours a week and 20 hours a month."

A shuttle service to the Covina station is available for Glendora residents at 50 cents each way. Shuttle services are available Monday through Friday between the Transportation Center, 410 E. Dalton Ave. in Glendora, and the Covina Metrolink station at 5:18 a.m. to 7:14 a.m. For return trains from Los Angeles, service begins at 4:56 p.m. until 6:40 p.m.

Contact the Transportation Division at (626) 914-8233 for a complete shuttle schedule.