Simi Valley Contributes Most Riders

The greater Los Angeles area has the only “seamless transit” program in the country, according to Metrolink spokesman Peter Hildago. To qualify for a Metrolink station, a city must provide comprehensive transit service that is included in the ticket price. Each city handles transportation in a different way--some with buses, others with shuttle systems, others with taxis. The fare is all-inclusive.

In Ventura County, Simi Valley contributes the greatest number of passengers to Metrolink. A survey conducted by Metrolink in February showed Simi at 1,000 trips a day, Moorpark at 562 trips per day and Camarillo at 214 per day. No surveys have been done since the Oxnard station opened.

Metrolink commuting costs vary depending on distance, and tickets are available one-way, which must be used within three hours of purchase; round-trip, which must be started within three hours of purchase, with the return any time on the same day; 10-trip, valid for 90 days from date of purchase, and monthly passes, valid for unlimited travel in a given calendar month.

If you want the most quiet commute, go for a Monday or Friday trip. Officials report that ridership is lowest at the ends of the workweek, and attribute it to the growing popularity of flexible scheduling.

Metrolink offers fares discounted at 50% for the elderly and the disabled. Discounts are also available for midday and evening riders. One-way and round-trip tickets purchased between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and after 6:55 p.m. are 25% off the regular fare for adults and 50% off for young people 6 to 18 years old. At all times, children under 6 ride free with a fare-paying adult. Metrolink also offers group rates for school groups.

All Metrolink trains, stations and ticket-vending machines are accessible to the disabled. Boarding is via a raised mini-platform; there are two wheelchair spaces in each passenger car, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom.