Northridge Metrolink Station Marks Permanent Opening

Transportation officials formally opened the Northridge Metrolink station on Monday as a permanent stop on the commuter line between Los Angeles and Ventura.

The Northridge station, at Wilbur Avenue and Parthenia Street, opened as a temporary station on Feb. 14, 1994, as an alternative for commuters unable to drive area freeways damaged in the Jan. 17, 1994, earthquake. It now becomes one of 47 stations in the 417-mile commuter rail system.

The $3.7-million station--with its concrete boarding platform, passenger shelters, electronic message boards, 320 parking spaces, security lighting and landscaping--replaces an outdoor platform and an automated ticket booth.

“It has taken an earthquake, six years of time, millions of dollars, tons of concrete and a great deal of patience on the part of commuters, but today we finally see the light at the end of the Metrolink tunnel,” said City Councilman Hal Bernson.

“The old station was kind of primitive,” said Barbara De Maria, 48, of Northridge, who was headed to downtown Los Angeles. “Now it’s well lit, the security is good. It’s a pleasant place.”