Santa Clarita to Open 3rd Metrolink Station

Santa Clarita residents Saturday will celebrate the opening of their third Metrolink station, which is expected to increase ridership among commuters.

“In the growing Santa Clarita Valley, it’s a real boon,” said Peter Hidalgo, Metrolink spokesman. “It allows another access point for people to board closer to home. It’s a benefit to everyone, not just the community and the riders.”

Beginning Monday, a total of 22 trains will serve the Jan Heidt Metrolink Station in Newhall weekdays, with eight trains on Saturday. The new station is the ninth on the Antelope Valley line, which carries an average of 4,700 riders daily.

City Council members decided to name the $4.5-million station in honor of Heidt, who has been on the council since the city’s incorporation in 1987 and was instrumental in bringing Metrolink to the area, said Gail Ortiz, city spokeswoman.

The station features a bell tower that houses the original 100-year-old Saugus school bell, in addition to 150 parking spaces, outdoor seating and vendor space.

The Newhall station is the first one to open since September 1997. Six other stations, including those in Sun Valley and Palmdale, are expected to open in the next two years.

Opening ceremonies are planned for 11 a.m. at 24300 Railroad Ave.