L.A.'s new fast track.

Not only will long-distance commuters to Los Angeles be able to ride the rails to work, they'll be able to do it in style and for less money than driving their cars when the Metrolink commuter rail service opens in October.

The train system is designed to provide reliable, safe and comfortable transportation to long-distance commuters who live along Metrolink lines and principally work in downtown Los Angeles. In grand Southern California style, the first two of 70, doubledecked, 85-foot-long Metrolink commuter rail passenger cars made their official debut when they arrived in Los Angeles recently from Thunder Bay, Canada.

The cars, built by Bombardier Inc., feature handsome interiors providing comfortable seating for 145--or a full standing load of 300 commuters. Each has a spacious restroom, a bicycle storage rack and portable ramps for wheelchair passengers. Several groups of seats have tables between them to accommodate card players or commuters preparing for the workday.

The interior is far from that of a subway, but rather like Amtrak luxury coaches, with comfortable seats of taupe and light lavender material and beige walls.

First tracks

Using existing railroad tracks, the first three lines will run into downtown Los Angeles Union Station from Moorpark in eastern Ventura County, Santa Clarita, and Pomona. The Pomona line will be extended to San Bernardino once an agreement is reached for rights-of-way usage with Santa Fe Railroad.

Low-pollution, state-of-the-art locomotives being built by General Motors will pull the passenger cars at speeds up to 80 mph. In residential areas speeds will drop to 40 mph. A total of 17 locomotives were purchased and are expected to arrive in June.

Metrolink train stations will be located approximately five miles apart to allow efficient service and accessibility. Many cities will have entirely new stations, but in some cities historic train stations still exist and will be renovated. Each community will design and construct its own station so that the architecture and ambience reflect local character and values based on guidelines provided by Metrolink for passenger safety, accessibility for the disabled, and operating efficiency.

Station maintenance

The local community will be responsible for the ongoing operation and maintenance of its station, each of which will have short-term and all-day parking and connecting transit services to key destinations. Other conveniences such as telephones, newspaper machines and retail outlets are planned for some locations.

Metrolink trains will generally operate during normal rush hours, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. each weekday.

The cost to ride the train is currently under discussion for public comment with a decision expected in June. However fares will be based on distance, with single, round-trip, 10-trip, and monthly passes available. Each Metrolink station will be equipped with bilingual self-service ticket machines.

Commuters traveling to downtown Los Angeles can complete their commute by transferring to special buses, shuttles and taxis. Early in 1993, the Metro Red Line will provide direct access from Union Station to downtown stations. A line from Riverside to Union Station is expected to open in the Spring 1993 and service from Orange County is planned for the Fall 1993.

The proposed Orange County service will replace the current successful Orange County Transportation Authority's Commuter Rail train. Ultimately, Metrolink service will reach east of San Bernardino and Riverside to the communities of Hemet and Redlands.

Operation and funding

The governing body that operates Metrolink is the newly formed Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA). The SCRRA is made up of an 11-member joint powers authority board with representatives from the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, Orange County Transportation Authority, San Bernardino Associated Governments, Riverside County Transportation Commission, and Ventura County Transportation Commission.

Ex-officio members are Southern California Association of Governments, San Diego Association of Governments and the State of California. Metrolink is funded by state rail bond measures approved by the voters in 1990 and from county sales tax proceeds.

Metrolink fares

Metrolink will have several types of tickets available, including one-way, round-trip, and monthly passes. The frequent rider will receive the most significant savings per trip, and fares will be based on distance traveled. Commuters will be able to purchase tickets at automated vending machines at all Metrolink stations, at the Union Station Metrolink office, or by mail.

Transfers may be issued free for connecting with local transit services such as the RTD or the future Metro Red Line subway. Elderly, disabled and youth ages 6 to 18 will ride for half of the base fare. Children 5 and under will ride free when accompanied by an adult.

Commuters who live along future Metrolink corridors recently had an opportunity to comment on two proposed fare structures for the new commuter train service. A series of nine public hearings were conducted throughout Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties by the SCRRA, Metrolink's administrative board. A decision on the final fare structure is expected in June.