Metrolink's weekday service cuts to continue indefinitely

What had been a temporary measure for Metrolink figures to endure for a while. Decreased weekday service levels implemented on March 23 will remain in place indefinitely, Metrolink announced on Monday. 

Weekday reductions will continue on six of the California commuter railroad’s seven lines, impacting riders in all six counties in which the railroad operates. 

Metrolink cut weekday service levels by 20% to address reliability issues stemming from mechanical challenges and supply-chain delays. Weekday ridership has declined about 4% since the modified schedule took effect in late March, Metrolink officials said in an announcement. 

Although the railroad has registered significant progress in working through mechanical challenges and a repair backlog, it hasn’t yet fully resolved the problems. In addition, financial pressures are impacting the ability to provide the service levels riders are accustomed to, Metrolink officials said. 

“Originally, these changes were anticipated to remain in place for seven weeks, but will now continue for the foreseeable future,” they said. “Keeping the current schedule in place will prevent repeated short-term changes that could create more uncertainty and frustration for customers.”