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Yesterday, California rail transportation industry officials marked the opening of three new Los Angeles Union Station tracks and a platform to serve Metrolink and Amtrak riders.

The new tracks and platform will help meet growing demand for rail travel, Metrolink officials said in a prepared statement. Other improvements included a new electronic information system and energy efficient lighting.

"The reconstruction of Platform 7 and the three additional tracks will allow for greater flexibility for Metrolink service at Union Station," said Metrolink Chief Strategic Officer Gray Crary.

Since 2010, Metrolink's average weekday boardings have increased 10 percent to 43,135, while ridership on Amtrak's California Pacific Surfliner has increased 31 percent during the past 10 years.

Managed by Metrolink, the new track construction began in May 2011 and was completed last month. The California Department of Transportation was the primary funding partner, allocating $21.8 million for the $24.8 million project. Metrolink used about $18.4 million of the funding for the project. The remaining allotment will be transferred to other phases and projects, Metrolink officials said.