Metrolink: Essential workers represent core ridership

According to the results of Metrolink's 2021 Customer Survey, nearly 75% of people currently riding the Los Angeles commuter-rail system identified themselves as essential workers — an increase of 4% from Metrolink’s April 2020 survey.

Many (29% of those surveyed) of these essential workers are in the health-care industry. Other essential workers include those in community-based organizations (17%), which includes public health and child care, and those in transportation and logistics (14%).

In addition to recording increased usage by essential workers, the Metrolink survey revealed that 85% of lapsed riders are likely to return to Metrolink, an increase from 81% in the 2020 survey. 

Also, 32% of people surveyed said they are waiting for vaccines to become readily available, which is now on the immediate horizon, before resuming their commute; and 24% expect to return later this year.