The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority board at its meeting Thursday approved a motion which supports many of the recommendations made in the Antelope Valley Line Study.

Thursday’s action is the next step in implementing strategic improvements that can be constructed and phased in to deliver regular and reliable train service to communities along the Antelope Valley Line.

“Our city of Santa Clarita will dramatically benefit from the action taken today,” said Mayor Marsha McLean, who attended the meeting to encourage the Metro Board to take action.

“Residents who regularly utilize Metro trains for their daily commute or recreational trips could soon have access to bi-directional service with trains running every half hour between Union Station and our city,” McLean said.

The board moved to support the implementation of study Scenarios 1 through 3, which focus on adding additional late evening train service and bi-directional service.

Specific action items include:

· Prioritizing the Balboa Siding Project to open up expedited service

· Prioritizing capital projects

· Authorizing funds to bring these capital projects to “shovel-ready” status

· Leveraging additional funding options

· Supporting the implementation of a diesel, electric, battery electric or hybrid train program in pursuit of grant funding operations

The 76.6 mile-long AV line has the third-highest ridership in Metro’s system with about 7,000 passengers daily utilizing up to 42 trains per day. The terrain and single-tracking along the line in some areas force trains to travel at a slower speed which results in an estimated travel time of about two hours between Los Angeles Union Station and Lancaster.

“I want to thank the Metro Board for listening to my testimony along with those that spoke in favor of the motion put forth by Board Directors Barger, Najarian, Krekorian and Solis, and supporting the North County and people of Santa Clarita who are now one step closer to new public transit options thanks to this action,” McLean said.

“I have been a longtime supporter of public transit, always keeping an eye on what amenities are needed now, and what we will need in the future,” she said.

To find out more about the Antelope Valley Line Study and the action taken by the Metro board, visit metrolinktrains.com.