Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Metrolink educates public, promotes new service at National Train Day

Thousands of people attended Amtrak’s National Train Day at Los Angeles Union Station Saturday, May 7 to get a closer glimpse at passenger, commuter, freight and historic cars and locomotives. Metrolink was among the exhibitors, displaying one of our new Guardian Fleet cars for the public to tour. We also handed out giveaways, including pins, bags, whistles, keychains, holiday train buttons, toothbrushes, timetables and fact sheets.

Many train enthusiasts showed up to the event to learn more about the railroad industry, tour the cars and collect souvenirs. “We came out to see what the exhibitors were presenting today and also learn some more history about Metrolink and Amtrak,” said Arvella Carter, a frequent train rider who collected information to bring home to her grandson and his classmates.

The event attracted scores of families with young children, with ma
ny of the parents and grandparents passionate about passing their love of trains down many generations. “I came to National Train Day today because the kids like choo-choos and grandpa likes choo-choos,” said Ethan Reed, a Metrolink commuter from Santa Clarita who attended with his son and father.
Others came out to learn about new service offerings in Southern California. “I’m a rail fan, I really like trains and I really want to support more rail development in Los Angeles,” said Steveland Harris, who said he will start riding Metrolink trains more often now that he knows about the 16 additional trains we introduced May 9.

Jeremy Johnson, who traveled from Montclair to LA Union Station on our San Bernardino Line, gave his take on the rollout of Metrolink’s express pilot program. “I think it’s great. If they can cut back on time, that’s good. Plus it saves the rider a lot of money fuel wise.”

Other exhibitors included Union Pacific, the Pacific Harbor Line and, of course, Amtrak. This year’s festivity, which was took place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., marked the fourth annual National Train Day held in Los Angeles – Amtrak’s headquarters are in Washington, DC – as well as Amtrak’s 40th year of service.


video
Arvella Carter talks trains


Amtrak employee assisting visitors



Adults and children collecting Metrolink giveaways


Rail fans touring Metrolink's Guardian Fleet car

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