LOS ANGELES — Metrolink plans to offer expanded service this fall as part of its efforts to move from commuter-oriented service to a “regional rail” concept, KTLA-TV reports.
The agency has also hired a new “Chief People Officer,” Metrolink announced Monday.
Systemwide, the plan calls for about a 30% increase in service under the fiscal 2025 budget approved last week by the LA-area rail agency’s board of directors. CEO Darren Kettle told KTLA that the Orange County and San Bernardino lines will see “significant” increases, after the Antelope Valley Line saw service expansion last year [see “Metrolink to add service on Antelope Valley Line,” Trains News Wire, Oct. 10, 2023].
“I call it the first step in our transformation from commuter railroad to regional passenger railroad,” Kettle told the station.
As part of the plan, the agency will no longer run all trains over the full length of a route, instead operating short-turn trains that offer more frequent service in areas of higher demand. (Chicago’s Metra notably used this technique to offer roughly half-hourly service during peak periods on portions of its Union Pacific North line, leading to significant ridership increases.) Metrolink will also realign its schedules to make it easier to transfer from one line to another without long waits, aiming to cut the wait times from more than an hour to less than 20 minutes.
A full schedule for the changes is expected by August, and would take effect in October, Kettle told KTLA.
New ‘Chief People Officer’
Alberto Lara, previously director of human resources for Yolo County in Northern California, has joined Metrolink as its chief people officer as of Monday. The position oversees all human resources activities, including talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, staff development, and learning and compensation, as well as serving as the Equal Employment Opportunity officer.
Lara has more than 30 years of human resources experience, primarily in government settings in California and Washington state.
“We are delighted to welcome Alberto to the Metrolink family,” Kettle said in a press release. “Alberto’s extensive experience and passion for people-first leadership align perfectly with our commitment to our employees and our riders. His vision and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to build a supportive and inclusive environment for our team.”
