Saturday service connecting the Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura-East stations to the San Fernando Valley and Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles CA— Metrolink announced the expansion of Ventura County Line Saturday service, adding connections to and from three additional stations – Camarillo, Oxnard, and Ventura-East – to existing service between Moorpark and Los Angeles. The new, expanded service will begin on Aug. 14.
Metrolink launched Ventura County Line Saturday service on May 29 with one roundtrip connecting Moorpark, Simi Valley, Chatsworth, Northridge, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and Los Angeles. The service is made possible from funding provided by the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) and Los Angeles Metro.
The Saturday service will depart the Ventura-East Station at 8:15 a.m. and arrive at Union Station at 10:07 a.m. The return trip leaves Union Station at 4:28 p.m., returning back to Ventura-East at 6:16 p.m. Metrolink train times can be seen at metrolinktrains.com/schedules.
“From our beaches to our cities, connecting all parts of Southern California is critically important to re-energizing our region’s economy post-pandemic,” said Metrolink Board Member and Ventura County Transportation Commission Vice Chairman Tony Trembley. “Not only do local businesses need the support, but I think that we’d all like to get out of the house and have fun and Metrolink is the best place to start a summer day trip or a relaxing staycation.”
Director Trembley is also a member of the Camarillo City Council.
While visiting Camarillo, travelers can drop in at the Camarillo Premium Outlets and Old Town Camarillo by taking the Camarillo Trolley from the Metrolink station. For those looking for outdoor activities, travelers can visit the Pleasant Valley Museum and Botanical Garden, have a hike, and explore the old stagecoach stop at Camarillo Grove Park, or examine World War II aircraft at the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing Museum.
Oxnard has many dining and shopping experiences in Historic Oxnard as well as attractions including the Mandalay State Beach and Oxnard State Beach and Park. Visitors can see the California-centric art displays at the Carnegie Art Museum, or take a walk and recharge at the Marine Emporium Landing.
In Ventura, travelers can take a step into California history by visiting the San Buenaventura Mission, sample food and shopping on Main Street and catch the sunset at the city’s 150-year-old Ventura pier.
“The expanded Saturday service means even more families can take safe, affordable trips to explore Ventura and Los Angeles counties and avoid bumper-to-bumper weekend freeway traffic,” said Darren Kettle, executive director of VCTC and appointed CEO of Metrolink due to begin on Sept. 7.
Travelers to Los Angeles arrive at historic Union Station where they are just a short walk or Metro connection from destinations including, Chinatown, Grand Central Market, Grand Hope Park and The Bloc, an open-air plaza in downtown Los Angeles featuring restaurants, upscale shops, bars, and entertainment, and even a movie theater. Families can also stop and enjoy at destinations along the way, such as the Arroyo Simi Bike Path or Verdugo Park and Rec Center.
“Providing people with affordable, comfortable and safe transportation is the surest way for our region to recover from the pandemic,” Metrolink Interim CEO Arnold Hackett said. “This Metrolink service provides economic benefits for business districts along the Ventura County Line and throughout the San Fernando Valley.”
Adults can purchase a $10 Weekend Day Pass that is valid for unlimited rides on Metrolink trains on Saturday or Sunday. With Metrolink’s Kids Ride Free on Weekends fare, as many as three children aged 17 and younger ride for free with a paying adult, so the new service will offer more affordable connections to summer fun. Paid Metrolink fare includes free transfers to the Los Angeles County Metro bus, subway, and light rail system.
At Metrolink, safety is foundational. The air on all trains is recirculated through antimicrobial air filters that destroy 99.98% of viruses and bacteria. Each train car also has two hand sanitizer stations and cars are cleaned and disinfected throughout the day using hospital grade products.