Metrolink Antelope Valley Line: Desert, Mountains, and City!

[@MilesinTransit]

This is my pick for the single most scenic commuter rail line in the country! I had no idea most of it was built so quickly - that was really cool to find out, and it gives me at least a little optimism that we have the capability to do more stuff like that.

[@thyagarajannatarajan6234]

MILES!

[@Thom-TRA]

Have you been on the Ventura County line? That one is also beautiful

[@MilesinTransit]

@@Thom-TRA It is, but I think it's a little less unique than what the Antelope Valley Line has to offer, and you have to sit through more sprawly portions to get to the good stuff!

[@lionfan11]

It’s cool there’s a rail network that can take you through the desert and the canyon, I personally enjoyed the views, also “oh, look, you can store your surfboard here” I thought that was funny

[@Thom-TRA]

That’s when you know you’re in LA!

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

The pipeline that you saw at 9:06 is the Cascades section of the Los Angeles Aqueduct system. The system comprises the Owens Valley Aqueduct and the Second Los Angeles Aqueduct, the latter of which Cascades is a part of. The Cascades is the point where the Los Angeles Aqueduct symbolically enters the city, bringing in 70 percent of the drinking water for the community, from the Owens Valley, 200 miles away. The Cascades was completed on November 5, 1913, and was designated a state historical landmark in 1958. This aqueduct system is the same one with the infamous St. Francis Dam built in 1926 which collapsed two years after it was built and killed at least 431 people.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m so happy you mentioned this! I was so curious about it

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

The most beautiful stretch of commuter rail that I've experienced is the Metro-North Hudson Line, especially during Fall with all the foliage on the Palisades, and October is the best time to visit Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow because of the Washington Irving's tale of the Headless Horseman. Both Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow have fully embraced the story, to the point the mascot of the local school district is the Headless Horseman! And when the high school has their homecoming, he comes out to lead the football team, running around the field before the game and during halftime!

[@Thom-TRA]

I am excited to travel from NYP to Albany in October!

[@michaelmartin4552]

A major help for this was the fact that as you said Metrolink owned the tracks. There was no fighting over right of way, which is often one of the biggest problems in completing projects like this.

[@Thom-TRA]

Which is honestly why it surprises me that it took so long still for there to be regular, all-day service

[@michaelmartin4552]

@@Thom-TRA The issue is that route has always been primarily for commuters. When I took it daily, I lived in Lancaster and worked near LAX. So that replaced driving well over 200 miles each day. But there was no bus and little parking, so my wife and I had to get our kids up at 5 in the morning so she could take me to the station. Then at around 7 she would have to come back again to pick me up. But I took it a few times during non-peak hours, and at those times hardly anybody took it. Not unlike when I took the San Francisco ferries when I lived in that area. Rush hour they were packed (and ran busses to take the overflow). But off rush, they were mostly empty.

[@thelaguyinphoenix7837]

That’s what is beautiful about California. Different regions.

[@Thom-TRA]

Definitely

[@radiorebel97]

I live in Palmdale, and if metrolink and LAMetro would run 24/7 I'd take it more often to concerts and events in LA.

[@michaelmartin4552]

I still remember how horrible it was in the 1990s. Quite literally at that time, the last train in the morning left before the city bus system started. And unless you were on the very first train out of LA, the bus system shut down for the night before any others arrived.

[@thecarlover5155]

I live in Santa Clarita and see Metrolink every day, and I love it

[@theyamg8121]

Coming from Train Sim World 4 (TSW4)

[@ChrisJones-gx7fc]

1:31 It's worth noting that the future Palmdale HSR station will actually be about a half mile south of the current station, which will be demolished to make way for the CAHSR and Brightline West tracks.

[@waynewright2886]

The Only Metrolink Line that Stays in L.A. County & Runs for 76 Miles, the Tunnel when your Leaving the Valley into Santa Clarita & Reverse Direction is the Longest Tunnel of the MetroLink System, the Other Tunnel is on the Ventura County Line in Chatsworth & Simi Valley. Metrolink is Planning to Make Improvements on the Antelope Valley Line by the 2028 Olympics by Adding Double Track in some Sections & Running 30 Minute Headways.

[@weirdfish1216]

The fact that this line got built 10 years ahead of schedule because of an earthquake shows that it’s totally possible to build transit ahead of schedule if we took the initiative. Edit: just got to the part in the video where you said the same thing LOL. spot on.

[@Thom-TRA]

Exactly

[@HP_line_cook]

Loved riding that train with my mom from Palmdale all they way to Union Station when I was 8 back in 2006. My mom and I then would get on the subway and make our way to the beaches. Good memories thanks for sharing!!❤

[@Thom-TRA]

Hope you get to relive these memories soon!

[@waynewright2886]

Rode Right Past the Lincoln Heights METRO RAIL Yard where then the L Line Cars were Stored at, now the Yard for the E Line Trains when the Regional Line Opened Up in June.

[@kathy2766]

I take this train to school every week day and have been doing so for the last 3 years and I have not gotten bored of the scenery! You see the occasional deers, foxes, or rabbits while going through the canyon lol

[@Thom-TRA]

I bet seeing the animals from the train is magical

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

Antelope Valley was named such for the pronghorns that roamed there until the pronghorns in the valley were all eliminated in the 1880s, mostly by hunting, or resettled (they're still around in other states as well as in Alberta and Saskatchewan). The pronghorn is the fastest land mammal in the Western Hemisphere, with running speeds of up to 88.5 km/h (55 mph). The thing is, they're not antelope, they're actually closely related to giraffids! They're called antelope because they look similar to Old World antelope. The name for the Mojave Desert is a shortened form of the Mojave word Hamakhaave, which means "beside the water". The Mojave people themselves call the desert "Hayikwiir Mat'aar". Fauna found there include bighorn sheep, mountain lions, chuckwallas, and desert tortoises. Creatures that are endemic to the Mojave Desert include the Kelso Dunes Jerusalem cricket (found only in the Kelso Dunes of San Bernardino County), the Mohave ground squirrel, and the Amargosa vole (found only in Inyo County).

[@Thom-TRA]

Appreciate the indigenous history you bring to these videos!

[@UncleAl3]

Odd fact : the pronghorn is not an antelope but is related to "giraffes"!

[@Thom-TRA]

@@UncleAl3 I can see it

[@CrabMan2539]

13:36 The traction motors on those subway cars is extremely nostalgic to me because the 1000 series DC metro had those same traction motors. I remember hearing that sound as a kid.

[@eddieflxible379]

During the midday, Metrolinks "CMF" or Keller Yard gets packed. When the AM weekday trains arrive at LA, most of them go to CMF to spend the rest of the day before heading back to where they originated. The rolling stock gets serviced during the midday as well. That lancaster train you was on probably spends the whole day out there.

[@SuperDave30]

On Train Sim World aka TSW I driving the Metrolink Antelope Valley line to Los Angeles, since it’s video game but the scenery the canyons and mountains are absolutely beautiful!

[@MsMarly10]

I used to live in Palmdale and I took this line a few times to LA. The scenery went from desert to the beautiful Union Station and palm trees...it was so varied, never boring...miss it. Thanks for making this video, so I can watch it when I miss home!

[@Thom-TRA]

I should market this: videos great for curing homesickness! Haha

[@Dimewick21]

Great vid! As an Angelino and an avid transit/train fan, I’m ashamed to say I’ve only ridden Metrolink once, Union Station to LA to Riverside, a good 20 years ago. Growing up in LA, and dealing with horrible transit, I’m glad that the area is finally turning the corner. While no where near perfect, LAs transit situation is better by orders of magnitude than when I was growing up there. Never knew the Lancaster line didn’t originally go all the way to Lancaster. And had no idea it was completed so fast because of the Northridge earthquake. You’re right, I really wish we could have this kind of drive to build our transit all over. I believe Trirail in Miami came about because of something like this. A hurricane caused damage to I 95, and the area needed a “temporary” rail connection to move commuters between Palm Beach, Beoward, and Dade County (hence the name, Trirail). The system is still going strong 30 years later.

[@Thom-TRA]

LA is definitely a role model when it comes to ambition and improvement. They’re catching up fast.

[@Joeyjoey53]

Fantastic video Thom, l love Santa Clarita and how beautiful the area is. Thanks

[@Thom-TRA]

I really enjoyed the few days I spent there!

[@dianethulin1700]

My mom is from Ojai, North of Santa Clarita. It made me feel good to see this countryside. I haven’t been to Lancaster or Palmdale for about 25 years. Thanks for posting this!

[@HarZoiD]

Awesome to see you cover Northern LA county!

[@mrvwbug4423]

Well I can tell you one place that does not have scenic commuter train service. Denver. The only train that goes even close to the foothills is the RTD W line which is the light rail that goes to Golden. However, you can hop on the train right at the airport, and Denver opted to electrify its entire network from the get go. In some interesting news though, the state of CO is looking to re-open an old rail line from Denver to Steamboat Springs, the ROW is already there so they just need to rehab the rails and get some rolling stock (that line will be diesel) and that will be the second CO ski town with rail access.

[@Thom-TRA]

I actually like taking the A line and slowly seeing the mountains appear. Not to mention all the prairie dogs walking around by the tracks.

[@markstocker5121]

If you want another scenic commuter rail I'd recommend the Sounder north out of Seattle. The train travels along Puget Sound most of the route. It also uses the same Bombardier double decker passenger cars that Metrolink uses..

[@Thom-TRA]

I’ve been on that route but on the empire builder

[@DennisSmithAIStockImageClub]

The Sounder in Seattle hugs the coastline and also has view of Mt. Rainier. I haven't rode it myself am familiar with the route it takes.

[@DesertHighIron]

Awesome trip! This is my home Metrolink line, I’m from Palmdale. The AV line gets extremely pretty between Via Princessa and Palmdale. I’m trying not to be bias since that’s the segment I film most of my Metrolink videos on but it’s so pretty. Especially in March/April you will often spot several types of wildflowers and plenty of green in there. Sometimes in winter it will even snow. I’ve ridden the Orange county line with the ocean which some other commenters mentioned but I think I prefer this one and Ventura county because they run through all these different biomes and give a very diverse ride experience. The history you mentioned about how quickly it was fixed up is something I plan to make a video on soon, it was a lot more than just stations ;) It’s an awesome story overall. Over the next several years, Metrolink is planning several capacity improvements on this line and are aiming to get it up to 30 minute on peak service to Lancaster and 60 minutes off peak. There’s also a brand new station set to open soon.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m really excited about those service expansions!

[@MargretRoberts]

Thom, spot on about the urgency.... or not....Danke, finde eure videos toll!

[@Thom-TRA]

Danke schön!

[@jimrivett9926]

Thank you for posting this video. We live in Santa Clarita approximately a mile from the Via Princessa station and this morning my wife and I will be catching the 10.15 am train from Via Princessa to Union Station and plan to spend some time in and around Little Tokoyo. The bus connection you mentioned is at the Newhall station and the bus to Bakersfield is run by Amtrak. In fact if you want to travel from LA through central California to Oakland via Amtrak, Amtrak will first bus you to Bakersfield where you can board the train for parts north. On the other side of the canyon view at the Santa Clarita station is where the now closed Saugus Speedway used to be, it is now the home or the Saugus Swap Meet. If you purchase a round trip ticket it allows you two station changes, so for example once arriving at Union Station you could catch the subway to Hollywood (and back) using your Metrolink round trip ticket. I agree with the lack of trains per day run by Metrolink, it would be nice if they ran more. Also taking over an hour to get from Via Princessa to Union Station (30 miles) is a little long, I think that perhaps the train runs a little slow through the tunnel. Finally it's too bad you did this trip on a rare rainy Southern California day.

[@Thom-TRA]

I love little Tokyo. Hope you enjoyed your trip. Actually, the bus I was referring to is Kern Transit route 130, which does leave from the main Santa Clarita station.

[@jimrivett9926]

We were unable to go to Union Station this morning, it appears that there was a pedestrian fatality south of via princessa and no trains were running when we arrives at 10 am. We decided to have lunch at a Chinese restaurant just south of the via Princessa station and while havaing an early lunch found out the incident occurred at that intersection earlier that morning. As we were leaving the restaurant a metrolink train passed by so it seems the line was now open and trains were running. We shall try again tomorrow. We often take the Metrolink to Union Station usually to visit Japan Town (my wife is Japanese American) or China Town, we like the sandwiches at Philippe's or Hollywood or even into downtown LA. Now I'm retired I don't care to drive too much.j

[@rikkichunn8856]

Thom and Lindsey, you're in my neighborhood! I live in Palmdale and dozens of times I have ridden that train into LA or even just into Newhall to get to my dentist's office. But you missed the best part! Between Acton and Canyon Country the train actually goes through a wild animal shelter. It's like taking a train through a zoo. They have movie animals from Africa like lions plus more local species. And more tunnels and scenery. I hope you and Lindsey stole a kiss as you passed through the tunnel between Newhall and the San Fernando Valley. 😘

[@Thom-TRA]

😉 It goes through an animal shelter? Now I have to come back!

[@rikkichunn8856]

Yes, it does, at least the last time I rode it. They had moved the animals out temporarily due to a wild fire (we have a lot of those up here, too). So, if you plan to come back to see it, let me know, and I will ride through and make sure the animals are back. Then I would love to meet you and Lindsey and we'll ride through it together. You can see the Palmdale station, which is very pretty, but unfortunately has some rough kids loitering there because it's right next to what we call a continuation school, which is a special high school for kids who have gotten into trouble with the law.

[@mhbbej1]

Next time you are in NYC you should take the Metro North Hudson line to Poughkeepsie. The train goes up the Hudson River and is a very scenic route.

[@sunandsage]

... or take the metro out to Waterbury Connecticut.

[@dianethulin1700]

LA Union Station is the last of the grand terminals. Olivera Street across the street. Grand Central Market is right by Angels Flight

[@ck4426]

Loved this awesome ride on a beautiful, scenic commuter railway!!! Awesome!!! Love when you and Lindsey travel together!!! Awesome!!!

[@Thom-TRA]

There’s gonna be a lot more content with the two of us coming soon!

[@ck4426]

@@Thom-TRA Can’t wait!!! You’ve got a ticket to ride!!! 🚝🚃🚈

[@dianethulin1700]

Oh my God! The aqua duct that brings water into LA!

[@12012channel]

As a Santa Clarita resident that waterslide at 9:05 means home.

[@Thom-TRA]

Water slides are life

[@AndreiTupolev]

11:40Those will be the Bombardier cab cars, withdrawn after the Chatsworth collision and replaced by the Rotem cars

[@thepetehill]

I lived and worked in LA for almost 10 years. Your trip is through the area I lived and spent most of my time. The area is nice. If you want a beautiful ride, do the run to/from Ventura.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’ve done that one! Check out my Pacific Surfliner video

[@londonwhaley8690]

I enjoyed that video👍👍

[@LQC2556]

If you like views from a commuter train, the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) in the San Francisco Bay Area is one of my top picks. It goes through a canyon and up a mountain pass, allowing for some great views of the Northern California landscape along the way (except for redwood forests, but you can't have it all I guess). The main problem is that it runs peak commute service only, meaning that it's one way in the morning and one way in the evening... luckily, the timing works to take an Amtrak San Joaquins train back to the Bay Area, which is what I did last time I took it.

[@blores95]

This would be a great day trip to explore around, though I'm not sure if the trip would be as interesting going from LA to Lancaster. The bit about the speed of making the rail was fascinating. If we could build rail at that speed all the time (probably easier laying track in the middle of no where than tunnelling under a large city) and run trains at 30 minutes or less frequency all day it'd be transformative for the region.

[@Thom-TRA]

It's amazing what we can do when there's a sense of urgency. Also, we went to Palmdale and there's some interesting stuff around there, if you don't want to go all the way to Lancaster.

[@jennachavez6488]

The sounder north (seattle) is definitely the prettiest view in my opinion

[@Thom-TRA]

Yeah that is a good one

[@robinrussell7965]

I just took this from Lancaster with my bike. You should try the Rail Runner in New Mexico which also has beautiful scenery. And the Smart train in NorCal is pretty too.

[@rhallanger]

Built up line in days! It can be done.

[@Thom-TRA]

Apparently it can

[@jamesrea329]

It wasn’t really “built” in days - the SP line was already there. They just had to tweak it for passenger service. Still amazing, but it doesn’t mean that an all new line can be built in days. Even the Chinese can’t manage that. Loved your video though, as always.

[@stickynorth]

Vancouver's West Coast Express offers beautiful views of the North Shore and Cascade Mountains as it winds its way from Downtown Vancouver out to Mission (hometown of Kiss Me Maybe's Carly Rae Jepsen)... And... ugh,... where the dude from Nickelback lives now... ;-)

[@stickynorth]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Coast_Express

[@joserivera-yc5rr]

great video of where I was raised in Calif., beautiful state, thanks for sharing

[@PCBill0622]

Most scenic commuter rail: Metrolink to Oceanside. Metronorth to Poughkeepsie. LIRR to Montauk.

[@deaventuraconkikomas4281]

... and yes there are other commuter rail lines with beautiful views too, from Boston to Salem town, or even further, from Boston Downtown to Rockport Massachusetts. Thanks for sharing.

[@Hololiamong]

7:49 Metro-North’s Hudson line has some amazing scenery as it goes up the Hudson River especially at the northern end

[@lorisheppard5916]

I have taken this route many times from and to Palmdale.I

[@LACMTA_Metrolink]

I live in the AV in Lake L.A I catch metrolink once in a while

[@jameskerner7782]

Metro North Hudson Line to Poukeepsie, NY. Long Island Rail Road from Penn. Station to Montauk and from Penn. Station to Greenport

[@kevinh743]

As of late October 2023, the AV line now has hour service from LA to Via Princessa and more late trains to and from LA and Lancaster Monday-Friday. Check the schedule, you’ll be surprised.

[@Thom-TRA]

I actually knew this but it’s good news!

[@taropsyche]

Growing up in Santa Clarita, this was always my favorite thing to do. Going into LA to visit Little Tokyo was always a fun time 😊. Hopefully when Brightline West is a thing, I can ride it all the way back over day 😅

[@sunandsage]

If you're ever in Chicago and are looking for a scenic train ride, take the South Shore Line out to South Bend, Indiana. Once you're out of Chicago it's very scenic.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’ve taken the South Shore a bunch of times. I used to live in Chicago .

[@jameskerner7782]

Amtrak getting its new trains. I hope that I'll be able to see them. I'll be 70 in February.

[@deaventuraconkikomas4281]

I suggest you to take one day that's bus route to Bakersfield, very nice views to over there in those to hours. Also suggest you to keep going from Bakersfield to Las Vegas direction, there is a small Town called Barstow, an the bus station is super cool, with some train cars converted in a small convenience store/ gas station/ restaurants and more, with a Cargo rail trains at the back of the place too.

[@davemcnally3627]

Enjoyed that, watching from England I have to say how comfortable the seats seem, compared to the what seem to be concrete blocks with a piece of cloth covering it and a bolt upright back,what we have here.

[@Thom-TRA]

Yes I’ve heard horror stories of British seats

[@sunandsage]

Wow! Just a few days to put in about 40 miles of track! Too bad we can't do that in a few other areas.

[@billraddatz7153]

The track was already there, they just had to build the stations. The Union Pacific RR also uses this track to carry freight North.

[@csxnspittsburghdivision8580]

I did some railfanning with the metrolink

[@TheA380Guy]

Metrolink is the goat

[@piedmontrf81]

If you want a scenic route, take Amtrak’s piedmont in North Carolina in the fall

[@jackbartlett4341]

If it’s a rainy day and it’s winter there’s a good chance it snows in the mountains above via princessa and in the antelope valley, so if you time it right you can see snow covering the when it enters metro LA.

[@AndreiTupolev]

Palmdale of course also the home of Lockheed's Skunk Works

[@rj.trains]

MARC Brunswick line out to Martinsburg, WV is pretty scenic. Can’t beat the view through Harper’s Ferry

[@jonathantransitauthority]

I'm putting this Metrolink line on my list when I go back to California. Here's a train I think you should cheek out. In Washington State, you have to ride the Sounder North line (Now just called the N Line) cause the water view is so amazing. This line will remind you of one of the Metrolink lines and the Surfliner that goes through San Clemente

[@Thom-TRA]

I haven’t been on the N Line, but I have been on the empire builder from Seattle to Everett, which takes the same route. I agree, it’s super beautiful!

[@hauskahirvi]

"There are 40 states with less people than LA county", very interesting! Nice looking train (with the exceptions). I found this video very interesting and very informative. I have been watching most of your videos. Excellent work!

[@LACMTA_Metrolink]

Awesome video also forgot to mention a long time ago you forgot at 7:04 you can take a bus from here to six flags magic mountain

[@TheWolfHowling]

Crazy idea but this could be a good way to spend some time between checking out of your hotel and an evening Amtrak departure. Instead of just doomscrolling at Union Station, head up the Antelope Valley line, see some sights, could maybe even get some lunch in Palmdale or Lancaster before returning to Union Station. Although, it would be better if Metrolink could extend the hourly service across the entire route

[@Thom-TRA]

Sometimes the crazy ideas are the best ones

[@seprishere]

You asked for commuter rail lines, how about the Avanti West Coast stopper from London Euston to Edinburgh?

[@paulgracey4697]

Trivia from a long time train rider in So. California. LA taxed itself in the late 1800s when it was just a small city to get that connection to the Southern Pacific, which was headed through desert to Yuma from the metropolis of San Francisco to Texas and the East. Without this line, and the discovery of oil, LA would never have been a destination for the film entertainment refugees from New Jersey that founded the industry we know as Hollywood. Allegedly, it was rain in Flagstaff, when they got off the train there to make "runaway" western movies, that caused them to get on the next one to the coast via this spur off of the second transcontinental route. The rest is history we know.

[@Thom-TRA]

That’s fascinating, thanks for sharing!

[@Robbi496]

Good job (as usual)!

[@kevinb8881]

I'm sure many celebrities have passed through LA Union Station!!

[@anthonywarrener1881]

Thank you for this fascinating video which I thoroughly enjoyed. I have ridden Metrolink a couple of times, but only south to Anaheim and Fullerton. I liked the later bi- level cars, and was really impressed by the new EMD F125 locos. It seems I am out on a limb about liking those locos, for most rail enthusiasts I have spoken to don’t like them ! Looking forward to your next trip.

[@Thom-TRA]

The later BiLevel cars are definitely on the upper end of the spectrum when it comes to commuter rail cars here in the US.

[@bryanCJC2105]

That bathroom was inexcusable. This was at the beginning of the line before anyone got on the train. It is indicative of how public transit and its customers are valued. Yes, we can build things very fast when we have to, or rather when our backs are against the wall. Being from Los Angeles myself, I remember that earthquake. The Santa Monica Freeway also collapsed and was rebuilt in record time, along with the 5/14 interchange you went through. The 8-mile SF-Oakland Bay Bridge (incl approaches) took just over 3 years to build in 1936. That's less than half the time it took to build the Crenshaw light rail line, which took 8 years to build a 6 miles on land, especially when you think about how much more work had to be done by hand in 1936.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m glad you were safe that day! I remember the 3/11/11 earthquake in Japan all too well.

[@Geotpf]

I don't think they clean the restrooms or the trains in general mid-day on Metrolink and this train had been used previously that day. Not sure what the solution is other than to schedule mid-day cleanings.

[@DesertHighIron]

Hi, not defending the bathroom, that was rough, however maybe this will provide some input. This metrolink set is at the end of its runs. These trains are typically serviced every 6-8 trips. Since i’m a nerd I know how this set works. It starts its runs the afternoon before on the Ventura County line as train 113. After 113 it returns as 120 to LA where it is changed to an AV train, number 229. It is taken to Lancaster and lays over at night where they SHOULD have cleaned it, but maybe didn’t. It then goes to LA as 204 the next day before going back up as 205 and then back to LA one final time as 210. After 210 the train is deadheaded to the central maintenance facility where it is cleaned (This time for sure), inspected, fueled, etc. Long story short: The bathroom may be because this set is at the end of its deployment and has ran 5 different metrolink trains before train 210. I definitely feel like Metrolink could’ve been better with that but then again I think that’s more of a people having no respect issue than it is a metrolink issue. That bathroom definitely looked like it had been pretty trashed and I don’t think it got that trashed from “normal” usage

[@bryanCJC2105]

​@@DesertHighIron thanks for that thoughtful response and explaining the operational challenges of maintaining trains. I'm impressed with your knowledge. Bravo! I understand what you're saying and it makes sense. I agree, that doesn't look like normal usage. I also understand that some people have no manners or courtesy and that is beyond Metrolink's control. However, public transit is in a hard public relations place right now. People are reluctant to use it because of crime, homelessness, and filth. It's hard to convince more people to use transit when a bathroom looks like that at the very beginning of a run. It gives the impression that nobody is aware of what is happening on the train, and that then translates into a perception of being unsafe. According to SCAG, as of July 2023, Metrolink ridership is still 57% lower than pre-Covid. Things like that bathroom, while hard to control during a run, should be totally controllable before every run. It might take a few more people to do it, but I don't think Metrolink, or Metro for that matter, should give people more reason not use it. Other systems do a better job at cleanliness, so it's hard to give Metrolink much of a pass. If someone had at least flushed the toilet, and picked up the toilet paper from the floor and counters, and given it a quick mop and wipe, that could've been enough. If it was full of vomit or something else, they could have closed that bathroom or taken the car out of service (which would not have impacted passenger capacity as those trains are running with light passenger loads). As it is now, I think that train car would have continued full of vomit all day. Metrolink doesn't have very high frequencies, so it seems like there should be plenty of time for a cleaning crew to do some basic cleaning between runs. There may be operational reasons for not being able to do that which I wouldn't know, but public perception is reality. I realize it costs more to be clean, but public transit is in dire straits and they need to pull out all the stops to make the service one that makes people, especially riders with a choice, want to use it. This is especially important in a city like Los Angeles which doesn't have much of a transit culture to begin with like SF, Chicago, or NYC, and dirty vehicles simply reinforces the "poor man's" image of public transit in LA. I have to concede that this may have been a one-off event. I don't really know, but if it had been filmed by a local news crew doing a report on Metrolink, that would have been a PR disaster which Metrolink doesn't need and could've been avoided.

[@DesertHighIron]

@@bryanCJC2105 I agree 100%. I can thankfully say that I don’t typically see that but it needs to be fixed. 205 to 210 has a 20 minute turnaround period and I think 1 person could probably pick up that stuff in a few minutes. It’s no excuse I was more explaining how it probably happened.

[@patmeaden]

The MBTA Rockport line has some nice views, just don’t ride it around Halloween

[@Thom-TRA]

Will stay far away from Salem on that day

[@jasonn4597]

I feel like it’s more scenic if there’s snow in the antelope valley but sadly it’s rare

[@theconceptualist8626]

Trust me, I’m from SoCal and I’ve ridden Metrolink countless times. The bathrooms are not usually like that! As for other commuter rail trains like this, yes! And it’s actually San Diego’s commuter rail, Coaster!

[@saangtoaikaa9211]

Stockton to San Jose via Niles Canyon on the Altamont Corridor Express

[@Thom-TRA]

That one is on my list!

[@stickynorth]

I'm glad you did a video on this line because I've been obsessed recently with it and how it connects the only affordable housing near Los Angeles to the city itself with this corridor especially Palmdale with its always just going to be built International Airport and of course soon to be built HSR station that will allow like 39 minute zips to downtown LA at 300 km+ speeds which is amazing... Just north of that is also California City (the eerie empty city of Tomorrow from 1958) which I would love anyone to make more videos on and is planned to get Metrolink service if and when financing for the line extension is planned. If that happened the city of 14,000 people planned for 500,000 would probably actually boom especially if land prices remain just as low... I.e. under $10K per lot...

[@Thom-TRA]

I almost drove to California city but then unfortunately ran out of time!

[@baseballfan99]

Another great vid. This line will feature in Train Sim World 4, coming out shortly.

[@jfmezei]

In Montréal Canada, what is now the St Jérome line was started due to bridge reconstruction project from Parc to Blainville (where tracked stopped after the railway formerly known as CP ripped up the line to Mont Laurier). Servove proved to be very populr and was extended to downtown and later, what is now EXO rebuilt the tracks from Blaiville to St-Jérome and a new station (the old station is now a town square). The servioce is extremely popular and ends up having higher frequencies today than the Vaudreuil line, the oldest remaining one. When the project to rebuild the Mercier Bridge on south shore was started, there was a "token" train service to Delson, and what is now EXO increased frequencies and extended to Candiac to get people to use the train instead of being stuck in traffic. BTW, Palmdale is where the Space Shuttles were built. Do you know if the high speed trains will use same right of way as Metrolink between Palmdale? Same tracks or tracks on the side? or totally different route? (In San Franscico, the stretch between San José and downtown will be on Caltrain tracks but they rebuilt the tracks and are electrifying and many stretches have more than 2 tracks. Curious to see of similar arrangement would be made on the Palmdale-Union Station route.

[@Thom-TRA]

I believe they’ll use a new ROW that includes more tunnels. Though I hope they upgrade the line to offer supplemental service.

[@MiaCollinsNeighborhood]

Hi Thom! I loved your video today and I think it’s safe to say that Metrolink is on the right track toward expansion. (Ba dum tss!)

[@Thom-TRA]

Rail talk, no cap

[@MiaCollinsNeighborhood]

@@Thom-TRASorry but is that a good pun?

[@CityPete]

Just discovered your channel, I love it so far! If you ever find yourself in Salt Lake City, the FrontRunner commuter train provides a gorgeous view of the Rocky Mountains while connecting several major cities in the area. UTA maintains the trains really well and has good local transit considering how small Salt Lake still is.

[@Thom-TRA]

I think you’ll like the content I have liked up in just a few weeks…!

[@DMVRailfan]

This is the one being used for the launch of TSW4.

[@johnp1937]

For commuter rail, the Metro North Hudson Line (as others have stated) and the San Diego Coaster are both quite scenic. For light rail, The A Line between Pasadena and downtown LA is scenic as it winds along and above the valley where the Arroyo Seco flows. For trees, parks, and historic commuter stations in quaint suburban villages just west of Boston, I recommend the T's D Line trolley which follows an old commuter railroad route. Also just south of Boston, I recommend the Mattapan High Speed Line, a scenic, old commuter line that still runs old PCC cars. Just outside of Philly, the 101 trolley is an old commuter trolley line that runs through forests and small historic towns. Media, where the line ends, is itself quite beautiful. (And while not exactly a scenic line, heads up that the Rt 15 Trolley line in Philadelphia itself will be restored very soon this fall. It does have one scenic section where it crosses the Schuylkill into Fairmount Park with a stop at the zoo.)

[@vincentcalvelli6452]

Thom, may I suggest riding the Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara or Los Angeles to San Diego for amazing scenery and coastal views.

[@Thom-TRA]

May I suggest watching my video riding the Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara? Amtrak Pacific Surfliner kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHOwmn94bt2bqbc

[@ChrisH-1952]

Another educational vid from a very eclectic rail channel. Of course I learned about a train line I hadn't heard of, but I also learned something else I never knew before: it rains in LA!! 🤣 You mean Hollywood lied again? Thanks Thom.

[@Thom-TRA]

There’s a song lyric that goes: “Baby I know pain is as natural as the rain, I just thought it never rained in California.” -This Life by Vampire Weekend

[@graham974]

@@Thom-TRA Great song

[@ChrisH-1952]

@@Thom-TRA 😄

[@BirbarianHomeGuard]

Ya’ll are such a cute couple.

[@thechronicphilosopher6166]

Please add more traffic on the freeway, irl the 10 freeway in rosemead area is super packed. Also include the metrolink light rail expansion. The route runs from Santa Fe Depot, to SB Downtown Station, Downtown Redlands, than University of Redlands

[@michaelb9629]

I may have to consider riding this metrolink route next time I go to LA. I’ve never been to Southern California once, only the other parts of it when I’d travel to that state. That looks like a pretty route, there’s a lot to see.

[@Thom-TRA]

You definitely should!

[@snoopyloopy]

As you may (not) know, LA Metro has gotten funding for a "multiple unit" "pilot" on the AV Line between LAUS and Via Princessa and LA Metro is also working on upgrades to enable hourly service all the way to Lancaster. They're still barely getting that ball rolling, but it will be exciting to see. There has also been talk in the past of providing a branch of the Surfliner to Santa Clarita.

[@Thom-TRA]

I didn’t know any of these things! Thanks for sharing. Do you have any resources j could use to learn more?

[@Thom-TRA]

Never mind, I found the LOSSAN business plan!

[@history_leisure]

It would probably be difficult to double track the line through the canyon into the valley, maybe to San Fernando and between Newhall and Sand Canyon, and maybe connect to the UP Mojave Sub to allow for more peak service if demand called for it-but hourly off peak should not be an issue. Even if they added peak Santa Clarita short turns and Santa Clarita Express/local to Lancaster would more than be fine to not mess with Antelope Valley side much if they can time the trains right

[@ChrisJones-gx7fc]

Metrolink's plan is to increase frequencies to 30 minutes between LA and Santa Clarita, and hourly to Lancaster. They're extending one siding in Santa Clarita which will double track the current station there, and another just south of the Newhall Tunnel, and I'm pretty sure they still plan on double tracking the entirety of the San Fernando Valley, which would effectively add back in the second track through there that Southern Pacific (now Union Pacific) had previously removed when they still owned those tracks. That would make the entire route from LAUS to Santa Clarita, with the exception of the Newhall Tunnel, two tracks, and considering there appears to be ample room east of there, a second track could be added to connect the couple passing sidings and be double tracked all the way to Lang, at the edge of Soledad Canyon.

[@Geotpf]

The 91-Perris Valley Metrolink line starts in a different desert and runs through a different canyon on the way from Perris to Union Station.

[@Thom-TRA]

Sounds like I need to come back

[@stevenhutson871]

Ah, now you're in my neighborhood.

[@Patrickair4444]

Los Angeles transit is best for best

[@ambroiseimbert]

😂 Not so sure about that

[@Dodgerschamps24]

No it’s not

[@chrisbarr6260]

You should try the Amtrak Pacific surf liner. It goes from San Diego, Santa Fe Depot to Los Angeles Union Station some trains go all the way up to San Luis Obispo I haven’t taken it that far personally the farthest I’ve taken Pacific surf liner is to Irvine, which that’s a pretty nice trip

[@Thom-TRA]

I’ve taken it from Glendale up to Santa Barbara, the video is actually on my channel!

[@chrisbarr6260]

How far down do I have to scroll to find that video

[@A_Canadian_In_Poland]

I always wondered why the HSR would not (temporarily) use the commuter line to Los Angeles as it is doing on the San Fransisco end, and then switch to a high-speed tunnel at a later date?

[@yappofloyd1905]

This idea has been around for a while as a way to provide a quick temporary connection between Palmdale & LA given how long it will take to build CHSR for this section. It will cost at least $2B to upgrade & electrify the AV line. However, that would be a good long term investment. The main problem is AVs increased service frequency in the future will limit CHSR paths which make it slower & less reliable. However, for a few initial yrs it could still work.

[@glennfoster2423]

No California native (me included, but now a Texan) would consider driving 60+ mph on a freeway for miles then switching to a "high speed railway" that only gets another segment of the trip done before having to enjoy a third leg of unrapid transit to complete a trip. And your paltry $7.00 ticket is woefully inadequate payment for the actual cost of a woefully uneconomic transportation system.

[@santaclaritadrone2844]

Sad seeing all those trains "tagged up" in the maintenance yard.

[@gdrriley420]

Not sure which project you are talking about, theres dozens of rail projects that still aren't done that have been on a priority list for decades. There is a near term plan by LA metro to run all day every 30 min service to Vista Canyon and hourly to Lancaster. There are bunch of double track projects planned which will make Burbank junction to Vista Canyon almost completely double track.

[@Thom-TRA]

I’ll give you a hint: it starts with a C and rhymes with “Alifornia High Speed Rail.”