Inland Empire To OC Train Service Resumes After Months-Long Shutdown

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — All rail service is slated to resume next week after officials announced that tracks in South San Clemente that were threatened by erosion have been fixed.

Starting Monday, April 17, Metrolink weekday and weekend trains will resume travel to and from the Oceanside Station on the Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines, a spokesperson reported in a recent news release.

The Orange County Transportation Authority has led the emergency construction to stabilize the hillside and adjacent tracks in San Clemente. That fix has allowed Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains to safely resume full service through the affected area.

Gene Hernandez, the chairman of the Orange County Transportation Authority, spoke on the fix.

"This emergency work has posed an unprecedented challenge, especially with the heavy rainfall this season, and we're very pleased to announce that passenger service can safely resume on this key stretch of Southern California rail," Hernandez said.

For now, Metrolink trains along the Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines will continue to travel only as far as the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station on weekdays and the San Clemente Pier Station on weekends.

Metrolink Board Chair Larry McCallon shared his thoughts on the improved service for Inland Empire residents.

"I am very excited about Metrolink resuming service to and from Oceanside," McCallon said. "I know the residents of the Inland Empire are looking forward to again taking the train to the beach."

For more information on the hillside stabilization work in San Clemente, visit www.octa.net/railimprovements.

SERVICE LINES AFFECTED

• Inland Empire-Orange County Line
• Orange County Line

For information on tickets, scheduling and deals for April, visit Metrolink's website.

City News Service contributed to this report.