Metrolink's express service between downtown LA and Antelope, Santa Clarita valleys starts in May

LOS ANGELES - Metrolink will implement express service between downtown Los Angeles and the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys in May, saving commuters as much as 32 minutes in travel time.

The express trains will begin operating May 9 as part of a six-month pilot project.

"This new service will eliminate 32 minutes each way for Antelope Valley commuters and Santa Clarita Valley commuters will save 15 minutes each way to and from Union Station," according to Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, a member of the Metrolink Board of Directors.

"Eliminating nine stops, the Antelope Valley express train will make just two stops between Palmdale and Los Angeles Union Station -- at the Santa Clarita Valley and downtown Burbank stations," he said.

The express trains will have up to six cars, he said.

The morning express train will leave Palmdale at 5:37 a.m., stop at 6:20 a.m., Burbank at 6:49 a.m. and arrive at Union Station at 7:05 a.m. The afternoon train will leave Union Station at 5:25 p.m., stop at Burbank at 5:38 p.m., Santa Clarita at 6:06 p.m. and arrive in Palmdale at 6:53 p.m.

Tamala Jones Laura Prepon Joanne Montanez Majandra Delfino Tara Reed