The Point: RCTC and agencies partner to provide special Metrolink trains to Festival of Lights and Tournament of Roses Parade.
The Riverside County Transportation Commission and Metrolink helped brighten the holidays for thousands of passengers, thanks to special trains to the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa’s Festival of Lights and the Tournament of Roses Parade.
A total of 11,274 passengers rode Metrolink to the 25th Annual Festival of Lights, a 128 percent jump over last year’s 4,950 riders. Special trains ran on Fridays and Saturdays on the 91/Perris Valley Line both from Los Angeles and Perris to Riverside, and on the Inland Empire Orange County Line. The special trains operated for four weekends between November 24 and December 16. With more than 5 million twinkling lights, animated characters, Santa Claus, musical acts, horse-drawn carriages and holiday vendors, the Festival of Lights has become a “must-see” attraction for southern California.
The price was one hot ticket – roundtrip fares were just $7, and that included up to three children 18 years and younger with paid adult fares. The Riverside Transit Agency made travel even more convenient with free shuttles between the Riverside Downtown Station to the downtown festivities. Funding was provided by Metrolink, RCTC, RTA and a grant from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee.
Travelers also kicked the new year off right by riding Metrolink from Riverside to view the 129th annual Tournament of Roses Parade. RCTC and Metrolink funded a special train from the Riverside Downtown Station to Los Angeles Union Station; from there, riders made a free connection to the LA Metro Gold Line for a traffic-free ride to Pasadena. The City of Riverside also was a great marketing partner and provided advance sale round-trip tickets for only $10, available at City Hall.
A group of 272 riders made the trip to watch the parade and to cheer on the City of Riverside’s first float in 60 years. The float, which featured the Mission Inn and its Festival of Lights, won the Golden State Trophy for most outstanding depiction of life in California.
Whether it’s for holiday celebrations or everyday travel, RCTC reminds travelers to connect with Metrolink.
