New Bike Cars on Trains in LA

New Metrolink cars add bike capacity

The 12 added cars can hold up to 18 bikes each on the lower level.

By ALEJANDRA MOLINA / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

As more commuters opt to use their bicycles to get to work, Metrolink officials say a new set of weekday cars with added bike storage will help with the increasing demand.

On Thursday, Metrolink and Orange County Transportation Authority officials unveiled the new bicycle cars at the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station.

Alice Rogan of OCTA waits her turn to load her bike on the northbound Metrolink train wrapped with a bicycle graphic at the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink Station early Thursday morning. Metrolink launched the system's new bike cars into service for weekday trains on Thursday.

MARK RIGHTMIRE, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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With the added storage, Metrolink spokeswoman Sherita Coffelt said, it will be easier for commuters to, "ride to the station, take the train, and use their bicycle to complete their commute to their job or wherever they're going."

The 12 added cars – which can hold up to 18 bikes on the lower level - will now be on 34 trains throughout the five-county system during the week. Bicycles are allowed on all train cars, but only hold up to three bikes.

Coffelt said it cost about $20,000 to modify each of the 12 passenger cars to allow for the bike capacity. The funds came from the Metrolink operational budget, Coffelt said.

Metrolink crews removed 30 seats [...]