Community
Celebrate Transit Equity Day: Ride Metrolink Free on February 4, 2025!
On February 4, 2025, Metrolink will offer free rides in celebration of Transit Equity Day, honoring Rosa Parks’ legacy and emphasizing public transportation’s role in community access and equity, while encouraging regional exploration.
Transit Equity Day
Los Angeles – Mark your calendars! On February 4, 2025, Southern Californians will have the unique opportunity to ride Metrolink free of charge, as the region’s six-county passenger rail provider celebrates Transit Equity Day. This annual event honors the legacy of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks and underscores the essential role public transportation plays in fostering access and equity for all communities.
On this special day, riders can board at any of Metrolink’s 67 stations without needing a ticket and can travel systemwide, including the Arrow service. To further celebrate Transit Equity Day, numerous local transit carriers will also waive fares, providing additional options for those seeking to explore the region.
A Statement of Purpose
Metrolink Board Chair and Orange Orange County Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee expressed the significance of Transit Equity Day, stating, “This day honors Rosa Parks’ enduring legacy, while highlighting the vital role public transportation plays in ensuring people from all communities have access.” He continued, “When Metrolink introduced the largest service expansion in our history last fall, it was to create a more equitable system that works for all Southern Californians. Offering free rides on Transit Equity Day helps fulfill that promise.”
Exciting Changes in Service
In October 2023, Metrolink increased weekday service by nearly 23%, adding more midday and late-evening options for those needing to travel outside traditional work hours. Thanks to this expansion and recent improvements, Metrolink has seen a surge in ridership, setting multiple post-pandemic, single-day records. Moreover, a new San Bernardino Line schedule implemented on January 27 aims to enhance on-time performance along this high-volume corridor, allowing riders to experience efficient travel firsthand on Transit Equity Day.
A Commitment to Accessibility
Metrolink is not just about free rides on special occasions. The agency is dedicated to making public transit accessible to everyone year-round. In addition to offering three free-ride days each year, Metrolink provides everyday discounts for children, seniors, riders with disabilities, low-income riders, and active military members. For students, the Student Adventure Pass program allows K-12, college, and trade school students to ride free with a valid student ID, an initiative extended through June 30, 2025.
Metrolink ticketholders also enjoy free transfers to many connecting local transit providers, further enhancing accessibility across the region.
Explore the Region
If you’re looking to discover new places, Metrolink has curated a special repository of destinations that are easily accessible from its stations. Check out these exciting travel options at metrolinktrains.com/explore and start planning your adventure on Transit Equity Day!
Join Metrolink, LA Metro, Omnitrans, the Orange County Transportation Authority, the Riverside County Transportation Commission, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, the Ventura County Transportation Commission, and other agencies in taking part in this celebratory day of equitable access to public transportation.
Ride Free, Celebrate Equity!
Transit Equity Day is more than just a free ride; it’s a reminder of the importance of public transport in promoting equity, access, and community connection. We invite all Southern Californians to take advantage of this opportunity, explore the region, and honor the legacy of Rosa Parks. This February 4th, hop aboard Metrolink and experience the freedom of transit—at no cost!
Metrolink website: Travelers looking for inspiration can view Metrolink’s specially curated repository of destinations easily accessible from Metrolink stations at metrolinktrains.com/explore.