Overview: Metrolink is the commuter rail system that serves the Los Angeles metro area with seven lines extending to the suburbs of Los Angeles. One of the lines is the Antelope Valley Line stretching from Union Station in Los Angeles to the desert city of Lancaster. This line serves 12 stations across 76 miles (122 km) of track (a little longer than Sherman Hill) and passes through the Soledad and Weldon Canyons. An alternate solution for this route given its length would a reduction of the route from L.A Union Station to Via Princessa, which is 38 miles (61 km) in length. Prior to the pandemic, the Antelope Valley Line had a total of 30 services on a normal weekday with an express service during peak times between Palmdale and L.A Union Station in the morning, and L.A Union Station to Palmdale in the evening. In addition, the Ventura Line (also operated by Metrolink) and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner also travel along the Antelope Valley Line for a short distance from Union Station to Burbank - Downtown before the line splits. An additional 2 mile (3 km) side extension of the line can be made to Burbank Airport - South, which is served by the Ventura Line and the Pacific Surfliner. With the inclusion of the Ventura Line from Union Station to Burbank Airport - South, 34 services operated by Metrolink and 8 services operated by Amtrak can be added to the route. This would allow for a total of 72 services available for play in timetable mode. Stations (Antelope Valley Line): L.A Union Station, Glendale, Burbank - Downtown, Burbank Airport - North, Sun Valley, Sylmar/San Fernando, Newhall, Santa Clarita, Via Princessa, Vincent Grade/Acton, Palmdale, Lancaster Stations (Ventura Line): L.A Union Station, Glendale, Burbank - Downtown, Burbank Airport - South Stations (Amtrak Pacific Surfliner): L.A Union Station, Glendale, Burbank Airport - South *The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner does not stop at Burbank - Downtown Rolling Stock (Metrolink) (All in Metrolink livery): EMD F125 "Spirit" Locomotive MP36-3C Locomotive (can be used from Peninsula Corridor w/ adjusted horn) Hyundai Rotem Bi-Level Coach Bombardier Bi-Level Coach Hyundai Rotem Bi-Level CabCar Rolling Stock (Amtrak) (All in Amtrak Pacific Surfliner livery): Siemens SC44 Charger Surfliner Coach (Business Class, Cafe, Coach Class) CDTX CabCar
It is worth noting that Union Pacific does operate freight on this line, but not much. Pretty much anything to and from LATC and I believe the port of Long Beach operates out there. Which is only domestic container traffic to Lathrop and Oregon (Everything else goes thru West Colton and the Palmdale Cutoff).
As a local to this route, I'd love to see it. I personally don't think the stretch between Via Princessa and Lancaster is necessary since it's relatively slow, and there are only 3 stations past there.
