Commuting by Train

Re “On a Fast Track,� Dec. 3.

Riding Metrolink from Santa Clarita may be an exciting and fulfilling experience. My one and only ride from the Antelope Valley could be described otherwise. I had to attend a conference at the Queen Mary [and] thought this would be a great opportunity to try out the train.

At Union Station, I had to get on the Red Line, then eventually transfer to the Blue Line, which goes to Long Beach. I got to my conference, albeit 30 minutes late. And I had to leave 30 minutes early so I would not miss my return train.

The only redeeming fact of the ride home was that the train was usually out of sight of the freeway. Because whenever we caught a glimpse of it, I could see cars whizzing past us like we were standing still. I am told the slow speed (in the 40 mph range) is because the train has to negotiate so many curves.

Will I ever ride Metrolink again? Not likely. I left at 5 in the morning and didn’t get back until the sun had long set. If I had driven, I would have shaved a good two hours off my commute just between the Antelope Valley and Union Station.

RICHARD C. MALLYON

Lancaster