Metrolink - Southern California Regional Rail Authority

04/27/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/27/2021 15:04

Metrolink Celebrates ‘Essential Worker Day’ Recognizing the Herculean Efforts Made by Southern California Essential Workers as Real-Life Superheroes

Los Angeles - Metrolink will officially recognize the Herculean efforts of our Southern California region's essential workers by celebrating Essential Worker Day, an annual recognition to take place on April 28, a day historically celebrated as National Superhero Day. The agency will invite all riders to thank essential workers on that day.

Recognizing the significance of their contributions, the Board of Supervisors of the five counties Metrolink serves-Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County,andVentura County-have joined the agency in recognizing essential workers for their service to the region, including frontline transit workers.

'Essential workers are our real-life superheroes who have been putting their lives at stake while providing critical services across Southern California, ensuring the health, well-being and economic resiliency of local communities,' said Ara Najarian, Metrolink Board Chair and Glendale Councilmember. 'I am grateful for them on Essential Worker Day, and every day, for all they do to keep our society functioning safely. Thank you to our counties for joining us in this very special recognition.'

In two customer surveys fielded by Metrolink in April 2020 and February of this year, nearly 75 percent of current Metrolink riders self-identified as essential workers, and many Metrolink staff continue to be on the frontlines serving riders and the community. #EssentialWorkersDay enables the agency to say thank you for all they do and lets them know their hard work is appreciated.

'Our Metrolink workers are essential to keeping Southern California moving so it is extremely important to recognize the incredible work they make on a daily basis, but especially the sacrifices they are making during the pandemic,' said Stephanie Wiggins, Metrolink CEO. 'From our conductors and engineers to our maintenance staff and customer relations representatives, they keep us going-and I am so inspired by all they've done to ensure riders get to their jobs every single day safely and reliably.'

On Essential Worker Day, April 28, riders may notice that Metrolink's contractors and employees will be at the stations and on board the trains donning capes and handing out stickers honoring essential workers. Conductors will acknowledge essential worker riders throughout the day with special announcements encouraging everyone to thank their heroic contributions in 'serving and protecting' our community. Additionally, Metrolink will share inspirational quotes from frontline workers on its social media platforms about the extraordinary ways they do their jobs every day.

'Essential Workers Are Our Superheroes' will be the motto on the Metrolinktrains.com home page on April 28, accompanied by a special Essential Worker Day/Superhero YouTube video.

Additionally, Metrolink has curated a Spotify playlistdesigned to give essential workers music to enjoy during their commute that will brighten and energize their day. The tracks were chosen by staff around the themes of essential workers as the shining superheroes they are and our gratitude for their work.

For more information, visit Metrolink Matters. Join the conversation using #EssentialWorkersDay on Metrolink's social platforms Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

ABOUT METROLINK (metrolinktrains.com)

Metrolink is Southern California's regional passenger rail service enabling people to connect to their jobs and explore all that the region has to offer. Prior to the pandemic, Metrolink has nearly 12 million annual boardings from people who choose to ride the train to avoid gridlock, removing an estimated 9.3 million vehicles from the roads and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 130,000 metric tons each year. Metrolink is the largest passenger rail agency in California and the third largest in the United States operating seven lines along a 538-mile network that travels across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.