Last metrolink train from Tustin to Union Station? (Santa Ana, Irvine: 2009, taxi)

[leo2331]

I'm thinking about moving to Downtown LA or Hollywood area, but I work in Irvine in the IBC (Irvine Business Center area). I wanted to be closer to things happening (I'm from NY; and I don't enjoy driving around to get to places in the OC, especially a weekend night at the bar which is dangerous).

What is the last metrolink train from Tustin Station to Union Station? (looks like the last Metrolink train from Tustin to Union Station is 5:15pm which is way too early).

Additionally, if I work late in Irvine, what are my options back to Union Station? I know there is the Amtrak Surfliner train in the Spectrum Center area. But getting to there from the IBC would be another issue. I also heard that the Amtrak train is commonly late, and is a lower quality than Metrolink.

Lastly, any overall assessment / suggustions for what my day (round trip) would comprise of, including any contingencies for working late in the office, commutes from the office to the train station (the Irvine Shuttle only links to the Metrolink), etc.?

[BRinSM]

i think you're out of luck. metrolink is strictly for those with consistent work hours that have to commute to downtown LA. as you mentioned, you're only hope for after hours service is the amtrak. however, you may be able to bring a bike with you to work and leave in the office for days when you need stay late and use a farther away station. other than that, you'll have to learn OCTA's bus schedule or call a taxi.

[punkrocker27ka]

Metrolink has said in 2009 it plans to have service from around 5am all the way till midnight at 30 minute intervals. During rush hour there would be more trains but during the rest of the day no more than 30 minutes between trains. This is from Laguna Niguel to Union Station. This is a huge step up because currently I think 6:30pm is the last train for metrolink leaving many of us who work later screwed. I am so excited for this increased service and I think the ridership will continue to grow.

[raisun]

Until about 2 years ago, I took Metrolink from Santa Ana to Downtown 4-5 days a week. I actually started by using the Tustin station (as its closer to my house), but I quickly found that I needed to go to Santa Ana or Irvine so that I could catch the Amtrak. The really bummer for me, was that if I didnt catch the last Metrolink that left Union at 6:30, I was stuck in LA until the 8:30 Amtrak. I never minded Amtrak, though they were late more often than Metrolink.

Learning the OCTA schedule would certainly be a good backup plan. Depending on where you work in Irvine, riding a bike might be a lot. What you might do is check to see if any of your co-workers commute past the Irvine station or the Santa Ana station, and see if you can arrange a carpool drop off to the station, then you can take advantage. The other thing I saw a few people do in Santa (who came in from LA in the morning), is they had a beater car in the parking structure that they used just to and from their office. If thats a possibility for you, that might not be a bad idea either...