Metrolink and U2

Not the Cold War spy plane, but the Irish rock band, which played at Anaheim Stadium last Friday and Saturday nights.

We decided to stop at the Spaghetti Factory in Fullerton on our way home from Ventura County and the parking lot was jammed. Looking across the tracks at the southbound platform we could see why. There were hundreds of people waiting there for the train that would take them to the concert (h/t The Source):

Over 5,500 round-trips to AnaheimStation saves time and money while reducing gridlock

Los Angeles — This weekend, Southern Californians ditched their cars in droves to head to the U2 concert at Angels Stadium of Anaheim. Instead,they chose to hop on board a Metrolink train. The incentive: safe, reliable public transportation for only $7 for a round-trip.

To be able to accommodate over 11,000 boardings, Metrolink had to double the number of passenger cars and make two stops at each station to allow passengers to exit the train both Friday and Saturday nights.

Each train departed 45 minutes after the concert ended. As the train was pulling out of the station, Metrolink passengers witnessed gridlock they left behind in the parking lots and parking structures as automobiles were attempting to leave Angels Staduim.

“We are pleased to see so many Southern Californians take advantage of our service,” said Metrolink Chief Administrative Officer Bob Turnauckas. “In all, we estimate our passengers saved over $35,000 in parking costs for more than 2,000 cars that could have been on the roadway adding to already severe congestion.”

They were running two trains together in the longest configuration I'd ever seen on Metrolink. A locomotive followed by about six cars followed by another locomotive and six cars. It was a huge consist for a commuter rail line.

We made sure to leave before they all got back.  On the way home we passed the stadium - it was packed.