Many Moorpark and Simi Valley residents who take Metrolink enjoy a relaxing, stress-free commute. The trains provide an important service to residents, said Simi Valley Mayor Paul Miller.

"The commute is easy and reliable and you save more than money when you ride the train," said Kipp Landis, an attorney who chooses to leave his car behind when he goes to work in down

town L.A. Landis, chairman of the Moorpark Planning Commission, moved to Moorpark in part because of the train service, he said. He uses a laptop computer to do work during his hour-long commute.

Trains reduce air pollution by taking cars off congested freeways, Miller said. And while automobile accidents can make commuting unpredictable for drivers, trains can generally be counted on to be on time. Also, there is no parking fee once a rider gets downtown, Miller said.

An average of 195 people in Moorpark and 322 in Simi Valley board the train daily, said Denise Tyrell, spokesperson for the commuter rail company. Trips on the Ventura County line average about 4,000 a day. Simi Valley accounts for 22 percent of the ridership and Moorpark 13 percent.

The adult roundtrip fare to Union Station in Los Angeles costs $15 from Moorpark and $12.50 from Simi Valley.

Commuters may opt to purchase a monthly pass, which can reduce the daily cost. The Metrolink ticket is valid on the adjoining subway system in downtown Los Angeles.

Based on Auto Club calculations, traveling the same 104-mile roundtrip by car costs $52, or 50 cents a mile.

Tyrell underscored that Metrolink aims to get solo motorists off the roads. Riders who carpool have already proven they are responsible commuters, she said.

While the Metrolink commuter trains don't run in Ventura County on weekends, travelers can take Amtrak to reach their destinations, said Tyrell. Amtrak tickets are more expensive than Metrolink.

In related news, Metrolink is working to improve safety on and off their trains.

At a press briefing in Simi Valley on Monday, Keith Millhouse, a Moorpark city council member who serves on both the Metrolink board of directors and Ventura County Transportation Commission, said the commuter rail company has invested $70 million toward grade crossing improvements.

"We've upgraded signal systems, installed raised median islands, improved signage and striping, improved traffic engineering and closed seven public and 22 private railroad crossings," Millhouse said. "But we want to do more."

The sealed corridor program on both the Ventura County and Antelope Valley lines is already in motion. The plan includes such improvements as four quadrant gates, median separators, locked gates and fencing to enhance the safety of trains, passengers, motorists and pedestrians throughout Southern California.

The enhancements in Simi Valley are only the beginning of the grade crossing improvements Metrolink intends to provide, according to Millhouse.

"Everything they can do to make it difficult for people to cross when a train is coming by is good," Miller said.

"The focus is on safety," Tyrell said "The improvements may seem small but they make a big difference."

Visit www.Metrolinktrains.com for schedule and information about commuter rail services.