A Metrolink rail station connecting the Antelope Valley with the Hollywood Burbank Airport officially opened today, May 14.

Glendale Councilman Ara Najarian, a board member for both Metrolink and Metro, emceed an event Thursday celebrating the completion of the $15-million station at 3600 N. San Fernando Blvd.

“This new Metrolink station will increase mobility and provide a faster and more seamless transit option for many residents in Southern California,” Najarian said.

The Burbank Airport-North station is about a mile from the airfield. It is the newest stop on Metrolink’s Antelope Valley Line. When the station opens, Burbank will have 2 stations servicing the line; the other is downtown at 201 N. Front St.

After 6 years of making, Metro and Metrolink wanted an airport stop is available for commuters who live in both the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys.

Metrolink Stop Should Help Connect City to Airport

Though the airport is about a mile away, Hollywood Burbank officials are working on a replacement terminal. This new terminal would be near the B-6 parcel of the airfield, which is closer to the Metrolink stop.

Hollywood Burbank already has a Metrolink station just south of the airport that serves the Ventura County Line.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the station will not only help boost economic development for the cities adjacent to the Antelope Valley Line but will give commuters more free time.

In addition to announcing the completion of the facility, Metro and Metrolink officials dedicated the station. It is dedicated to former Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, who was its main proponent.

“You need to be persistent for your programs to be successful,” Antonovich said. “Today we’re making progress.”

Burbank and airport officials anticipated the opening of the station and made changes to their respective transportation services to help riders get to and from the Metrolink stop.

The Burbank City Council approved a BurbankBus service route change, in April,  to provide a way for the airport- and Empire Center-area residents to get to the new station.

Additional: Hollywood Burbank will offer travelers free shuttle rides to and from the station.