LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Metro plans to add service and security on its rail lines today to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of people expected to attend the Women's March in downtown Los Angeles.
Metrolink also plans to boost service on its regional rail lines.
The crowd at last year's event far exceeded the expectations of organizers, who ultimately estimated that about 750,000 people attended the march, although fire officials pegged the crowd at about 350,000.
The turnout led to crowded Metro train platforms and left some would- be passengers unable to squeeze onto packed downtown-bound trains, even though service had been expanded for the event.
After last year's event, Metro officials reported that 592,000 passengers boarded its trains that day -- 360,000 more than a typical Saturday.
Metro officials urged people to arrive early and consider buying TAP cards and loading them with adequate fare in advance.
A list of locations where TAP cards can be purchased is available at www.taptogo.net.
Metro plans to bolster service on its rail lines from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Service will be increased on rail lines and on the Silver and Orange bus lines and on Metro Line 720.
Some local Metro buses that typically travel through downtown could be diverted due to the crowds and street closures, and passengers were urged to consider exiting before reaching the downtown area.
Metrolink, meanwhile, plans to add 12 trains through Southern California to accommodate crowds. Trains will be added on the San Bernardino and Antelope Valley lines. Metrolink will also offer service on its Ventura County line between Chatsworth and Los Angeles. The Ventura County line typically does not operate on weekends.
The march is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at Pershing Square, ending outside City Hall.