Inland Empire–Orange County Line
The Inland Empire–Orange County (IEOC) Line is a vital artery of Southern California's transit network. Operated by Metrolink, this commuter rail line connects the Inland Empire with Orange County and extends into northern San Diego County. Spanning 100.1 miles, it holds the distinction of being the longest line in the Metrolink system.
Historically, the IEOC Line broke new ground as the first suburb-to-suburb commuter rail line in the United States. Upon its launch, it was the first Metrolink service that did not cross the Los Angeles River or serve Union Station in Los Angeles, a unique status it held until the introduction of the Arrow service in October 2022.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Total Length: 100.1 miles (161.1 km).
- Termini: San Bernardino–Downtown to Oceanside.
- Total Stations: 16.
- Top Speed: 90 mph (140 km/h).
- Daily Ridership: 2,462 (weekdays, Q3 2025).
- Ownership: Shared between SCRRA, BNSF, and NCTD.
Route and Infrastructure
The IEOC Line utilizes a combination of elevated and surface-level tracks with a standard gauge of 4 ft 8.5 in (1,435 mm). The route is managed by several entities depending on the segment: the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) owns the San Bernardino Downtown-Colton and Anaheim Canyon–OC/SD County Line sections, BNSF manages the Colton–Anaheim Canyon stretch, and the North County Transit District (NCTD) owns the line from the OC/SD County Line to Oceanside.
Station Connectivity
The line serves 16 stations, most of which are shared with other Metrolink services, including the 91/Perris Valley, Orange County, Riverside, and San Bernardino lines. The only exception is the Anaheim Canyon station, which is unique to the IEOC Line. All stations on the route are fully accessible.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operator | Metrolink |
| Average Speed | 39 mph (63 km/h) |
| Maximum Speed | 90 mph (140 km/h) |
| Service Type | Commuter Rail |
| Track Gauge | Standard (1,435 mm) |
Service History and Evolution
The line first opened on October 2, 1995, initially running between Riverside and Irvine. Following essential track improvements, service was extended to San Bernardino on March 4, 1996. To further enhance connectivity, the Downtown San Bernardino extension to the San Bernardino Transit Center was opened on December 16, 2017.
Scheduling and Frequency
Weekday service is robust, with eight trains in each direction serving the stretch from San Bernardino–Downtown to Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo. While most trains cover the full length of the line, the San Clemente Pier station is exclusively serviced on weekends.
Weekend services were introduced in July 2006 by the Orange County Transportation Authority. As of August 2016, the weekend schedule consists of two trains on Saturday and two on Sunday, both of which service every station on the line, including San Clemente Pier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the IEOC Line unique in U.S. rail history?
The IEOC Line was the first suburb-to-suburb commuter rail line in the United States, designed to connect outlying regions without requiring a trip through a central city hub like Los Angeles.
Which stations are shared with other Metrolink lines?
Almost all stations on the IEOC Line are shared with the 91/Perris Valley, Orange County, Riverside, or San Bernardino lines, with the sole exception of the Anaheim Canyon station.
Does the IEOC Line operate on weekends?
Yes, the line operates on weekends with two trains on Saturday and two on Sunday, servicing all stations including the San Clemente Pier.
Who owns the tracks used by the IEOC Line?
Ownership is split between the SCRRA (San Bernardino Downtown-Colton and Anaheim Canyon–OC/SD County Line), BNSF (Colton–Anaheim Canyon), and NCTD (OC/SD County Line–Oceanside).
Is the San Clemente Pier station accessible every day?
No, the San Clemente Pier station is only serviced by Metrolink trains on the weekends.