May 6 , 2008 Contact: Helen Gilstrap/Marc Littman Metro Media Relations 213.922.2843/922-2700 www.metro.net/pressroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Metro 577X Provides Relief from High Gas Prices with Fast and Frequent Service Between El Monte, Norwalk and Downtown Long Beach Transit Mall

Metro’s 577X Line provides relief to the high price of gas, offering express bus service between the El Monte Transit Center and the downtown Long Beach Transit Mall. The original route of the 577X Line stopped in El Monte, at the Norwalk Metro Green Line Station, Cal State University Long Beach and the Long Beach VA Medical Center. Last June the line was extended to the Long Beach Transit Mall, including
two stops along 7th Street at Ximeno and at Cherry.

Drivers commuting solo on the 605 freeway may catch a glimpse of blue Metro buses speeding past them in the HOV lane. The 577X operates approximately every 30 minutes and runs from 5:45 a.m. until 9:45 p.m. The travel time for the 577X between downtown Long Beach and the VA Medical Center and California State University Long Beach campus is approximately 20 minutes. From the Long Beach VA/CSULB to the Norwalk Metro Green Station travel time is around 20 minutes. From the Norwalk Metro Green Line Station to the El Monte Transit Center, travel time is approximately 30 minutes.

“We are very excited about the opportunities the 577X offers our customers,” said Metro Gateway Cities Sector General Manager Alex Clifford.” This express service provides faster commuting times than driving solo on the freeway. In addition, the 577X now links major destination points, the El Monte Transit Center, the Norwalk Metro Green Line Station, the Long Beach VA Medical Center, Cal State Long Beach and downtown Long Beach, with very few stops. With gas prices soaring, this express service provides a cheaper and faster commute than driving and connects with a number of bus lines and two rail lines at each of its major stops.”

Since Line 577X is an express line, there are zone changes in addition to Metro’s regular $1.25 base fare. Zone fees are 60 cents per zone, with discounts offered to senior/disabled patrons. In addition to the $1.25 base fare, there is one zone charge from downtown Long Beach to the Norwalk Metro Green Line Station and another zone charge between the Norwalk Station and the El Monte Transit Center.
Fares for the 577X, including a $5 Day Pass (Which does not include zone fees), can be purchased onboard Metro buses. Patrons can also purchase Metro monthly passes, EZ transit passes, senior/disabled and student passes, which provide bigger savings for frequent riders at Metro Customer Centers or vendor outlets.

To plan your trip, use the Metro Trip Planner at www.metro.net or call 1-800-COMMUTE.

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