Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station: A Comprehensive Guide for Commuters and Visitors

Introduction

The Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station is a major multimodal transportation hub located in Willowbrook, Los Angeles County, California. Named in honor of the civil rights icon Rosa Parks, the station serves as a vital link between the Metro Green and Orange Lines, Metrolink's Antelope Valley Line, and numerous local and regional bus routes. This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth overview of the station's amenities, transportation services, and surrounding attractions.

Transportation Services

Metro Rail

The Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station is served by two Metro Rail lines:

• Green Line: Connects Norwalk to Redondo Beach, passing through Downtown Los Angeles, Inglewood, and Hawthorne. Trains operate every 12 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes at other times.
• Orange Line: Connects North Hollywood to Chatsworth, passing through Valley Glen, Sherman Oaks, and Tarzana. Trains operate every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes at other times.

Metrolink

The station is also served by Metrolink's Antelope Valley Line, which connects Lancaster to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. Trains operate approximately every hour during peak hours and every two hours at other times.

Buses

The Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station is a major bus hub, with over 20 bus routes serving the area. These routes include:

• Metro Local Bus Lines: Lines 111, 115, 120, 550, and 754
• Metro Express Bus Lines: Lines 577 and 578
• LADOT Commuter Express: Lines 465, 468, and 469
• Foothill Transit: Lines 291, 699, and 790

Amenities

The Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station offers a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience:

• Elevator Access: The station is fully accessible with elevators to all platforms.
• Parking: There are two paid parking lots adjacent to the station, providing over 800 spaces.
• Bike Racks: Bike racks are located outside the station entrance for secure bike storage.
• Public Restrooms: Restrooms are available on both sides of the station.
• Ticket Vending Machines: Ticket vending machines are located in the station lobby.
• Information Booth: An information booth is staffed during peak hours to provide assistance to passengers.

Surrounding Attractions

The Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station is situated in a vibrant neighborhood with numerous attractions nearby:

• Willowbrook Park: A 23-acre park located directly across the street from the station, featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and a dog park.
• Rosa Parks Recreation Center: A community center offering a range of programs and activities, including fitness classes, after-school programs, and senior services.
• South Bay Galleria: A large shopping mall located within walking distance of the station, featuring over 150 stores and restaurants.
• El Camino College: A major community college located nearby, with a wide range of academic programs and a campus with numerous cultural and recreational opportunities.

Key Statistics

• The Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station serves over 40,000 passengers per weekday.
• Metro Rail Green Line: Serves approximately 85,000 daily riders and is the sixth-busiest rail line in the Metro Rail system.
• Metro Rail Orange Line: Serves approximately 60,000 daily riders and is the ninth-busiest rail line in the Metro Rail system.

Tables

Bus Routes Serving Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station

Metrolink Antelope Valley Line Schedule (Weekdays)

Parking Rates at Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station

Stories and Lessons

Story 1

In 2018, a young woman named Maria was running late for an important job interview. She arrived at the Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station only to discover that the train she needed was delayed. Panicking, she frantically tried to find an alternative route.

Lesson: Always allow extra time for travel, especially during peak hours. Consider using alternative modes of transportation if possible.

Story 2

An elderly man named John relied on the bus to get to his medical appointments. However, one day, the bus that he usually took was not running. Confused and frustrated, he approached a Metro employee at the Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station for help.

Lesson: Transit schedules can change unexpectedly. It is important to know about alternative routes and transportation options in case of disruptions.

Story 3

A group of students from a local high school were using the Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station to travel to a museum in Downtown Los Angeles. They were excited to explore the exhibits but became distracted by the many shops and restaurants in the area.

Lesson: Be aware of your surroundings and stay focused on your destination, especially when traveling in a group.

Effective Strategies

• Plan ahead: Check transit schedules and allow extra time for travel, especially during peak hours.
• Consider alternative routes: If your preferred route is delayed or interrupted, look for alternative modes of transportation or routes that can get you to your destination.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to announcements and signage at the station and be aware of your surroundings when traveling.
• Ask for assistance: Metro employees are available at the Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station to provide assistance with directions, schedules, and other information.
• Use the TransitApp: Download the TransitApp to track real-time bus and train arrivals and departures.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Convenience: The Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station provides easy access to multiple transportation options, including Metro Rail, Metrolink, and bus routes.
• Accessibility: The station is fully accessible with elevators and other amenities for passengers with disabilities.
• Amenities: The station offers a range of amenities, including parking, bike racks, public restrooms, and ticket vending machines.
• Surrounding Attractions: The station is located near numerous attractions, including parks, a recreation center, a shopping mall, and a college campus.

Cons

• Crowds: The station can be crowded during peak hours, especially during weekdays.
• Delays: Train and bus delays can occur due to various factors, such as traffic congestion and equipment malfunctions.
• Safety Concerns: As with any public transportation hub, there may be occasional safety concerns, such as petty theft or harassment.

FAQs

1. What is the address of the Willowbrook Rosa Parks Station?
   - 12171 Willowbrook Avenue, Willowbrook, CA 90033

2. What are the hours of operation for the station?
   - The station is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3. Can I bring my bicycle on the train?
   - Yes, bicycles are allowed on Metro Rail trains during off-peak hours (weekdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM and after 7:00 PM, weekends and holidays all day).

4. Is there a fee for parking at the station?
   - Yes, there is a daily parking fee of $5.00 for both the East and West Lots.

5. How can I purchase a ticket for Metro Rail or Metrolink?
   - Tickets can be purchased at ticket vending machines located in the station lobby.

6. Is the station wheelchair accessible?