The start of Metrolink commuter service Monday is the first step toward creating transit centers in Burbank, Chatsworth and Santa Clarita that Los Angeles city and county transportation officials say will dramatically improve transportation in northern Los Angeles County.

When the trains roll Monday, they will be met at the three passenger platforms by buses, shuttles and taxis--and in Chatsworth, free taxis.

But ultimately, transportation officials hope the centers will provide connections for car pools, bicycles, commuter vans and even a trolley-style light-rail line.

Officials also hope that in the future the transit centers will spur development of commuter-related commercial projects on the sites, such as child-care centers, restaurants and mini-marts.

Indeed, Metrolink is based on the premise that the trains will carry commuters to and from stations and platforms where riders can transfer to other forms of transportation that will take them to their ultimate destinations.

"The connections are just as important as getting you to the station," said Ruth Davidson-Guerra, Metrolink project coordinator for the city of Burbank. "What good is it if we get you to the station and you can't get to work?"

Nikolas Patsaouras, a member of the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission and San Fernando Valley resident, agreed. "We are entering an era of renaissance in transportation," he said. The transit centers will "improve the quality of our lives."

Metrolink will operate three lines connecting Moorpark, Santa Clarita and Pomona to downtown Los Angeles. Beginning Monday, four trains will travel from Moorpark to downtown Los Angeles each morning, and four will return in the evening. The line from Santa Clarita will operate three trains each morning and evening. Five trains will operate each morning and evening from Pomona.

Much has already been done to link the train stops with other transit systems.

Beginning Monday, the Southern California Rapid Transit District will realign three bus routes in the San Fernando Valley to serve the Metrolink stops in Burbank and Chatsworth.

In Burbank, the RTD will also operate a shuttle bus every 20 minutes from the train platform to downtown Burbank from 6 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. A second shuttle bus will run mornings and evenings from the Burbank Airport to the Burbank Metrolink station.