Metrolink is boosting its train service to the Festival of Lights this year to ensure it can accommodate visitors to the popular holiday event.

The service, which starts Friday, Nov. 24, will be the second year that the transit agency offered additional Friday and Saturday trains into Riverside for the festival at and near the Mission Inn.

Demand turned out to be higher than expected last year, leaving some riders stranded at the downtown Riverside station or enduring lengthy waits.

“We didn’t know there would be that kind of turnout,” Metrolink spokesman Chris Gutierrez said.

About 13,000 riders used Metrolink for the event last year, he said.

For this season, Metrolink has boosted service by 132 percent and will add three extra trains just for the event.

As with last year, the Riverside Transit Agency will offer free shuttle service from the station to the Mission Inn and back.

The Festival of Light train service will be available Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 24 to Dec. 16. The ticket price is $7 round trip with those 18 and under riding for free.

“It’s an extremely affordable event for families,” Gutierrez said.

Trains will be available on the Perris Valley, Los Angeles and Orange County lines. Trains will depart at 9 p.m. on the Los Angeles-bound line; 9:15 p.m. on the Orange County line; and 9:30 p.m. on the Perris line.

The holiday event draws about a half-million visitors during the season to downtown, city officials say.

TRAINS TO FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

When: Fridays and Saturdays, Friday, Nov. 24 to Saturday, Dec. 16.

Ticket price: $7 round trip and free for 18 and under.

Schedules: Check the destinations page at metrolinktrains.com