Proposed changes include permanent student and AV Line 25 percent discounts, new station-to-station fare to encourage local trips via train
LOS ANGELES – Metrolink invites members of the public to a hearing on Oct. 9, to receive information and to provide feedback on potential fare policy changes, with the goal of increasing ridership. The changes include 25 percent discounts to student and youth fares, as well as Antelope Valley Line fares. Additionally, Metrolink is considering a $3.00 station-to-station fee system wide.
Members of the public wishing to get additional information or provide feedback can attend a public hearing on Oct. 9 at Metro building located at One Gateway Plaza in Los Angeles. They can also provide feedback in advance of the public hearing online at www.metrolinktrains.com/ecomments, by mail at One Gateway Plaza, Floor 12, Los Angeles, CA 90012) or faxed to the attention of Metrolink Fares at (213) 452-0421. All public comments in advanced of the public hearing must be submitted and received no later than Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at noon.
The Metrolink Board of Directors is expected to consider and possibly take action on the fare policy after the public hearing on Oct. 9, at its regularly scheduled meeting. All proposed fare increases and fare policy changes could become effective as early as November 1, 2015, if approved after the public hearing.
Three proposed changes will be considered. The first will be the extension of the Antelope Valley Line promotional 25 percent discount on all fares with the exception of the Weekend Day Pass, which will remain at the current $10 fare.
Metrolink first introduced the six-month Antelope Valley Line promotional fare discount, which is funded by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), on July 1. In the first two months of availability, Metrolink realized a 10.2 percent increase of ridership on the Antelope Valley Line, compared to the same period in 2014. Revenue loss was limited to 17.8 percent.
Metro is one of five member agencies comprising the joint powers authority which governs Metrolink and provides funds to support the regional passenger rail service in Los Angeles County.
The second change to be considered is a system-wide $3 “Station-to-Station” fare on all lines. Currently there is a promotional $2 “Station-to-Station” fare on the Antelope Valley Line only that is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2015. The $2 fare would immediately be discontinued if or when the $3 “Station-to-Station” fare is introduced.
The new “Station-to-Station” fare would allow riders to purchase a one-way ticket to travel between stations for $3 per station. For example, a one-way trip from Fullerton to Anaheim would be $3, while a trip from Montclair to Pomona (two stations between origin and destination) would be $6.
The station-to-station fare is designed to encourage local trips using Metrolink as an additional transportation option, complementing local bus service.
On July 1, Metrolink also launched a promotional 25 percent discount on Student and Youth fares. The third policy to be considered is making the discount on Student and Youth fares permanent.
In July and August, student and youth ridership on Metrolink increased 13.5 percent, while revenue fell by just 3.5 percent, compared to the same time period in 2014.
For additional information on Metrolink, please visit www.metrolinktrains.com.
ABOUT METROLINK (www.metrolinktrains.com)
Metrolink is Southern California’s regional commuter rail service in its 23rd year of operation. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, governs the service. Metrolink operates over seven routes through a six-county, 512 route-mile network. Metrolink is the third largest commuter rail agency in the United States based on directional route miles and the eighth largest based on annual ridership.
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Media Contact:
Scott Johnson, Metrolink Public Affairs
(213) 452-0205
johnsons@scrra.net