The Metrolink Board of Directors voted to open a public comment period to get feedback on options for proposed fare restructuring. One option would be an adjustment to discount short-distanced regular fares and offset a decrease in revenue by increasing some longer-distanced fares by 25 cents per trip (or 50 cents for trips over 100 miles). A second option would be to have the decrease in short-distanced regular fares and no fare increase for passengers. The revenue loss would be offset by possible increases in public agency subsidies for the second option.
“The proposed fare adjustments would help grow ridership by encouraging short-distanced riders, a market with demand proven by the $3 ‘Station-to-Station’ fare pilot program,” said Metrolink CEO Art Leahy.
With the first option, the majority of riders would see no increase or a decrease in their fares, while the remainder of the riders could see an increase of up to 25 cents per trip. With this option, the impact to Monthly Passes would range from an $84 reduction in price to a $7 increase.
Metrolink will also hold a series of public workshops in the coming weeks, and a public hearing at its board meeting on May 13. The dates, times and locations for these meetings will be announced next week.
The Metrolink Board of Directors is expected to consider and possibly take action on the fare policy after the public hearing on May 13, at its regularly scheduled meeting. All proposed fare policy changes could become effective as early as July 1, if approved after the public hearing.
In January, Metrolink launched a $3 “Station-to-Station” fare pilot program for a period of six months. While the pilot program, scheduled to end on June 30, showed a significant interest from riders, it resulted in a revenue loss for the agency.
The $3 “Station-to-Station” fare pilot was only available to select ticketing options. The proposed fare changes will make the reduced short-distance fares available to not only to One-way and Round-trip ticket holders, but to all riders, including Monthly Pass holders.
Metrolink’s Board of Directors would also have the option of making no change on May 13, allowing the $3 “Station-to-Station” fare pilot program to expire on June 30, 2016.
