Metrolink Riders to Pay $20 More for Monthly Pass

Metrolink fare hikes will go into effect on or after July 1.

The Board of Directors this week approved a 7 percent average system-wide fare increase slated to help bridge a $13 million funding gap in the 2012-13 budget, according to a news release.  The board bypassed a fare increase last year.

The Metrolink Station in Baldwin Park is located at 3825 Downing Ave Baldwin Park, CA 91706.

"This is a last resort to be able to continue to offer the safe transportation options the region needs without cutting service. We've streamlined our operations and continue to keep the majority of our costs and headcount flat, despite a nine percent increase in ridership," said Metrolink Board Chairman Richard Katz.

"Last year, we were able to delay an increase to passenger fares and member agency subsidies while increasing train service by 14 percent. This year, despite continued efficient management practices, our costs have increased in large part because of an increase in our operations contracts due to a sweeping nationwide labor negotiation settlement and a 56 percent increase in fuel costs over the past two years."

Of the $13 million Metrolink needs to balance its budget, the fare hike will only generate $4.5 million, officials said.  Metrolink’s five member agencies will cover the rest.

Specific cost increases include:

• $4.2 million increase in major contractor costs including but not limited to the rise in Amtrak's contract to reflect their nationwide labor settlement 
• $4 million increase in fuel costs (in the past two years, Metrolink's fuel costs have increased by 56 percent)
• $1.3 million in connecting transit transfer costs for Metrolink riders
• $2.5 million for post-employment benefits, which weren't previously budgeted for. (This is not a new cost or an increase in benefits. It's being included in the budget for the first time this year.)

The approved fare increase is separate from the policy the board adopted in 2004 to restructure ticket costs from zone-based to mileage-based during a 10-year period, officials said.  The restructuring is not to generate additional revenue, according to Metrolink.  That policy was implemented to ensure equitability and fairness, officials said.

The restructuring combined with the 7 percent fare increase means riders will pay around $20 more for a Metrolink Monthly Pass. However, the effect of the fare hike depends on the type of ticket, the distance traveled, and where the trip begins and ends, officials said.

Metrolink collected public comments on the proposed fare increase starting April 27 and conducted additional public meetings across its five-county service area.  Around 159 individuals, or .7 percent of Metrolink’s daily riders, submitted comments on the increase, according to officials.

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