Southern California commuters using Metrolink's regional rail network will face fare increases of up to 27% starting this Monday. This marks the first time the agency has raised fares in 13 years, with officials citing declining state and federal funds, a dip in ridership since the COVID pandemic, and rising operating costs as the reasons for the change.
The weekly SoCal Day Pass, currently priced at $15, will increase to $19, a 27% jump. Monthly passes are set to rise 20%, going from $10 to $12, while the cost of one-way tickets, which varies by distance, will see a 14% increase.
Metrolink Chief Executive Darren Kettle stated that the agency has "worked hard to keep fares affordable while the cost of operating and maintaining our regional rail system has continued to rise." He described these pricing adjustments as a step in a broader effort to address financial pressures and support Metrolink's long-term sustainability.
The rail network, which boasts an operating budget of over $350 million, serves an average of more than 23,000 weekday riders and approximately 235,000 weekend riders. It is operated by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, a body composed of members from transit authorities across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.
Riders, however, have voiced frustration. Adriana Rizzo of Californians for Electric Rail noted in recent meetings that Metrolink is "in crisis right now with these budget cuts" and raised concerns about a lack of transparency and oversight. She pointed out that the short timeline between proposed budgets and cuts can significantly impact riders, where a single train cancellation could prevent someone from getting to work.
Adding to the complexities, Metrolink is currently embroiled in litigation. A former executive, fired earlier this year, filed a lawsuit alleging that the system failed to properly maintain parts, potentially endangering both riders and employees. The suit claims these issues led to at least one collision and two train breakdowns that left hundreds of travelers stranded in the heat.
These concerns have not gone unnoticed by funding partners. The board of L.A. Metro, another major transit authority in Los Angeles that helps fund Metrolink's budget, has increased its scrutiny of Metrolink over service cuts and safety issues. Last month, the L.A. Metro board approved an audit into the condition of Metrolink's train parts and its decision-making practices.
Ara Najarian, who serves on both the Metro and Metrolink boards, acknowledged the heightened tensions between the public and the train systems. He clarified that claims of "Metrolink is going down the tubes" are inaccurate, despite the difficult financial times. L.A. County Supervisor and Metro board member Kathryn Barger expressed strong concerns, stating that the "catastrophic mechanical issues that have plagued Metrolink trains this year have severely undermined the reliability of the system and the confidence of the riders." Barger added that the allegations of safety issues "add a whole new concern and dimension to the problem."
Metro has historically provided around $137 million to Metrolink's budget but has proposed a 3% budget reduction, citing Metrolink's surplus. Metrolink is also facing cuts from the Orange County Transportation Authority. Supervisor Barger previously criticized CEO Kettle in May over a "narrative" that appeared to blame Metro for Metrolink's financial woes, stating that the situation was "not passing the smell test" regarding how money was allocated, and that she resented what she perceived as Metrolink's CEO "holding us hostage over the money that we’re giving."
