Tonia Jones was taken aback when she learned about the increase in Metrolink fares. For seven years, she has relied on the train for her commute between Montclair and downtown, often accompanied by her 12-year-old dog. Jones uses the service for business and family visits while saving for a car due to rising gas prices. The fare hike leaves her with no other option.
“We can’t afford that! How ridiculous,” said Jones, 61, while waiting at Union Station. “I don’t know what to do, just get out of California when I can.”
Metrolink rider Tonia Jones, 61, and her dog, Taz, make their way through Union Station looking for their gate.(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
Metrolink, facing budget shortfalls and service reductions, is raising ticket prices for the first time in 13 years by as much as 27%. At Union Station on Sunday, there was minimal information about the change. Ticket kiosk screens mentioned a “fare adjustment” with no additional details, lacking signage at the main entrance or inside the train depot.
Many regular riders have expressed frustration, as one-way tickets increase by 14%, daily passes by 27% from $15 to $19, and weekend passes by 20% from $10 to $12. Some riders were unaware of the extent of the price changes.
Gabriel Frias, 38, has taken Metrolink nearly every day for the last two decades for work in Van Nuys and to visit his children in Fontana.(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
Frias was disappointed by the fare increase and questioned its justification, noting, “Everyone is struggling. For day-to-day commuters, this is another thing they have to worry about. One-way tickets all the way up to the weekend tickets? That will affect a lot of people. It’s more money to fork out for the same ride.”
Adriana Rizzo from Californians for Electric Rail has raised concerns with the Metrolink board regarding service cuts and fare hikes. She warns that these increases will not address Metrolink’s budget deficit effectively, but will make commuting harder as gas prices soar.
Metrolink, operated by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, already reduced services earlier this year and proposed further cuts in recent meetings. Darren Kettle, Metrolink’s Chief Executive, stated, “Metrolink has worked hard to keep fares affordable while the cost of operating and maintaining our regional rail system has continued to rise. These pricing adjustments are a step toward supporting Metrolink’s financial sustainability.”
A ticketing booth screen warns of fare adjustments starting Monday, without offering specifics.(Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
The agency faces additional challenges, with a recent lawsuit filed by a former executive who raised safety concerns before his termination. Allegations include improper maintenance leading to mechanical failures. Metro, a significant Metrolink funder, has criticized the agency’s service cuts and approved an audit.
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