Tonia Jones, a regular Metrolink commuter, felt shocked by the announcement of fare increases. For seven years, she has used the train to travel between Montclair and downtown, accompanied by her 12-year-old dog. Saving for a car while gas prices rise, she relies on the train for business trips and family visits.
Jones, 61, voiced her frustration at Union Station, saying, “We can’t afford that! How ridiculous.” As she stood with her dog, Taz, searching for their gate, the hike seemed unreasonable. With no other option, she contemplated leaving California.
“I don’t know what to do — just get out of California when I can.”
Starting Monday, Metrolink will increase ticket prices for the first time in 13 years, due to budget shortfalls and service reductions. Fare adjustments will be as high as 27% without much notice to passengers. At Union Station, the only indication was the mention of a “fare adjustment” on ticket kiosk screens, lacking detail. There were no signs at the main entrance or train depot.
Commuters voiced anger over the changes as ticket prices rose by 14% for one-way trips, 27% for daily passes (from $15 to $19), and 20% for weekend passes (from $10 to $12). Many were unaware of the extent of these increases.
Gabriel Frias, 38, who has used Metrolink for nearly two decades for his job and family visits, expressed disappointment in the fare hike given no improvements for riders. He questioned the logic behind the decision.
“Everyone is struggling. For day-to-day commuters, this is another thing they have to worry about,” Frias said. “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, part of Californians for Electric Rail, has consistently raised concerns with the Metrolink board about recent service and ticket decisions. She highlighted that the fare increase will not fully resolve Metrolink’s budget issues.
“Instead, riders will face a one-two punch of fare increases and service cuts, making Metrolink harder to ride just as Southern Californians are facing record gas prices.”
Metrolink, managed by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (involving authorities from Los Angeles and Orange counties), reduced service earlier this year and has suggested further cuts in board meetings. Metrolink Chief Executive Darren Kettle stated that keeping fares low is challenging amid rising costs for operating and maintaining the system. He described fare adjustments as an effort to secure financial sustainability for Metrolink.
The operator faced a lawsuit from a former executive who was dismissed after saying safety concerns were ignored. He mentioned inadequate maintenance led to mechanical failures that endangered passengers and crew. Metro board members, as significant Metrolink funders, criticized the agency, leading to an audit approval of the system.