Train Fares a Deterrent

During the first week of Metrolink service, I decided to ride the train from Moorpark to Glendale. I was quite pleased with the service and considered becoming an everyday rider. But after re-evaluating how fares were determined, I decided to remain a van-pool commuter.

A monthly pass from Moorpark to Glendale costs $176, almost twice what I pay now for a van pool (all expenses included).

Also, how is it that commuting from Burbank to Union Station (one zone, 33 minutes, $80) is cheaper than commuting from Chatsworth to Glendale (three zones, 31 minutes, $144)? Why is commuting from Moorpark to Chatsworth (two zones, 28 minutes, $112) so much more expensive than commuting from Glendale to Union Station (one zone, 25 minutes, $80), yet their time difference is only two minutes?

Commuting from Santa Clara to Union Station (three zones, 69 minutes, $144) and Montclair to Union Station (three zones, about 69 minutes, $144) is cheaper than Simi Valley to Union Station (four zones, 69 minutes, $176), yet the travel times are equal. And for one last comparison, Simi Valley to Van Nuys (three zones, 25 minutes, $144) cost the same as completing a round-trip for both of the other two train schedules (Santa Clarita and San Bernardino), yet it is less than half the travel time.

Speaking in terms of the Ventura line, why not make Ventura County one zone, San Fernando Valley one zone and Union Station one zone? Or how about having three zones just like the other two train lines. The pricing structure needs to be re-evaluated or nobody will benefit from Metrolink when the ridership revenue falls below the operating cost.

BOB PAREDES

Moorpark