Metrolink Cites Cost, Weighs Fare Hike

Spurred by rising fuel and insurance costs, Metrolink is considering a fare hike of between 4.5% and 9.25% for commuter train passengers, officials said.

The cost of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel used by Metrolink trains has increased 30%, said Denise Tyrrell, spokeswoman for Metrolink. In addition, insurance costs for the agency are expected to triple this year, she said.

“It’s a big blow financially,” Tyrrell said. “We did not foresee fuel and insurance prices going up to this degree.”

Combined, the additional costs are expected to total up to $1.7 million over the next year for the regional rail system, which links Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

Metrolink ridership increased 7% in the first quarter of 2005 from the same period last year. During a March survey, 10% of new passengers cited rising gas prices as the main reason for riding the train, Tyrrell said.

The Metrolink board of directors had approved a plan to restructure its fare policy beginning July 1. Under the new plan, fares would be based on the driving distance between stations. Currently, they are derived from a zone-based system.

Metrolink officials held a public hearing last week at the Chatsworth Metrolink Station to gauge reaction to the proposed fare hike and to answer concerns. Only one person showed up.

“We don’t think people are going to be happy about it, and they’re not,” Tyrrell said.

Metrolink has scheduled two more public hearings: at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Ontario City Hall and at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Fullerton Senior Center.

Tyrrell said the public may e-mail comments on the proposed fare changes to metrolinkfares@scrra.net; fax them to (213) 452-0421; or mail them to Metrolink Fares, 700 S. Flower St., 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

Comments will be compiled and presented to Metrolink’s board of directors, which is scheduled to vote on the proposal May 13.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s commuter train service -- which includes the Red, Green, Blue and Gold lines -- also has been affected by rising fuel costs.

And although ridership is up on all but the Gold Line, there has been no discussion about fare hikes, said spokesman Ed Scannell.

“It’s something that no one really could have anticipated when budgets were drawn up a year ago,” he said.