LOS ANGELES - Metrolink has set the locations for public workshops as part of a public comment period to get the community's feedback on proposed fare restructuring options.

Earlier this month, the Metrolink Board of Directors opened the public comment period for proposed fare restructuring. One option would be to discount short-distanced regular fares and offset a decrease in revenue by increasing some longer-distanced fares by 25 cents per trip (or 50 cents for trips over 100 miles). A second option would decrease short-distance regular fares, leaving longer-distance fares unchanged with no fare increase for passengers. For the second option, the revenue loss would be offset revenue losses through possible increases in public agency subsidies.

With the first option, the majority of riders would see either a decrease or no change in fares, while the remainder of the riders could see an increase of up to 25 cents per trip. The change in the cost of Monthly Passes could range from an $84 reduction to a $7 increase.

Members of the public are invited to get more information and provide feedback at www.metrolinktrains.com/ecomments. The community can also mail comments and feedback to One Gateway Plaza, Floor 12, Los Angeles, CA 90012 or fax to the attention of "Metrolink fares" at (213) 452-0421.

The Metrolink Board of Directors is expected to consider and take action on the fare policy after a public hearing on May 13, at its regularly scheduled board meeting. All proposed fare policy changes could become effective as early as July 1.

In January, Metrolink launched a six-month pilot program for a $3 "Station-to-Station" fare. While the pilot program, scheduled to end on June 30, showed a significant interest from riders, it resulted in a revenue loss for the agency.

The $3 "Station-to-Station" fare pilot is only available to One-way and Round-trip ticket holders. The proposed fare changes will make the reduced short-distance fares available to all riders, including Monthly Pass holders.

Metrolink's Board of Directors would also have the option of making no change on May 13, allowing the $3 "Station-to-Station" fare pilot program to expire on June 30, 2016 with fares reverting back to pre-promotion levels.

For more information on the proposed fares, please visit metrolinktrains.com.

ABOUT METROLINK (www.metrolinktrains.com)

Metrolink is Southern California's regional commuter rail service in its 23^rd year of operation. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, governs the service. Metrolink operates over seven routes through a six-county, 512 route-mile network. Metrolink is the third largest commuter rail agency in the United States based on directional route miles and the eighth largest based on annual ridership.

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