The start of the new fiscal year marked another major milestone for Metrolink with the successful launch of our new fare pilot program on July 1. This systemwide transition was a complex and ambitious effort, requiring updates to our ticket vending machines, mobile app, fare tables and back-end technology. Thanks to seamless coordination across departments and with external partners, we were able to implement this major fare change with little to no disruption to our riders, an achievement driven by thoughtful planning, proactive communication and a shared commitment to the customers we serve.
The revised fare structure is the latest step in our broader, multi-phase strategy to increase ridership by delivering more convenience and better value. Over the last year, Metrolink boardings have increased by 24%, encouraging news that Chief Strategy Officer Paul Hubler shared with the California State Senate Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency during a July 10 hearing on transforming passenger rail in Southern California.
Metrolink Chief Strategy Officer Paul Hubler testifies before the California State Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor’s July 10 “Transforming Passenger Rail in Southern California: Progress, Challenges and the Path Forward” hearing.
Presenting alongside representatives from the San Diego Association of Governments and the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, Paul also touted Metrolink’s record-setting weekend ridership this spring, showcasing the growing demand for regional public transportation solutions. To ensure we are well-positioned to maintain this momentum, he stressed the critical need for dedicated sources of state funding for operations and capital projects. Initiatives like the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) and Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) are essential to Metrolink’s long-term success and are key tools for realizing California’s transformative climate and mobility goals.
As the new fiscal year progresses, we’re embracing this opportunity to further elevate public transportation across the region and will continue to work closely with our county, city, and state partners to expand access, improve performance, and reinforce the importance of connecting people and places throughout our service area. With each step, we remain focused on delivering practical benefits that make travel easier, faster, and more reliable for everyone who depends on Metrolink.