Over the past several months, I’ve shared openly about the financial challenges facing Metrolink and many of our peers across the transit industry. Rising operating costs, slower-than-anticipated ridership growth and reductions in available funding continue to put pressure on our budget. These challenges are real, but so is the progress we are making to address them.
At Metrolink, we have identified nearly $11 million in operational cost reductions, and beginning Oct. 5 we will implement our first fare increase in 13 years. One-Way Ticket prices will increase by an average of 14%, and the SoCal Day Pass will be $19 on weekdays and $12 on weekends and holidays. For 80% of one-way trips, the increase will be no more than $1. We have also worked to protect affordability by keeping discounts for students, youth, seniors, riders with disabilities, veterans and active-duty military members, Medicare recipients and low-income customers intact.
We are also making the case for greater investment in regional rail. Last month, I traveled to Sacramento to continue advocating for $35 million in operating support to help preserve as much Metrolink service as possible. I emphasized the important role Metrolink plays in connecting Southern Californians across county lines to jobs, education and opportunity.
What gives me confidence is that we are not making that case alone. Elected officials, local organizations and regional partners have joined us in recognizing the importance of maintaining strong inter-county passenger rail service. That growing support is a reminder of how much Metrolink matters to the region and what we can accomplish when we work together.
That feels especially meaningful to me as I mark five years with Metrolink, a milestone I reached on Sept. 7. In those five years, I’ve seen this agency navigate tremendous changes, take on difficult challenges and continue moving forward. I’ve also seen what is possible when our employees, Board, member agencies and partners rally behind a shared purpose.
There is more work ahead, but I am optimistic about our path forward. We will continue pursuing new funding and revenue opportunities, using our resources responsibly and working with our Member Agencies on long-term solutions. I believe strongly in the future of Metrolink and in the value regional rail brings to Southern California. Five years into this journey, I’m as committed as ever to keeping our region connected and building a stronger Metrolink for the future.