Metrolink mulls fare policy changes

Next week, Metrolink's board will hold a public hearing to evaluate potential changes to fare policies.

Three proposals will be considered at the Oct. 9 meeting. The first involves an extension of the Antelope Valley Line discount, which reduces all fares along the line by 25 percent, with the exception of the Weekend Day Pass, which will remain at $10, Metrolink officials said in a press release.

The Southern California commuter railroad began piloting the six-month Antelope Valley program in July. During the first two months of the pilot, Metrolink ridership increased 10.2 percent along the line compared with the same period in 2014. The agency experienced a 17.8 percent loss in revenue during the program.

The second policy involves instituting a systemwide $3 "station-to-station" fare on all lines. This allows riders to purchase a one-way ticket to travel between stations for $3 per station. A one-way trip between Fullerton and Anaheim, Calif., for example, would be $3, while a trip from Montclair to Pomona, Calif., would cost $6, since there are two stations between that origin and the destination.

Finally, Metrolink's board is considering making a 25 percent discount on student and youth fares permanent.

If approved after the public hearing, all proposed fare increases and fare policy changes could become permanent as early as Nov. 1.