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The Metrolink board recently approved increasing fares 5.5 percent July 1 to cover rising fuel costs, which currently are about 36 percent higher than budgeted.

During fiscal-year 2007, fuel costs will be about $4 million more than in FY2006, Metrolink officials estimate. The board authorized Chief Executive Office David Solow to negotiate a forward pricing agreement with a major fuel supplier to lock in a stable price for a 16-month period.

The board also gave Solow the go ahead to propose an additional 2 percent fare increase in January 2007, if necessary.

Metrolink operates commuter-rail service in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.