Metrolink commuter rail approves 5% fare increase starting July 1

The board of the Metrolink commuter rail service on Friday raised fares 5% to help close a $10.2 million budget shortfall.

The hike will be effective on July 1, but monthly pass holders can expect to pay the new fares when they buy their July passes on June 25. Students, however, will be exempt from the increase.

In addition, the board changed the two-day weekend pass to a one-day pass. The cost will remain at $10.

The effect on riders will vary depending on the origins and destinations of their trips as well as the type of tickets purchased.

The standard fare for a one-way trip between Anaheim and Los Angeles’ Union Station is now $8.75 and a roundtrip is $17.50.

Metrolink’s board had considered reductions in service, but decided instead to raise fares and seek increased subsidies from the county transportation agencies that provide financial support for the railroad.

Metrolink has 512 miles of track and serves six counties -- Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura. It carries more than 40,000 passengers a day.

In other action Friday, Chief Executive Michael P. DePallo directed his staff to look into the possibility of conducting a health risk assessment of Metrolink’s Central Maintenance Facility north of downtown L.A.

Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and residents near the facility urged the railroad to assess the health effect of air pollution from the yard on surrounding communities.

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Twitter: @DanielJosephWei

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