To simplify the ticketing process and promote ridership, Metrolink has announced a new pricing model that lowers the prices of most monthly passes, introducing new discounts and trading on existing passes.
Starting July 1st, Metrolink will debut new fares. This says it should be easier and more affordable to plan your trip on the day of the week.
The six-month pilot program is still in effect until the end of the year and could be extended until 2026 if it shows “strong potential to drive agency ridership and revenue growth,” officials said.
Among the major changes, Passenger Rail Service is creating new, day-to-day passes in the Los Angeles area, offering unlimited travel for just $5 between the eight stations.
The LA Zone Day Pass is available seven days a week and offers unlimited same-day trips between eight stations: both the north and south stations serving Los Angeles Union Station, California State LA, Commerce, Montebello/Commerce, Glendale, Burbank Downtown, and Hollywood Burbank Airport.
The new pass creates multi-dollar savings on existing round-trip tickets and offers an unlimited transfer option that costs twice or three times the price tag on existing passes.
Currently, round-trip tickets between Union Station and Burbank Airport range between $9-12. The round-trip to Burbank in Downtown is currently $7, while the Montebello to Union Station is $8.50.
In addition to the new LA Zone Day Pass, there will be a change in the $15 summer day pass for each season.
Starting in July, it will be replaced by a new pass option that is available all year round, rather than a few summer months. Called the SoCal Day Pass, this one-day pass sells for $15 on weekdays and offers unlimited rides across the six-county Metrolink system, discounted to $10 over the weekend.
Monthly Passes are also getting updates, and Metrolink officials say most monthly pass holders will see a savings of around 10% thanks to the new pricing model.
Other redundant, duplicate paths will be phased out to remove confusion over the new options, Metrolink officials said.
“We are offering more to our customers without charging,” Doug Chaffey, Metrolink’s chairman, said in a news release. “By making fares easier to understand and affordable, we’re helping their hard-earned dollars go further.”
Metrolink also creates new discounts for military veterans, matching the 10% discount available to active duty veterans.
Riders under the age of 19 and students with a valid school ID can get 50% off their fares. Metrolink’s highly popular Student Adventure Pass will provide the group with free rides and will end on June 30th after the end of the pilot program.
Previously, students and teens were eligible to receive a 25% discount on fares. This new discount doubles your savings and compensates for the end of your student pass.
Riders purchase tickets from the Metrolink Kiosk with this undated promotional image.
The updated and simplified ticketing process is the latest in Metrolink’s ongoing efforts to rethink commuter rail services into a daily passenger rail system as work habits change and demand for affordable, reliable transportation options increases.
Last year, the Railway System announced a new schedule with more trains and better connection times at Union Station, Metrolink’s main transit hub.
“These changes make Metrolink even more valuable and accessible travel options and encourage more people to ride,” says Chafee.
A valid Metrolink ticket can be used for free transfers to the LA Metro system. Metrolink allows up to three children under the age of 17 to ride for free on weekends with adults paying the fare.
For a complete list of Metrolink discounts, click here. For more information or questions about the new path, click here.
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