Metrolink Board approves new ticketing options

Beginning July 1, Southern Californians can buy a weekend pass to ride unlimited Metrolink trains for $10. Unlimited weekend riding will also be added for monthly pass holders at no additional cost. These additions and other modifications to the agency's fare policy were approved by the Metrolink Board of Directors on Friday, May 13. The unlimited weekend passes will be valid system-wide between Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at midnight and also include connections to bus and rail across the region, except Amtrak, at no additional charge. "Our new unlimited weekend pass allows passengers to travel across the region at no charge for our monthly pass holders and for only $10 for those who do not have monthly passes," said Metrolink Board Chairman Richard Katz. "This allows someone to travel to destinations theme parks and civic centers, for one, low fee without worrying about filling up their car with gas or paying to park." Additionally, the following adjustments will go into effect on July 1: • New 10 percent student discount added to one-way and roundtrip ticket. Students will continue to receive discounts on 7-Day and the monthly pass. • New 7-Day Pass will be good seven consecutive days from purchase between a set origination and destination. • The 10-Trip Ticket will be discontinued. A significant amount of lost revenue is attributed to this type of ticket due to a failure to validate, resulting in fare evasion. "The 7-Day Pass will reduce the usage of validators, which will make taking a Metrolink even more convenient for passengers by eliminating a step before boarding the train and saves the agency in maintenance costs," Katz said. "Going forward, we expect to collect a significant amount of revenue that would have been lost due to misuse of the 10-Trip Ticket