Metrolink, Southern California’s regional commuter rail service, is planning major service cuts that could sharply reduce train availability for passengers across the region, raising concerns about access to one of the area’s most important alternatives to driving.
Here’s what to know
As LAist reported, the agency wants to cut 29% of weekday service and 40% of weekend service, right after fare increases have already taken effect.
The Metrolink Board of Directors moved forward a $420 million budget proposal that includes the service reductions. Next, transportation agencies in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties will review it before the board votes on the measure on Oct. 23.
The agency said the financial picture has worsened on several fronts: ticket revenue is projected to fall 18%, and both the Orange County Transportation Authority and L.A. Metro have proposed cutting their subsidies by millions of dollars. Metrolink officials told LAist that low ridership and rising operating costs are driving the proposal…