California Metrolink riders hit with 27% fare hike, as kiosks offer little warning

With little warning, Southern California's Metrolink made its first fare change in 13 years, with some increasing by as much as 27%.

Here's what to know

As the Los Angeles Times reported, Metrolink riders now face one-way tickets that cost 14% more, daily passes rising from $15 to $19, and weekend passes from $10 to $12.

According to the newspaper, riders were shocked that Union Station wasn't more forthright about the price change. Ticket kiosks carried only a short "fare adjustment" notice, and no signs appeared near the main entrance or the train depot.

61-year-old Tonia Jones has ridden between Montclair and downtown for seven years for work and family visits. She said the increase was jarring as she tries to save for a car while gas prices keep rising. 

"We can't afford that! How ridiculous," Jones said. "I don't know what to do — just get out of California when I can."

Gabriel Frias, 38, has taken Metrolink nearly every day for the last two decades to commute to work and to visit his children on the weekends. "Everyone is struggling. For day-to-day commuters, this is another thing they have to worry about," he said. "One-way tickets all the way up to the weekend tickets? That will affect a lot of people. … It's more money to fork out for the same ride."

More background

The fare hike comes as Metrolink deals with budget shortfalls and scaled-back service. The system reduced service, and board meetings have included proposals for additional cuts.

Adriana Rizzo of Californians for Electric Rail — a group that supports overhead-electric rail — and a regular rider said: "These fare increases will not raise enough to fill Metrolink's budget deficit. Instead, riders will face a one-two punch of fare increases and service cuts, making Metrolink harder to ride just as Southern Californians are facing record gas prices."

What's being done?

In a statement, Metrolink Chief Executive Darren Kettle said, "Metrolink has worked hard to keep fares affordable while the cost of operating and maintaining our regional rail system has continued to rise. These pricing adjustments are one step in a broader effort we are taking to responsibly address those pressures and support Metrolink's long-term financial sustainability."

Metro board members — a major Metrolink funder — have faulted the rail system and its leadership over service cuts and have approved an audit.

The operator is also facing a lawsuit from a former executive who was fired in 2026 after raising concerns about train safety, alleging that Metrolink failed to properly maintain components, resulting in several mechanical breakdowns that put passengers and staff at risk.

Where can I learn more?

Here's more on transit headaches, from rising fares to service and access concerns. 

• In New York City, riders said the subway fare increase is becoming unaffordable.

• In Los Angeles, the E Line still lacks essential last-mile access that riders need.

• In London, drivers warned scrapping the congestion charge could mean fares going up.

• In California, officials say the high-speed rail project could transform cleaner intercity travel.

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