MTA’s Proposed Rail Fare Increase

The decision to increase rail fares only, by a flat 37%, is another MTA mistake (Nov. 11). It is truly disheartening to see an agency trying hard to build a system, on the one hand, doing everything it can to cripple it on the other.

There is an incorrect perception that the MTA rail system is a failure. But already there are over 130,000 rail trips each day in Los Angeles. The Blue Line, with 54,000 daily trips, has the highest ridership of any single light rail line in the country. The Red Line--all five miles of it--already carries 35,000 trips each day; and Metrolink has had five years of double-digit growth. Even more impressive is that 20% of transit passenger-miles in Los Angeles are on rail.

Who will pay $3.70 for a short round-trip on the Red, Blue or Green lines? Ridership and revenues may well drop more than expected. Metrolink will be hurt too. The proposed increase will add over $1 million annually to Metrolink’s operating budget. Should rail fares be increased? Yes. But increases should reflect distance traveled. Lower the cost of short trips, but charge longer trips proportionately more.

The rail system in Los Angeles is an impressive success. But its purpose and value are poorly understood and rarely defended by the very agency promoting its construction.

RICHARD STANGER, Exec. Dir.

Southern California Regional

Rail Authority/Metrolink