Ed. Note: The following is a news release courtesy of Metrolink.

With the goal of increasing ridership, Metrolink will be having a public hearing next week to receive information and provide feedback on potential fare policy changes to the commuter line that comes into Santa Clarita.

Members of the public wishing to get additional information or provide feedback can attend a public hearing on Oct. 9 at Metro building located at One Gateway Plaza in Los Angeles.

They can also provide feedback in advance of the public hearing online at their website, by mail at One Gateway Plaza, Floor 12, Los Angeles, CA 90012 or faxed to the attention of Metrolink Fares at (213) 452-0421.

All public comments made in advance of the public hearing must be submitted and received no later than Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at noon.

The changes include 25 percent discounts to student and youth fares, as well as Antelope Valley Line fares. The Antelope Valley line runs which run through all three Metrolink stations in Santa Clarita Valley.

Additionally, Metrolink is considering a $3.00 station-to-station fee system wide.

The Metrolink Board of Directors is expected to consider and possibly take action on the fare policy after the public hearing on Oct. 9, at its regularly scheduled meeting.

All proposed fare increases and fare policy changes could become effective as early as Nov. 1, 2015, if approved after the public hearing.

Three proposed changes will be considered. The first will be the extension of the Antelope Valley Line promotional 25 percent discount on all fares with the exception of the Weekend Day Pass, which will remain at the current $10 fare.

Metrolink first introduced the six-month Antelope Valley Line promotional fare discount, which is funded by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority,Metro, on July 1.

In the first two months of availability, Metrolink realized a 10.2 percent increase of ridership on the Antelope Valley Line, compared to the same period in 2014. Revenue loss was limited to 17.8 percent.

Metro is one of five member agencies comprising the joint powers authority which governs Metrolink and provides funds to support the regional passenger rail service in Los Angeles County.

The second change to be considered is a system-wide $3 “station-to-station” fare on all lines.

Currently there is a promotional $2 “station-to-station” fare on the Antelope Valley Line only that is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2015.

The $2 fare would immediately be discontinued if or when the $3 “station-to-station” fare is introduced.

The new “station-to-station” fare would allow riders to purchase a one-way ticket to travel between stations for $3 per station.

For example, a one-way trip from Fullerton to Anaheim would be $3, while a trip from Canyon Country to Palmdale would be $6, because there are two stations between the origin and the destination.

The station-to-station fare is designed to encourage local trips using Metrolink as an additional transportation option, complementing local bus service.

On July 1, Metrolink also launched a promotional 25 percent discount on student and youth fares. The third policy to be considered is making the discount on student and youth fare permanent.

In July and August, student and youth ridership on Metrolink increased 13.5 percent, while revenue fell by just 3.5 percent, compared to the same time period in 2014.
For additional information on Metrolink, visit the website.