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Post by billcousert on Mar 1, 2009 10:29:26 GMT -8
A couple years ago, OCTA said it wanted to run Metrolink 18 hours a day, every 30 minutes.
Does anyone know if or when this is going to be implemented?
Is there any possibility that they would allow bus pass holders to ride Metrolink within OC for free (like SF does with BART)?
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Post by spokker on Mar 1, 2009 12:12:28 GMT -8
The project timeline is here. High frequency Metrolink service is Project R. I doubt they would allow bus passholders to ride for no extra charge from Fullerton to Laguna Niguel, for example. However, I heard a rumor, possibly here, that they were considering charging a dollar per station for shorter trips so people can take advantage of the increased frequencies. Right now it costs like 4 bucks to go one station. That's absurd, but meant to deter people taking short trips from taking seats away from long-distance riders. |
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Post by billcousert on Mar 1, 2009 21:23:17 GMT -8
The project timeline is here: www.octa.net/eap_transit.aspxHigh frequency Metrolink service is Project R. I doubt they would allow bus passholders to ride for no extra charge from Fullerton to Laguna Niguel, for example. However, I heard a rumor, possibly here, that they were considering charging a dollar per station for shorter trips so people can take advantage of the increased frequencies. Right now it costs like 4 bucks to go one station. That's absurd, but meant to deter people taking short trips from taking seats away from long-distance riders. Currently, a monthly pass from Fullerton to Laguna Niguel costs $200.25 (according to Metrolink's fare calculator) Is there any chance these fares will be lowered once the new service starts? I just don't see very many people using it if they don't. At least not enough to justify service every 30 minutes til midnight. I'd like to see a joint OCTA/Metrolink pass for $100 per month. Unlimited travel within OC only. Keep the existing fare schedule for travel outside of OC. Is that too much to ask for? |
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Post by spokker on Mar 2, 2009 12:40:31 GMT -8
No, it's not too much to ask for. Actually, I could probably use Metrolink in my commute to school every day. I have a VERY short and easy bus ride to Fullerton Station, which I could then take to Orange Station. But the cost of a Metrolink ticket is prohibitive for such a short trip.
If they don't make short trips cheaper I think those mid-day and late evening trains are going to pretty empty.
I should cost $2 at most to go from Fullerton to Orange Station.
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Post by billcousert on Mar 3, 2009 9:10:32 GMT -8
No, it's not too much to ask for. Actually, I could probably use Metrolink in my commute to school every day. I have a VERY short and easy bus ride to Fullerton Station, which I could then take to Orange Station. But the cost of a Metrolink ticket is prohibitive for such a short trip. If they don't make short trips cheaper I think those mid-day and late evening trains are going to pretty empty. I should cost $2 at most to go from Fullerton to Orange Station. Why does it cost so much more to take a trip on Metrolink than the Blue Line (for trips of the same distance)? Are Metrolink's expenses really that much higher? |
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Post by Transit Coalition on Mar 3, 2009 12:42:39 GMT -8
No, it's not too much to ask for. Actually, I could probably use Metrolink in my commute to school every day. I have a VERY short and easy bus ride to Fullerton Station, which I could then take to Orange Station. But the cost of a Metrolink ticket is prohibitive for such a short trip. If they don't make short trips cheaper I think those mid-day and late evening trains are going to pretty empty. I should cost $2 at most to go from Fullerton to Orange Station. Why does it cost so much more to take a trip on Metrolink than the Blue Line (for trips of the same distance)? Are Metrolink's expenses really that much higher? Bill: Let's examine your questions a little closer. Just to throw out a few numbers: The actual cost of providing a ride on Metro bus or rail is about $3.50 per ride. The customer pays an average of about 62 cents per ride. So the rest of the cost is subsidized by the taxpayers. If Metro collected more than 25% farebox recovery, than a higher level of service could be afforded and offered. Transit properties with robust service levels such as Toronto Transit have a farebox recovery of about 75% with an intense level of service and a basic fare of $2.75 with an $8 day pass. Metrolink has a farebox recovery of close to 50% and charges riders on a per mile basis. Just to better understand costs, the federal government allows 58.5 cents per mile in driving reimbursement for a private vehicle. So, to answer your question, the cost to provide both the Metrolink and Metro Rail service are about the same. And to answer the part you don't understand, which is: why is there a per rider price differential to use Metrolink and Metro Rail? First, Metro has a flat fare and Metrolink has a per mile fare. As far as the prices charged for each of the transit properties, that is a matter of decision by the Policy Setting Boards and it is also determined by the amount of subsidy provided. And to answer your final question: Metrolink charges higher fares, as the Metro Board provides less subsidy per rider. And now a question to you: What is wrong with charging the full direct cost per ride to a bus or rail rider? Wouldn't the transit agencies be able to provide more service with more revenue? |
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