Metrolink is proposing fare increases of between 4.5 and 9.25 percent to offset unexpectedly high fuel costs. If approved by the Metrolink Board of Directors, these new fares will go into effect on July 1.

The cost of the ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel used by Metrolink trains has increased 30 percent in the past year. With fuel prices predicted to remain high, the additional cost could be nearly $1.7 million over the next year. Every five cent increase in the price of diesel fuel translates into an additional expense of $280,000 annually for Metrolink.

The commuter railroad has previously approved a plan to restructure its fare policy over a 10-year period beginning July 1, 2005.

Under the restructuring plan all fares will be based on the driving distance between stations, rather than the current zone-based system.

This new system will be implemented over a 10-year period. The Board of Directors previously approved an overall annual station pair cap of eight percent on fare increases due to the implementation of this system. That cap would rise to a maximum of 15 percent if fares are raised the maximum 9.25 percent

Members of the public who wish to comment on the proposed fare changes may e-mail comments to metrolinkfares@scrra.net or mail comments to Metrolink Fares, 700 South Flower St., 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Comments may also be faxed to (213) 452-0421. Send faxes to the attention of "Metrolink Fares".

All comments will be compiled and presented at the Metrolink Board of Directors meeting at 10 a.m. Fri., May 13 in the Southern California Associated Governments (SCAG) San Bernardino Conference Room, 818 W. 7th Street, 12th Floor, Los Angeles.

  For more information about Metrolink fares and train schedules, call (800) 371-5465 or visit www.metrolinktrains.com.