Caltrain OKs 50-cent fare hike

Caltrain's board last week approved raising the railroad's adult base fare by 50 cents.

As a result, the cost of the commuter railroad's Day Pass, 8-Ride Tickets and Monthly Passes also will increase, Caltrain officials said in a press release.

However, eligible discount fares will remain at 50 percent of adult ticket prices, and Clipper card holders will continue to get a 15 percent discount.

The new fares will take effect Feb. 28, 2016.

Caltrain last raised fares in October 2014, when one-way cash fares increased by 25 cents and Day Pass cash fares increased by 50 cents.

"Unlike many transit agencies, Caltrain does not have a dedicated source of funding," Caltrain officials said. "The approved fare changes are necessary to meet the rising costs of rail operations and maintenance."

Before voting on the fare changes, Caltrain held four community meetings in October to gather feedback on the proposals.