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Southern California’s Metrolink is proposing another fare hike even though one took effect a little more than two months ago. The agency is soliciting public comments on a plan to hike fares another 3 percent to 6 percent on Jan. 1, 2010, as well as revise the 10-trip ticket pricing policy to five equal round-trip equivalents.

Last spring, Metrolink’s board approved a 3 percent system-wide average fare increase, which took effect on Aug. 1. The board reduced an initially proposed 4.5 percent fare hike.

The second fare increase is necessary because “the continuing economic crisis has significantly affected ridership, causing a reduction in revenues,” Metrolink officials said in a prepared statement. “The agency is facing a forecasted drop of $6.1 million in revenues and increased expenses of $1.8 million during the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2010.”

The board will accept comments on the fare increase proposal until Nov. 13.

For now, Metrolink is suspending its usual 25 percent promotional fare discount on December passes for one year.