Metrolink slashes fares on Antelope Valley Line

Metrolink plans to debut a reduced fare pilot program for riders on its Antelope Valley Line, the agency announced yesterday.

Slated to begin July 1, the program calls for a 25 percent reduction in fares on all ticket types for trips along the corridor, which spans from Los Angeles to Lancaster, Calif.

The program received funding from the Los Angeles Metropolitan County Transportation Authority, which is part of a five-member joint powers authority that governs Metrolink. The funding includes program marketing costs, as well as other related expenses such as programming Metrolink's ticket machines and website, Metrolink officials said.

The Weekend Day Pass, now $10, is the only fare that will remain unchanged.

Metrolink also will introduce a "station-to-station" fare, which allows riders traveling during off-peak hours to purchase a one-way ticket to travel between stations for $2 per station, meaning a round-trip ticket between stations would come to $4. This specific initiative is designed to encourage local trips using Metrolink as an added mobility option complementing local bus service, agency officials said.

The fare pilot program is part of a larger effort by the agency to take a comprehensive look at existing fare structures and identify potential fare changes that would benefit passengers, said Metrolink Chief Executive Officer Art Leahy.