Metrolink to make lower fare permanent on busy San Bernardino line

Metrolink plans to make the provisional 25 percent discounted fare on the San Bernardino Line a regular, permanent fare beginning Jan. 1.

The 57.6-mile, 14-station line — which runs from downtown San Bernardino, California, to Los Angeles Union Station — is one of Metrolink’s busiest routes, averaging nearly 10,000 weekday boardings.

The discounted fare took effect July 1 and was expected to remain in place for about six months. Metrolink's board authorized the fare in May to help boost ridership.

The move showed immediate results, with the line registering year-over-year ridership gains of 8 percent in August and 10 percent in both September and October, Metrolink officials said in a press release.

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will fund the new regular fare.