On a motion by Los Angeles County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich, Metrolink will offer discounted fares to riders on its Antelope Valley Line as part of a six-month fare reduction pilot program.

On July 1, riders on the Antelope Valley Line will have several new ticket-pricing options along with a 25% reduction on all weekday tickets for trips between Los Angeles and Lancaster.

“The Metrolink Fare Reduction Pilot Program brings needed relief for the residents of the Antelope, Santa Clarita, and San Fernando Valleys that had been priced out of the market, especially in the Antelope Valley,“ said Los Angeles County Mayor and Metrolink Director Michael D. Antonovich.  “The more riders we gain through this program, the more long-distance car trips will be taken off Interstate 5 and State Route 14, enhancing mobility, cleaner air, and quality of life for Los Angeles County citizens.

Additionally, a new “station-to-station” fare will be introduced in which riders traveling during off-peak hours (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) will be able to purchase a one-way ticket to travel between adjacent stations for $2 per station.  For example, a one-way trip between:

* adjacent stations in Lancaster and Palmdale, or Glendale to Burbank, will be $2

* Burbank and Los Angeles Union Station (two stations between origin and destination) will be $4

* Santa Clarita and Burbank, or Palmdale, (three stations between origin and destination) will be $6.

The station-to-station fare is designed to encourage local trips using Metrolink as an additional mobility option complementing local bus service options.

The pilot program received funding following approval of Metro as one of five member Counties that compose the Joint Powers Authority which governs Metrolink and provides funds to operate regional passenger rail service in Los Angeles County.