Beginning July 1, 2025, Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail provider, will debut a new fare structure as part of a six-month pilot program aimed at making train travel simpler, more accessible, and more affordable for riders. 

The revamped fare menu streamlines ticket options, reduces the cost of most monthly passes, and introduces new day-pass options — changes rooted in direct rider feedback and part of Metrolink’s broader transformation into a true regional passenger rail system.

“We’ve taken a fare system that is complicated and turned it into something much easier to use, shaped by customer feedback,” said Metrolink Chief Customer Experience Officer Lisa Bahr. “It’s all part of our larger reimagining of everyday mobility across the region, as we work to deliver a service that is more in tune with life in Southern California in 2025.”

Key Fare Changes 

Metrolink’s pilot program introduces a more intuitive and value-driven fare structure, responding to the needs of modern riders traveling for more than just work commutes. 

Highlights of the new fare system include:

Reduced Monthly Passes: 

• Most monthly pass prices will decrease, delivering greater value for riders commuting three or more days per week.

Two New Day Passes: 

• The SoCal Day Pass, priced at $15 on weekdays and $10 on weekends, provides unlimited systemwide travel for a single day, replacing the current $10 Weekend Day Pass and expanding the popular summer promotion. Up to three children (17 and under) ride free with a fare-paying adult on weekends.

• The $5 L.A. Zone Day Pass offers unlimited rides between key stations in and around the City of Los Angeles and includes access to connecting L.A. County transit services.

Expanded Discounts:

• Military veterans will now receive a 10% discount, aligning with the current active-duty military benefit.

• Youth and students under 19 or with valid student ID will receive 50% off fares, following the conclusion of the Student Adventure Pass pilot.

To eliminate confusion and focus on high-impact offerings, Metrolink will discontinue several lesser-used ticket types, including round-trip tickets, 7-Day Passes, and the 10-Day-Flex Pass.

Evaluation and Next Steps

The pilot fare structure was informed by a 2024 customer survey, which drew over 5,000 responses, many of which pointed to an overly complex and overwhelming fare system. 

Metrolink plans to evaluate the impact of the pilot through December 31, with the potential for permanent adoption or further refinement in 2026 based on ridership trends and revenue performance.