Metrolink preliminarily approves fare increase, eliminates four...

The Metrolink Board of Directors gave preliminary approval today to a fare increase that would average about 6 percent, but the panel dramatically scaled back plans to eliminate some train service as part of an effort to compensate for a hefty drop in revenues.

[lastoutlaw]

Taking into consideration normal wear and tear on my vehicle (tires, brakes, service plus fuel) it is now cost neutral as to whether I drive or take the train with this rate increase. So it becomes a matter of convenience - do I drive or do I enjoy the train with my coffee and paper? Traffic isn't much of an issue for me so that's not a factor.

However. Any more rate increases and I'm probably going to drive. I'll probably do more of that now; since I'm no longer saving anything (including time; Metrorail doesn't get me anywhere any faster).

Cost, above all, is my primary concern. And if fuel costs remain the same in the near future (say; two years?) then another rate increase will tip the scales. I can combine errands if I'm driving to work that I'd otherwise have to do on weekends.

The point being - you want to get cars off the road and more riders onto the trains? Keep the cost down. Amtrack has been subsidized by the government since its inception (1971). It's never turned a profit. Perhaps we should dump the Orange Line (and others like it) and put the funds into light rail. The MTA buses we've had since it was RTD are plenty to get people to the station. Fund Metrolink like the Federal Transporation Authority has with Amtrack and keep the fares down. Make it cost effective and convenient for me to ride. If you can't do that; I'm back in my car.

That would be counter productive for mass transit, wouldn't it?

[sixth sense]

@lastoutlaw,
Your choices include
- do i drive
- do i enjoy waiting for the train to arrive late with my coffee and paper

[Ayahuasca Shaman]

Costs more, less services......

Sounds like a warped beer commercial.....