Metrolink Rolls Out New Routes and Lower Fares Starting July 1

Los Angeles moves fast, but not always efficiently. For millions of working-class residents, commuting has long been a patchwork of delayed trains, inaccessible routes, and unpredictable fares. But that’s set to change this summer.

On July 1, 2025, Metrolink will introduce a major overhaul of its fare system alongside service expansion across several key routes. For the first time in years, affordability and accessibility are being prioritized in one of the country’s most sprawling commuter rail networks.

The new fare pilot reduces complexity and cost:

• A $5 daily fare cap,

• An $18 weekly cap,

• And 50% discounts for seniors, students, low-income riders, and people with disabilities.

Monthly pass holders—especially those traveling from underserved areas like San Bernardino, Palmdale, and Riverside—will see their cost drop significantly.

The route expansion focuses on integrated service between LA Union Station, Orange County, and San Bernardino via the Arrow Line—a vital link for Black and brown families in the Inland Empire who work in LA but are priced out of the city.

What this means on the ground: a mother in Compton who once took two buses and a train to reach a job in Santa Ana can now rely on a consistent, single-operator route. A nursing student in Pomona no longer has to drive an hour to class. These aren’t just conveniences—they’re quality of life changes.

Stephanie Wiggins, Metro’s CEO, called the changes “the first step toward equitable transportation reform.” Her vision focuses on removing financial barriers and building a system that reflects LA’s real demographics.

For Black residents—who often shoulder the dual burden of financial strain and systemic exclusion—this is a step toward healing the transit wounds of the past. The days of paying more for slower, less safe transportation may finally be numbered.