The commuter rail agency faces a $15 million budget shortfall and could see diminished contributions from its two top funders.
Southern California's Metrolink commuter rail agency says it is forced to reduce service in an effort to save money and address issues with its newer diesel locomotives, reports Joe Linton in Streetsblog LA.
A parts shortage forced the agency to keep trains out of service for extended periods, and this week the agency's CEO announced that the temporary service cuts started in March would continue. The agency is also "evaluating more significant service reductions and a potential fare increase that could take effect as early as October."
In addition to equipment problems and a $15 million budget shortfall, Metrolink could also lose up to $10 million it receives from Los Angeles Metro and OCTA, its two largest funding sources. While it's possible the state could step in with a loan or direct funding, that commitment and timeline is unclear.
FULL STORY: Metrolink Cut Service; Budget Pressure Could Mean More Cuts, Fare Increases
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