2 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Progressive Railroading, 12/7/16:

 

Metrolink slashes fares on Perris Valley extension

 

Metrolink today will begin offering discounted tickets on its 91/Perris Valley Line in an effort to boost ridership on the railroad's newest extension.

Story is here.

 

It's all in the public relations spin.  Sure, ridership goes up when you open a new rail line.  But the fact that they are lowering fares after an introductory period tells me that the line is not performing as well as had been expected.  One would have thought that such fare discounts would have happened at the outset of service. It's also interesting that the discount period will end in early June, 2017, which is the extension's first anniversary. What happens after that?

 

I don't know what the reverse commute market might be, but perhaps Metrolink needs to change their thought process and run trains all day instead of just rush hours.

[CNJRoss]

Metrolink news release:

 

Metrolink offers new 91/Perris Valley Line Extension discounts to attract riders

 

Thursday May 18, 2017

 

LOS ANGELES – Beginning May 25, Metrolink passengers traveling to or from any of the four 91/Perris Valley Line (91/PV Line) Extension stations can take advantage of a new discount program. The stations included are Riverside-Hunter Park/UCR, Moreno Valley/March Field, Perris-Downtown and Perris-South.

 

There are two separate discounts: one for trips connecting to stations outside of Riverside County and another within Riverside County.

The first discount allows for all fares to or from the 91/PV Line Extension stations connecting to outside of Riverside County to be sold as though Riverside-Downtown is the origin or destination.

 

For example, a trip between Perris-South and Los Angeles Union Station will be the same cost as a trip between Riverside-Downtown and Los Angeles Union Station.

 

The second promotion provides trips within Riverside County to or from the extension stations at a 25 percent discount.

The discounts will provide reduced fares as an incentive for passengers to try the new stations. The six-month promotional discount is funded by the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC).

 

“We have experienced a steady increase in ridership since the 91/PV Line extension opened last year and hope the newest discount attracts even more passengers,” said Metrolink Board Chair and City of San Jacinto Councilmember Andrew Kotyuk, who also serves as an RCTC commissioner. “The extension of the 91/Perris Valley Line is a wonderful way to enjoy a stress-free ride on Metrolink, saving time and money, while avoiding the congestion of the 215.”

 

The extension of the 91/PV Line opened in June 2016. Service begins as early as 4:43 a.m. from the Perris-South Station, providing round-trip service to and from Los Angeles Union Station. Evening trains return as late as 7:50 p.m. to the Perris Valley. There are also three round-trips trains each weekday connecting Perris and the Riverside-Downtown Station.

 

For more information about Metrolink, please visit www.metrolinktrains.com.

 

[KevinKorell]

 My comments above from December 2016 still hold true.   Obviously the continuation of fare discounts equates to the inability to fill the seats.  And the midday trains that run solely between South Perris and Riverside, with no connections anywhere else without a wait of many hours, isn't going to make those shuttles popular either.