Metrolink Could Cut Service in Orange County

I'm not really surprised by this and I'll tell you why in a moment:

More cuts to train service and a fare increase could be in store in Orange County as Metrolink looks for ways to close its budget gap.

The commuter rail line is facing a projected shortfall of $17 million for the next fiscal year, said Metrolink spokeswoman Angela Starr.

Two trains on the Inland Empire-Orange County line - 850 and 851 – might be discontinued for weekday service. The changes would affect service from San Bernardino to Oceanside. The trains travel through Riverside, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and Oceanside.

Metrolink officials originally proposed four trains to be discontinued on the I..E-O.C. line.

Trains servicing the San Bernardino, Antelope Valley, and Ventura County lines are also on the elimination list.

I've twice ridden the Inland Empire-Orange County lines on a weekday, both times to go from Laguna Niguel to Riverside. On each of those rides I was almost the only one on the train. The second time I rode that route I went all the way from Laguna Niguel to San Bernadino, saw only one other person in my car the whole trip, and was never asked for my ticket. I don't know what it cost for Metrolink to take me out there and back with a locomotive, four passenger cars and two employees, but I only paid about $24. I don't think they made money on those trips.