California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

Chapter VI – Pacific Surfliner RouteHowever, introduction of Metrolink commuter rail service in the Los Angelesbasin in October 1992 and Coaster commuter rail service in the San Diego area in1995 had a negative effect on ridership. In 1995, Amtrak also increased theamount and type of costs charged to the State, with a negative effect on fareboxreturn. Farebox return reached a low of 33.9 percent in 1997-98.But overall ridership on the corridor has increased significantly in recent years,offsetting the initial impacts of the new commuter services. Ridership reachedtwo million in 2002-03, and farebox return has been over 50 percent since2000-01. The introduction of the “Rail 2 Rail” Program on Amtrak and Metrolinkservice in September 2002 and in April 2004 on the Coaster has caused a largeincrease in ridership. The program allows joint ticket honoring between Amtrakand commuter rail services. Ridership reached a peak of 2.7 million in 2005-06,a 52 percent increase over 2001-02 ridership (the year before the introduction ofRail 2 Rail).101