Metrolink says its ridership is increasing as commuters seek to avoid rising gas prices

Metrolink says its ridership has increased since the start of the war in Iran, with many riders looking for alternative ways to travel amid the recent spike in the price of gasoline.

According to the American Automobile Association, gas prices jumped another nine cents overnight Monday.

The average price of a gallon of gasoline in California is $5.29 a gallon -- that's up nearly 80 cents since this time last month.

"Just the gas and the travel, it's so hectic," said Saumya Gupta, who used Metrolink to help get to Universal Studios from home in Irvine on Tuesday.

Her sister told Eyewitness News that she can't believe one gas station is charging more than eight dollars for a gallon of gasoline.



"That's kind of ridiculous," said Gya Gupta. "And we only have one car so we're trying to save as much as we can."

A Metrolink spokesperson said the commuter rail system offers $15 passes to get anywhere on their system during the work week; on the weekend that same pass costs only $10.

"On the Metrolink system, the average cost per mile is about 14 cents," said Meredith Yeoman. "If you compare that to the national reimbursement rate of 72 cents per mile, as well as to the amount of money you're paying in parking, that's a big savings right there."

FBI warns Iran aspired to attack California with drones in retaliation for war: Alert



Yeoman said Metrolink also offers free transfers to Los Angeles Metro bus and rail lines.



"For a very limited amount of money you can go so many places," Yeoman said. "We know that's going to be so important for families this summer."