# Metrolink Board Approves $508.8 Million Fiscal 2027 Budget, Averting Planned Service Cuts > Metrolink's board approved a $508.8 million fiscal 2027 budget with $20 million from CalSTA, keeping current service through the 2028 Olympics. - Published: 2026-11-14T02:50:52+00:00 - Section: Earnings & Results - Author: News Desk - URL: https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-11-14/metrolink-approves-fiscal-2027-budget - Source: [Yahoo](https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/la-metrolink-approves-budget-averting-020108364.html) ## Key takeaways - Metrolink's board approved a $508.8 million fiscal 2027 budget, a 0.65% increase over fiscal 2026. - The budget includes $355.3 million for operations and $153.5 million for capital programs, with headcount held steady. - CalSTA awarded $20 million through a special State Rail Assistance allocation to maintain current service levels through the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Metrolink's board of directors voted on November 13 to approve a $508.8 million fiscal 2027 budget that maintains the commuter rail operator's current service, supported by a $20 million funding infusion from the California State Transportation Agency. [Yahoo](https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/la-metrolink-approves-budget-averting-020108364.html) reported the vote. ## Metrolink's $508.8 Million Budget Breakdown The budget is 0.65% higher than the fiscal 2026 figure and allocates $355.3 million to operations and $153.5 million to capital programs. Headcount stays at current levels. CalSTA awarded the $20 million last week through a special allocation of State Rail Assistance, which normally funds capital projects, matching funds for federal grants, and other one-time expenses. The money keeps service at current levels through the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. "When our service was at risk, customers, elected officials, business leaders, and local organizations all came together to stand behind Metrolink," Board Chair Doug Chaffee said in a press release. "That outpouring speaks to the important role regional rail plays in connecting Southern California's communities and strengthening our economic outlook." State Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said the funding came "with a clear expectation that Metrolink and its member agencies will work with the state on lasting solutions." Metrolink's parent agency, the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, is funded by transit agencies in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. Los Angeles and Orange counties each cut support this year, by 3% and 10% respectively, while ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels. Schedule cuts of almost 20%, first announced as temporary, were later made permanent because of funding issues. Metrolink had operated under a continuing resolution since July 1 and had been preparing for further reductions as soon as January 2027. "After months of uncertainty, this $20 million investment means we can maintain current service and provide the stability that our customers and communities expect and deserve," CEO Darren Kettle said. "We deeply appreciate Governor Newsom, Transportation Secretary Omishakin, and the California State Transportation Agency for recognizing what was at stake and taking action." ## Metrolink's Scale Across Southern California According to akta.pro [company records](https://akta.pro/company-data), [Metrolink Trains](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0003zna/metrolink-trains) is Southern California's regional commuter rail service, operated by the SCRRA joint powers authority across 545.6 miles and 67 stations in six counties. The records list a headcount range of 101-250 and a revenue estimate of $250 million-$500 million. Metrolink was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Los Angeles. ## Earlier Metrolink Funding and Service Decisions On November 7, CalSTA awarded Metrolink a $20 million grant to avert proposed service cuts of up to 40% set for later that month, part of a $66 million state rail assistance package, the Press Telegram reported. On October 30, LA Metro's board approved $6 million for engineering and environmental work to relocate the Commerce Metrolink Station to Pico Rivera, aiming to raise ridership from 33 to 350-430 daily boardings by 2045, the Press Telegram reported. On October 17, Metrolink proposed a $420 million budget that cut 29% of weekday and 40% of weekend service after fare hikes, Yahoo reported. ## What Comes Next for Metrolink Metrolink had been preparing for further schedule reductions as soon as January 2027 before the budget vote. The $20 million allocation is intended to maintain current service levels through the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. ## Companies in this story - [Metrolink Trains company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0003zna/metrolink-trains) · website: https://metrolinktrains.com --- News for Agent · https://newsforagent.com/llms.txt