The question came up in the comments section the other day about whether it’s still possible to transfer for free from a Metrolink train to the subway or bus. The policy had been under review but its resolution was unclear.

“Nothing changes for now,” Metrolink spokesman Francisco Oaxaca said when I asked.

Metrolink reimburses 23 different transit agencies in six counties for lost revenue due to the free transfers, which obviously are a selling point for train riders. Some 56 percent of those transfers involve LA’s MTA, which raised its reimbursement rate.

Metrolink could raise ticket prices or eliminate transfers in response but, other than a 3 percent fare increase, is holding the line for now. “Ultimately we’re going to have to face that music,” Oaxaca said. But that probably won’t happen until July 2010, the start of the next fiscal year.

So that answers that. We Metrolink fans have at least another year of free transfers, which make the service both simpler and cheaper. Metrolink directors, we salute you.