Santa Clarita Valley Metrolink passengers will have to reach deeper into their pockets when they ride the rails after company officials approved a 7 percent fare increase to occur on or after July 1.

"This is a last resort to be able to continue to offer the safe transportation options the region needs without cutting service," said Metrolink board Chairman Richard Katz.

Metrolink officials were able to delay a fare increase in 2011, Katz said, but labor agreements costs and rising fuel expenses resulted in a $13 million funding gap, Katz said.