I get that it’s expensive to operate and maintain the trains, and am fine with increasing fares. I just wish they charged a flat fee instead of using zones, so I don’t have to remember to “tap off” every time.

I am also irritated by the "tap off" requirement.

Since a fare increase is going to happen, Caltrain needs to do something to moderate the impact on discretionary riders. One painless step they should take is to adopt the current BART parking fee policy that "If you arrive after 3pm and leave before 4am, parking is free." Parking is also free on weekends. Charging for parking 24/7 discourages off-peak ridership. People will drive to BART stations where the more lenient policy is in place or drive all the way. Free parking after 3PM encourages discretionary ridership.

Is there also a tax measure for Caltrain headed our way? Just throw money at the trains - as they go by!

Of course there will be a tax measure on the next ballot for Caltrain. We're about due since we have not had a tax increase since the last election. The only way to stop this is vote "no" on all tax/fee/bond increases.