TriMet steps up fare enforcement

TriMet (OR) announced a tougher approach to fare evasion and will start issuing $175 tickets to scofflaws on trains and buses. To support the new approach, the agency restored funding for six fare inspector positions that were cut last year. “Our emphasis is changing immediately from education to enforcement,” general manager Neil McFarlane said at a press conference. “We’re moving toward a more serious, insistent policy.” In 2010, only 18% of fare cheats received citations; 69% received warnings and the rest were exclusions. Link to full story in The Oregonian.

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