Metro Transit would soften penalties for fare evasion on trains and buses, and rely on a new network of unarmed ambassadors to encourage passengers to pay their way under a measure proposed at the Capitol on Monday.
Legislation pitched by Democratic lawmakers would decriminalize fare evasion on public transit, making the offense a petty misdemeanor, similar to a traffic or parking ticket. The new uniformed ambassadors would enforce penalties for fare evasion, but supporters of the legislation said they weren’t sure just yet how many ambassador jobs would be created, or how much the program will cost.
“As our transit system grows, it’s clear the current system is not working with fares and making sure the system works for all Minnesotans,” said Rep. Brad Tabke, DFL-Shakopee.
The transit ambassador program would be similar to one created in the San Francisco area.
“This is a proven strategy,” said Rep. Frank Hornstein, DFL-Minneapolis, who chairs the House Transportation committee.
The push for increased personnel on transit, particularly the metro area’s two light-rail lines, comes as serious crime increased in 2019 — last month, a man was stabbed to death on the Blue Line. The presence of unarmed ambassadors would also enhance safety on public transit, Tabke said.
Metro Transit served some 80 million passengers last year. Ridership on light-rail lines has steadily increased, and the network’s reach is expanding. More rapid buses are planned, too, a kind of transit that calls for fares to be enforced.
The bill’s backers hope to set a goal of inspecting fare compliance for at least 10% of riders by 2024. Currently, less than 3% of the citations issued to fare evaders result in fees being collected. In most cases, Tabke noted, prosecutors decline to pursue citation for nonpayment of a $2 transit fare.
Metro Transit’s policy calls for fare evaders to be issued a citation for nonpayment. The second offense results is a misdemeanor, akin to driving under the influence, assault and theft, and a $180 fine.
Tabke’s bill would result in a $35 administrative fine, with all proceeds going to the Metropolitan Council to help administer the program.
The administrative citation program would mimic similar systems already implemented in the Philadelphia area, Seattle and Portland.
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Minnesota legislators propose changing fare evasion fines on transit - Minneapolis Star Tribune
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