No longer will fare jumpers be allowed simply to pay the $2.50 fare when caught. MTS will also consider shifting to a closed system with turnstiles and other barriers.
San Diego Trolley officials cracked down on habitual fare jumpers Thursday by ending a practice they say has been costing the trolley system $1 million a month by discouraging riders from paying the fare.
The crackdown — which the board approved unanimously after spirited debate about its impact on low-income people — ends a 4-year-old policy allowing fare jumpers to simply pay the $2.50 fare when caught. “We want there to be a penalty or consequence so people have an incentive to pay their fare,” said Karen Landers, general counsel for MTS, which oversees the trolley and a large fleet of buses.
On Pronto, many riders stopped springing for $72 monthly and $6 daily passes and instead opted for a $2.50-per-trip, pay-as-you-go option because Pronto already caps fares, eliminating the incentive to buy passes up front. First-time offenders can appeal the $25 fine, and it will be waived if there is no evidence they have previously made an on-the-spot payment when caught.
“I believe that removing buy-on-the-spot unfairly impacts under-resourced communities,” she said. “I hope you will not unfairly make it more difficult for this segment of transportation consumers to simply get around and do what they need to do.” “If what we are trying to do is ensure that everyone who is supposed to pay, pays, there are other more effective ways to do that,” said Elo-Rivera, suggesting a closed system could make sense.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'When We Fight, We Win': Amazon Boosts Pay as Workers Launch Bid for $25 an HourBrett Wilkins is a staff writer for Common Dreams.
Read more »
I modernized my grandma's vintage wedding dress for my own big day — trolls tell me I 'Shein-ified' a family heirloom but she loved itI found a wedding gown worth $6,200 at Goodwill for just $25
Read more »
T.I. and Tiny’s $25 Million OMG Girlz Trial Ends With Closing Arguments: ‘It’s Insulting’The fate of T.I. and Tiny’s $25 million intellectual property war with toymaker MGA Entertainment was left in the hands of a jury on Friday.
Read more »
The best early Amazon October Prime Day 2024 deals under $25 you can shop todayThese $25 or less deals are already available now before Amazon's October Prime Day 2024.
Read more »
45 Best White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $25 in 2024Get ready to win the holidays with the best white elephant gifts. From adult coloring books to funny gadgets, everyone will fight over these cheap picks.
Read more »
22 Best Prime Day Deals Under $25 for Your Kitchen and Home (2024)Check out the best early Prime Day deals under $25, with up to 40% off on digital thermometers, reusable storage bags, and more.
Read more »