MBTA officials will begin checking next month that riders within the subway system have paid their fares. Starting on Sept. 8, the agency will begin issuing warnings, and eventually citations, to riders who have not tapped to pay at a fare gate or farebox.”Our riders deserve a safe and reliable mass transportation system that is available for them when they need it. With strong support, we are making significant progress, but to sustain it, we owe it to our riders and the public at large to do our part and collect all appropriate fare revenue,” MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng said in a statement. The MBTA said 16 Fare Engagement Representatives, who wear blue shirts and khaki pants, will visually check fares as riders enter fare gates or board vehicles. The team was hired in October and has been conducting fare education outreach.Riders who fail to pay will first receive a written warning, the MBTA said. Subsequent offenses will result in civil citations, with fines starting at $50 for the first three citations and increasing to $100 for the fourth and subsequent offenses. Anyone who refuses to cooperate may be asked to leave the station.”I was just with my friends and none of them did it, but when I was on my way here, I paid it,” said commuter Victoria Sawyer. “You know it’s hit or miss.”The MBTA does offer reduced fares to certain riders, including to low-income households and those enrolled in assistance programs. Those who can pay will be expected to, though some are not sure if enforcing fares will work.”People jump, people climb, people push it, so I don’t know,” Sawyer said.
MBTA officials will begin checking next month that riders within the subway system have paid their fares.
Starting on Sept. 8, the agency will begin issuing warnings, and eventually citations, to riders who have not tapped to pay at a fare gate or farebox.
“Our riders deserve a safe and reliable mass transportation system that is available for them when they need it. With strong support, we are making significant progress, but to sustain it, we owe it to our riders and the public at large to do our part and collect all appropriate fare revenue,” MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng said in a statement.
The MBTA said 16 Fare Engagement Representatives, who wear blue shirts and khaki pants, will visually check fares as riders enter fare gates or board vehicles. The team was hired in October and has been conducting fare education outreach.
Riders who fail to pay will first receive a written warning, the MBTA said. Subsequent offenses will result in civil citations, with fines starting at $50 for the first three citations and increasing to $100 for the fourth and subsequent offenses. Anyone who refuses to cooperate may be asked to leave the station.
“I was just with my friends and none of them did it, but when I was on my way here, I paid it,” said commuter Victoria Sawyer. “You know it’s hit or miss.”
The MBTA does offer reduced fares to certain riders, including to low-income households and those enrolled in assistance programs. Those who can pay will be expected to, though some are not sure if enforcing fares will work.
“People jump, people climb, people push it, so I don’t know,” Sawyer said.
link