Riders found without proof of payment will have options to pay rather than receive a citation.
The Seattle-area Sound Transit agency will start requiring proof of payment before boarding to prevent fare evasion, writes Spencer Pauley for The Center Square.
According to Pauley, “The new process will have an initial rollout on June 3. Sound Transit’s ‘fare ambassadors’ have been checking passengers’ proof of payments on various trains throughout the day.” Riders found without proof of payment will be provided with options to pay instead of a citation.
As Pauley explains, “The new ‘fare paid zone inspections’ will occur only on the 1 Line at downtown Seattle stations at different times, and will be expanded in later phases.” The program will trial several methods of platform inspection over the summer prior to opening an extension of the 1 Line.
Sound Transit started boosting its fare enforcement efforts last year, citing reduced fare revenue.
FULL STORY: Sound Transit to enforce new fare policy to ensure riders pay
Sound Transit to Start Enforcing Fare Violations This Month
After two warnings, riders who fail to show proof of payment can be issued fines.
Seattle to Reinstate Bus Fare Enforcement
After a COVID-era move to eliminate fare inspections on city buses, King County Metro is reinstating checks for fare evasion.
Seattle Fare Enforcement Disproportionately Punishes Blacks, Data Show
Sound Transit says its fare enforcement system is design to be unbiased, but analysis about fare evader data indicates disparities.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service