Seattle Sound Transit's Experiences with Proof-of-Payment Fare Collection

This paper examines the development of the fare enforcement system used by the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit). The paper briefly discusses the legal authority and the board of directors’ decision enabling Sound Transit to enforce fares. The paper then examines Sound Transit’s fare enforcement officer selection and training program from initial development through today, showing how the program has matured based on changing conditions and lessons learned. The selection and training of fare enforcement officers is a critical factor in the success or failure of a fare enforcement program. The paper also looks at the methodology behind the standard operating procedures that were developed to maintain a random inspection pattern while severely reducing the appearance and opportunity for biased inspection or profiling. Sound Transit’s rationale for warnings, citations, and theft of services is outlined in the paper, as are the processes used to sort out an evader’s information. Performance measurements are also identified and discussed. At Sound Transit, the most common fare inspection and fare evasion rates are used to trend agency performance over time. Less common performance measurements, including individual officer daily contact performance and evader demographic information, along with conformance to the standard operating procedures, are also used to monitor the health of the program. Finally, the paper looks into the value of the fare enforcement officer; their role in providing for a safe, secure, and comfortable environment; and how they are the face of the agency.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: pp 96-109
  • Monograph Title: Sustaining the Metropolis: Light Rail Transit and Streetcars for Super Cities
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01514776
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
  • Created Date: Feb 20 2014 10:19AM