DRAFT
PROPOSAL: ALTERNATIVE FARE ENFORCEMENT MODEL
Background
Metro is evaluating the fare enforcement program, which currently serves all RapidRide routes, in response to previous input from stakeholders and findings of a recent audit of the RapidRide fare enforcement program. Metro already took several actions, including: temporarily suspending criminal referrals for adults (juveniles were already not at risk), instituting new training requirements for fare enforcement officers, and increasing the warning level for juveniles.
Objectives and Public Process
Metro is working with key stakeholders such as advocacy groups, Metro operators, fare enforcement staff, and elected official offices to achieve two objectives: 1)
Improving on-board interactions with fare enforcement
(ex: ways to increase use of valid fare media, including reduced fare programs, and training and resources for fare enforcement officers) 2)
Improving the penalty process and outcomes
(ex: options for revising the infraction resolution process and methods for collecting program information and documenting rider impacts) After work with the stakeholder group (representatives from Transportation Choices Coalition, Puget Sound Sage, Transit Riders Union, One America, and the Seattle/King County Coalition to End Homelessness), Metro proposes and is moving forward with a recommendation to advance these objectives (below).
Recommendation
Proposal
–
Alternative Fare Enforcement Model
•
Goal: Remove courts and collections agencies from the infraction resolution process, to make it less punitive and minimize the pr
ocess’ contribution to negative outcomes for some of King County’s
most vulnerable residents.
•
Description: This process (on back) would offer options, including non-
monetary methods, for resolving infractions (“off
-
ramps”, such as registering for ORCA LIFT). It would remove the direct
connection between a fare violation and the courts and collection agencies. In summer 2018, Metro worked with the King County Executive to transmit legislation that would grant Metro the authority to establish this alternative process.
Next Steps
•
Implementation: If granted authority, Metro will work with key stakeholders to refine program design,
“off
-
ramps,” and a plan for customer
education and communication and aim to implement this process in Q4 2018.
DRAFT
New Fare Enforcement Model - Proposal in Action - DRAFT
Fare Violation #1 Fare Violation #2
INFRACTION
Fare Violation #3
“$50”
(TBD) infraction can be resolved by:
WITHIN 30 DAYS (TBD)
•
Paying infraction = fine halved WITHIN 90 DAYS (TBD)
•
LIFT enrollment = fine waived
•
4 hours Community Service = fine waived
•
Appealed via Metro adjudicator
•
Appealed further via Mitigation Panel Removed from violator log after 1 year
Name added to “Pending Suspension” list. Next
failure to pay results in 30-day suspension per unresolved infraction
Want to resolve?
After 30-days of suspension, infraction is considered resolved. WARNING WARNING