For only $1.75 one-way, passengers can ride the Metro light rail from Main Street and Sycamore in Mesa to 19th Avenue and Montebello Street in Phoenix, or vice-versa.
But when no one’s looking, it’s easy to skip out on the fee.
According to a Phoenix City Council report, 4,326 fare-evaders citations were issued from January to July this year.
On Oct. 18, the Police Transit Bureau will conduct an operation involving temporary manpower from the police department to monitor the light rail and enforce fare payments, said Cmdr. Louis Tovar of the Phoenix Police Department.
With more than 1 million riders monthly, the light rail has become an affordable and effective solution for citizens who commute or refuse to deal with rush-hour traffic.
With school back in session and summer ending, an influx of passengers has light rail officials worried about additional fare evasion and criminal activity.
“Too many people are getting free rides to the disadvantage of honest people, and it’s not fair,” said Greta, a citizen who spoke at Tuesday’s Public Safety and Veterans subcommittee meeting.
Focuses of patrol include light rail stops at 44th and Washington streets, 3rd and Jefferson/Washington streets, and Central Avenue and Roosevelt Street. The Reserve Bureau will also provide additional staff, Tovar said.
City Council member Michael Nowakowski suggested light rail enforcement officers reach out to student riders and inform them of the light rail policies.
“We’re doing the best we can with the enforcement we have,” said Tovar.
There are, however, concerns about managing the system after the increase in staff ends Nov. 14.
On average 12 fare inspectors work full-time. The staff also includes 100 full-time police officers and assistants.
Handing out a citation is at the discretion of the fare officer, Tovar said, adding that some passengers inadvertently forget to buy a fare, but those who intentionally skip out on the far are always cited.
“(Giving) citations can be a challenging job,” Tovar said. “We have to use discretion when dealing with people.”
The monitoring will begin with a media event to advise citizens of the new program. Once the program ends, a report will detail associated costs and recap activity.
“Riding our system is not free,” Tovar said.
Contact the reporter at sharpole@asu.edu
