LAist: No need for arrests on the Orange Line

interurbans

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:50:19 -0800

It is interesting that the Orange Line has one of the highest fair evasion or gate jumping percentages but lets keep our transit system “barrier free” and step up the amount of fair checkers. There is sure no reason for arrest but a simple ticket as with a traffic ticket should work just fine. The increased fair inspectors should make for a overall safer system with the presence of inspectors the evasion will go down and the safety factor will go up. As for errors or with tourist the inspector has the discretion to give directions, warnings or tickets as needed. The inspectors will probably pay for themselves with a higher percentage or riders paying their fair. This is a win-win for all. Alan Fishel

Emoney

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 16:39:01 -0800

I witnessed a couple of people dodge payment on The Blue Line once. The sheriffs came through the train that morning and when they couldn't produce proof of payment - they just hassled the people for a few minutes and let them continue riding instead of making them buy another (or an actual) ticket. Losing a ticket is understandable, but as a daily paying customer, it's extremely infuriating for me to sit there and hear people lie to Sheriffs faces about how they lost their ticket stub. On the other side of the spectrum, it's equally annoying to see the Sheriffs not do their job. If they are going to let patrons get away with that, then this will continue to be an issue.

spoon

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:43:59 -0800

This is a dumb policy. There are no barriers as you stated, so it's easy to make a mistake, especially for a tourist or newbie. It's also not as busy as the NY subway, so the newbies might not see people buying the ticket etc...there are no "examples" around one at less busy times. Arresting people is a bit harsh for this. Most people buy the ticket, I can't see how this is a huge problem. Does the guy who came up with this even take the train himself? How does he even know that people dodge payment? This is weird.