The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is tightening its grip on fare enforcement, rolling out changes that will see more rigid handling of fare evasion on its transit lines, notably on its Trolley services. As reported by Metropolitan Transit System, these measures, approved by the MTS Board of Directors, signal an end to on-the-spot fare purchases during inspections, shifting towards an immediate citation issuance to those caught without a valid fare starting February 1, 2025.
Previously, riders without a proper fare might have had a chance to purchase a ticket during an MTS Security inspection. Still, that option will no longer be available under the new policy. From next year, a citation will cost violators a $25 fine if they complete the MTS Diversion Program, a chance to rectify their misstep. However, riders who neglect this chance for up to 120 days could face an estimated $192 fine or more when the case moves to traffic court. Those with a clean slate and riders without prior citations can have their first offense dismissed upon appeal through the program, and certain appeals will still be considered directly by MTS in select scenarios.
MTS is introducing online and phone payment options to simplify the process for those cited. The current methods, which include mailing checks or making in-person payments at the MTS Transit Store, lacked the convenience the agency hopes to provide with these additional, more modern payment avenues.
This revamp to the enforcement strategy follows findings that suggest MTS has been leaking substantial revenue due to fare evasion. In an analysis of its fare collection from May 2022 to July 2024, MTS experienced a loss of $17 million to $23 million in revenue. More than 57,000 riders per month were not paying their fare unless an MTS Security officer took an on-the-spot payment.
