Starting this July, metro residents caught riding TriMet without valid tickets will face smaller fines, be able to perform community service in lieu of a cash penalty, or in certain cases be able to avoid a fine altogether.

TriMet's board of directors signed off on the new fare evasion policy Wednesday.

The new policy is a shift from current regulations, where fare evaders are hit with a hefty $175 citation that acts like a traffic violation. Critics and TriMet officials say the current rules pose huge implications for low-income riders in particular who may have their employment or housing prospects jeopardized because they couldn't afford a ticket.

State lawmakers passed House Bill 2777 last June, giving TriMet the authority to handle some of those fare issues in-house.

In December 2016, then-TriMet chief operating officer Doug Kelsey said the agency didn't want to have such a drastic impact on riders. "We don't want people to be banned from future employment or housing over a $2.50 ticket," he said at the time.

The new policy comes as the transit agency indicated last month it would hire as many as 50 private security officers in the next few years to enforce rules, including asking for valid fare, on the system.

TriMet estimated its fare evasion rate was 13.1 percent last year. The agency issues 20,000 citations per year. "Riders should not confuse the penalty changes with a change in the fare requirement," the agency said on its website. "Fares are required on all TriMet buses and trains, and those who do not pay will be held accountable.

So how does it work?

The new fare policy creates a tiered approach and slashes the fine for first-time offenders to $75. Second offense could face a $100 fine, then $150 for a third instance and $175 for fourth time fare evaders and beyond.

Community service would be offered as an alternative, with TriMet providing a list of trusted organizations. First-time folk would face a four-hour requirement. Community service requirements would jump to 7 hours for second time scofflaws, 12 hours for third timers and 15 hours for everyone else.

Low income and honored citizens would be eligible for a waived punishment altogether if they meet certain requirements. Such as enrolling in the agency's new low-income fare program starting this July

The new rules only apply to riders 18 and older.



-- Andrew Theen

atheen@oregonian.com

503-294-4026

@andrewtheen