San Diego MTS unveils new fare enforcement program

Today, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is launching a fare enforcement diversion pilot program designed to reduce evasion fines and provide violators new ways to clear citations.

Trolley and bus passengers are still required to purchase a valid fare, but any fare evasion citations that MTS officers issue on or after Sept. 1 will qualify under new program guidelines.

The program provides violators 120 days to pay fines, establishes a three-hour community service option instead of payment and offers a new appeal window for addressing fines within 15 days of a citation. The base fine remains $25, but a citation would immediately enter the court system and auto-escalate to about $177.50 with court fees if not addressed.

MTS staff members plan to educate passengers about the new fine payment options. About one-third of the agency’s annual budget relies on fare revenue.

“Our goal is to be flexible in our fare enforcement efforts so that riders have an opportunity to purchase a fare or to correct their fine without a criminal process,” said MTS Chairman Nathan Fletcher in a press release. “Bringing the citation payment process in-house to MTS rather than straight to the courts will help our passengers avoid burdensome court fees.”