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4/8/2019
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) next month will implement changes to its fare evasion enforcement program, including violation processing, fines and penalties.
Under the new program, SEPTA police will process first offense violators administratively and assess a $25 fine instead of issuing a criminal citation and requiring a court hearing.
The streamlined process aims to reduce the court system's caseload, officials said in a SEPTA press release.
“[The program] imposes a reasonable fine to someone who makes a mistake and wants to be able to pay it, move on with their life and not have a criminal charge on their record. At the same time, it enables us to focus more on chronic offenders — and should send a message to all would-be violators that SEPTA is serious about enforcement,” said SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel.
Repeat offenders may be banned from riding SEPTA and face criminal charges.
Individuals who receive four violations and don't pay their fines will be considered chronic offenders and banned from entering SEPTA property or using transit services for one year. Those who violate this stay-away order will be arrested for misdemeanor defiant trespass, according to SEPTA.