Portland’s public transit agency announced recently a get-tough policy against fare evaders on light-rail trains. That’s good for passengers and businesses, as it makes for a more reliable and efficient light-rail system.
It’s also good for Clark County, because an extension of the MAX Yellow Line into our community is part of the Columbia River Crossing plan, affirmed in 2008 when the Locally Preferred Alternative was approved. Thus, residents on this side of the river have understandably increased their attention on Portland’s light-rail system. Folks here who like the idea of light rail coming to Clark County want to see TriMet improve in every possible way. Opponents are properly looking for TriMet flaws that can help them build their case. And it’s been no secret for many years that countless light-rail riders have been abusing the downtown fareless area and riding the trains without tickets.
On July 20, though, TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane called a press conference and announced a crackdown on fare-rule violators. Six fare inspectors have been added, bolstering that department to 18 people. TriMet also has a 48-officer Transit Police Department that helps enforce fare policies. As The Oregonian reported, more than 69 percent of 15,292 “enforcement actions” on light-rail trains last year resulted in warnings; 18 percent led to citations, and the rest were exclusions. That kind of leniency is gone. “Our emphasis is changing immediately from education to enforcement,” McFarlane said.
To address one of the most frequent excuses — “The ticket machine didn’t work” — maintenance has been increased, and TriMet says the most recent review showed that 93 percent of the ticket dispensers work properly.
