Fare evasion; following US example
pn1.rm
Saturday, May 11, 2002 1:36 AM
I saw this item about handling fare evasion in Cleveland. Perhaps a
similar "zero tolerance" policy should be adopted in Melbourne. I
think the fear of God should be put into those that evade fares in
Melbourne. Strong enforcement to protect the decent people who pay
their way is required.
The interesting item follows...
Do what Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) began on
February 1, this year. First explain to the customers (through car
cards, the passenger news letter named Riders Digest, radio/tv spots,
and outdoor advertising) what the consequences of not paying the fare
are. The car cards (those ad cards above the passenger seats) are
titled "Pay Now........Or Pay Later." They explain that not paying
the fare is prohibited both by authority policy and by Ohio law. The
penalties are stated in the ad. Fare evaders can get either a summons
to appear in court or can be arrested on the spot. The payment can go
as high as $500.00 plus court costs. Thus, a $1.25 local fare can
reach as high as $675.00, plus up to 30 days in jail.
GCRTA Transit Police (non uniformed) are always riding buses, cars,
and trains to spot fare evaders. Operators can get uniformed transit
police to respond within five minutes of notifying Traffic Control of
a fare evasion. The GCRTA "zero tolerance" policy is fully enforced
and scofflaws now know this. Just this past Tuesday I had a passenger
board and place only $1.00 dollar in the farebox. I told him the
local fare was $1.25 and he had to come up with the additional 25
cents or leave the bus. He protested and I reached for the radio. He
instantly "found" the required 25 cents. This may seem petty to some,
however, multiply 25 cents times several hundred incidents per month
and the figures begin to add up.
It all adds up to customer education and full and complete
enforcement by the transit authority.
...end of item
Trust this is of interest.
Paul in Melbourne
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similar "zero tolerance" policy should be adopted in Melbourne. I
think the fear of God should be put into those that evade fares in
Melbourne. Strong enforcement to protect the decent people who pay
their way is required.
The interesting item follows...
Do what Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) began on
February 1, this year. First explain to the customers (through car
cards, the passenger news letter named Riders Digest, radio/tv spots,
and outdoor advertising) what the consequences of not paying the fare
are. The car cards (those ad cards above the passenger seats) are
titled "Pay Now........Or Pay Later." They explain that not paying
the fare is prohibited both by authority policy and by Ohio law. The
penalties are stated in the ad. Fare evaders can get either a summons
to appear in court or can be arrested on the spot. The payment can go
as high as $500.00 plus court costs. Thus, a $1.25 local fare can
reach as high as $675.00, plus up to 30 days in jail.
GCRTA Transit Police (non uniformed) are always riding buses, cars,
and trains to spot fare evaders. Operators can get uniformed transit
police to respond within five minutes of notifying Traffic Control of
a fare evasion. The GCRTA "zero tolerance" policy is fully enforced
and scofflaws now know this. Just this past Tuesday I had a passenger
board and place only $1.00 dollar in the farebox. I told him the
local fare was $1.25 and he had to come up with the additional 25
cents or leave the bus. He protested and I reached for the radio. He
instantly "found" the required 25 cents. This may seem petty to some,
however, multiply 25 cents times several hundred incidents per month
and the figures begin to add up.
It all adds up to customer education and full and complete
enforcement by the transit authority.
...end of item
Trust this is of interest.
Paul in Melbourne
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-->
Buy Stock for $4
and no minimums.
FREE Money 2002.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/orkH0C/n97DAA/Ey.GAA/DiTxlB/TM
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Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/