LANCASTER – The Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) is beefing up efforts to stop fare evasion on local transit buses. AVTA’s transit deputy and two additional fare enforcement officers began ticketing fare evaders this week.
“Fare evasion is a growing problem for AVTA,” stated Executive Director Julie Austin. “If we are to meet the increasing demand for service, we must be able to count on our customers paying their share.”
According to AVTA data, ridership on local routes has increased 21% over the past 30 months, while fare revenue has declined by 2.25% over the same period.
Currently, seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans ride free on AVTA’s local transit. Unfortunately, some passengers use reduced fare TAP cards that do not belong to them. Operators have been confiscating these cards for the past month when they discover the photo I.D. does not match the passenger. Some customers simply ignore the driver and refuse to pay or pay only a portion of the fare.
On Monday, two fare enforcement officers were brought in to work with AVTA’s transit deputy to check TAP cards and verify reduced fare eligibility. Three passengers were cited for fare evasion and face a $250 fine for failing to pay the $1.50 fare.
AVTA has been warning passengers for the past six weeks that fare enforcement efforts would increase. Signs have been placed on all the buses and at all the transfer centers warning residents they could face a stiff fine for not paying the fare.
AVTA will make no money from this fare enforcement effort and it does not set the cost of the fine.
Fare enforcement saturation patrols will continue on a regular basis.
(Information via press release from the Antelope Valley Transit Authority.)
RiseOfTheGuardians says
Wow, I remember back in the 90’s riding the bus, it was less than a dollar. There were times I would sneak on the bus after school. It was simple, especially with a crowded bus. Just simply open the back door, and let us slide in lol. I did that just becuase I was young, it wasnt from being cheap. Anywho, a simple solution, the bus driver sits until (A) the loser pays, (B) gets off the bus, or (C) the authorities come! This generation feels like the world owes them something, they are not OWED JACK SHI*!! Get off your LAZY A** and “mature up”! life is not about money, cars, clothes, and hoes. Oh wait, let me turn my tv on because my TV says thats what life is about! Sorry for misleading you guys!
Nancy P says
do students get a reduced rate bus pass? Since there are very few school buses in this town and kids seem to go to school “where ever”, maybe less vandalism and problems after school if they rode AVTA home.
[removed] says
Solution… For these CHEAP SOB’s, that think they dont have to pay.. The Bus driver Goes NOWHERE till that person pays or gets off the bus, while he is sitting there.. He calls the Deputies.. They would do this in LA, that drivr would sit there and he knew..It would only take a matter of Seconds before people on the BUS were like “” UH UH , you better that fare or get off.. I HAVE A JOB and I am not going to be late because of you… most of the time they paid, I saw very few who get off, or were shoved off ( I liked those the best) made me LOL..
What gets me ,is you cant afford a 1.50 for bus,,, BUT YOU SURE AS HELL can afford the money for your weed, beer, and cigs….you then need to take up recycling that right there will cover your bus fare.. TIERD OF YOU LAZY, greedy,thieving Sorry [removed]….
AVfubar says
This law abiding, tax paying, legal citizen is all TAPped out. It’s beyond time to give all these losers the bum’s rush and ship em back to L.A.
JoeBloe says
MAYBE this is the problem: Welfare dept gives these “TAP” cards out to the recipients of Lancaster’s THRIVING welfare program and I F***ing QUOTE, “Use this to get transport around town or just sell ’em for 1.50 at the bus stop.”
HOW THE F*** DOES THE LAW NOT BECOME INVOLVED WHEN SOMEONE REFUSES TO PAY?
Did the law enforcement officers lose their BALLS?
Bust jaywalkers for profit, when the 2 mil POS Single engine Eye n tha Sky does WHAT exactly?
THIS TOWN IS CORRUPT AND NO ONE SEES IT?
THIS TOWN IS ANOTHER BELL, CA BUT WHY DOESN’T ANYONE CARE?
OUR MAYOR IS THE MAIN LAWYER OUT HERE, LOOK UP OSCAR GOODMAN!!!
James Stouvenel says
the free ride program applies to Seniors, Disabled, and veterans, if you do not meet this criteria, guess what? you pay $1.50 which is WAY lower than taking a taxi or driving a vehicle, stop being jealous of seniors, disabled, and veterans riding free, the service is free to them for a reason. now pay up, or get off the bus!
NIMBY says
Some people always looking for a free ride…literally and figurely speaking. Smdh
AreJay says
Wow, I didn’t even know “fare evasion” was possible? How can anyone be so cheap or dishonest as to rip-off AVTA for a whopping *sarcasm* $1.50?! With the current prices of gas (the average price of regular at around $4 a gallon), I’m extremely grateful that I can hop on the bus for $1.50.