TriMet Changes Citation Process For Fare Evaders

PORTLAND, OR — Working with a new Oregon law, TriMet has restructured the way it can resolve citations issued to its riders for incidents like fare evasion.

Before the change was implemented, fare evaders were required to resolve their infractions in the county criminal justice system, often resulting in a criminal record that would follow the violators the rest of their lives. This punishment didn't quite seem to fit the crime, TriMet officials said.

So, to help passengers avoid a life-long criminal record for something as innocuous as skipping a fare, TriMet established a fairer citation process to coincide with Oregon House Bill 2777, which gives transit districts more latitude when resolving those kinds of issues.

"TriMet believes the changes will help people avoid unnecessarily entering into the judicial system and better aligns the punishment of fare evasion with the violation," TriMet spokeswoman Roberta Altstadt told Patch in an email Tuesday. "Previously, all citations went into the court system. That led to unwanted consequences. A court record can affect a person’s ability to get a job, rent a house or serve in the military."

As of July 1, TriMet can give cited riders a 90-day window to take care of their fine — which now includes options like appealing the citation, quickly paying a reduced fine outside the court system, or performing community service for partnering organizations like the Oregon Humane Society or Oregon Food Bank. Additionally, some riders may be eligible for a reduced fare program to reduce the likelihood of more violations.

"TriMet worked with state legislators and Governor Kate Brown to change the law regarding citations," Altstadt explained. "The change gave TriMet the authority to resolve adult fare evasion citations, rather than those citations automatically going into the court system. "

Riders eligible for the fairer process will receive instructions on how to settle their violation either online or by phone along with the actual citation. If the violator chooses not to respond within the 90-day window, TriMet will forward the citation to the county court.

"We see this as something unique to TriMet, giving people who qualify for the Honored Citizen program the opportunity to see fines absolved completely," Altstadt said. "We really want to get people to pay their fare. And for people struggling with finances, this provides more options."

According to TriMet, these are the new options for cited riders:

Appeal The Citation

If you can demonstrate you had the correct fare, you can request a written appeal online within 45 days of receiving your citation. If the citation is not dismissed, you’ll still have the option to resolve it with TriMet by paying a reduced fine, performing community service, or enrolling in a reduced fare program.

Pay The Fine Using A New, Tiered Fine Payment Structure

You can pay your fine — and possibly a reduced fine — online, via check, or over the phone within 90 days from when your citation was issued:

First offense: $75
Second offense: $100
Third offense: $150
Fourth offense and beyond: $175

Community Service

Instead of paying a fine, you can perform community service at the Oregon Food Bank, Rebuilding Center, Free Geek or Oregon Humane Society within 90 days from when your citation was issued:

First offense: 4 hours
Second offense: 7 hours
Third offense: 12 hours
Fourth offense and beyond: 15 hours

Join The Reduced Fare Program

If you qualify — either though income, age or disability — for our Honored Citizen fare and successfully sign up and load $10 on your personalized Honored Citizen Hop card within 90 days, your fine will be waived upon verification by TriMet.
Specific instructions will be provided with your citation. Not all citations are eligible for this program.

"TriMet now has the authority to resolve adult fare citations through a fine, community service or enrollment in our reduced Honored Citizen fare program (for those eligilble). However, that does not mean a change in the fare requirement for riding TriMet," Altstadt clarified. "Fares are required on all TriMet buses and trains and those who do not pay will be held accountable. We are working to increase fare enforcement efforts on the system."

Image via Travis Loose, Patch