Anoka Times

State officials recently announced a bill intended to make the light rail system safer, increase ridership and decriminalize fare evasion. 

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Brad Tabke, would also create a Transit Ambassador Program to help riders connect with services, according to The Center Square. Transit Ambassadors would check tickets, which allows law enforcement officers to respond to other incidents.

Tabke told The Center Square that the bill is meant to make the transit system safe and welcoming for those who choose to use it.

“By adding personnel to light rail trains, we are replacing a flawed system with one that will increase safety and fare compliance,” Tabke said.

Current policy starts with a warning when the rider doesn’t show proof of payment in the first incident. The second time, there is a fine of $180.

Tabke notes that fewer than three percent of citations for fare evasion are paid, and choosing not to pay a $2 fine leads to a $180 fine and a misdemeanor. That charge is on par with a citation for driving under the influence, a property theft of $500 in value or an assault. He doesn’t think that’s appropriate.

“We have bipartisan support in the House and Senate for the concept that’s not a good thing for all Minnesotans,” Tabke said.

The bill would mean a $35 fine for those who don’t pay to ride, and the proceeds would fund the Transit Ambassador Program.

The system is based on similar systems in other areas, like TriMet in Portland, Oregon, King County in Seattle and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority, said House Transportation Chair Rep. Frank Hornstein. He notes that San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit system increased fare collections and decreased crime.

“This is a proven strategy,” Hornstein told The Center Square. “We know it works. We’re not the first metropolitan area to try it.”