MBTA Fare Control Measures
The MBTA launched a fare control plan on the Boston subway this Monday, September 8, with Fare Engagement representatives overseeing fare payments.
Courtesy photo: Medios Multiculturales de la Oficina de la Gobernadora de Massachusetts, Maura Healey
Today, Monday, September 8, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authorities) or better known as the MBTA, has begun fare controls in the subway system promoting a plan of justice and equity for all travelers.
Elizabeth Winters Ronaldson, MBTA Deputy Director of Fare Revenue, expressed this morning in an inaugural press release for the program that this plan reflects the importance of fair revenue to support the MBTA. She also clarified that the Fare Control Department views this plan as "part of the investments the MBTA is making to improve the safety, frequency, and reliability of public transportation service".
How Will Tariff Control Work?
According to the MBTA's official statement, representatives will be located at subway station entrances and onboard vehicles to ensure passengers pay their fare. The checks will be conducted as follows:
- If you don't pay your fee, you'll be asked to do so.
- If you choose not to pay your fare, staff will ask for your ID to record a written warning without a fine or issue a citation with a fine.
- If you choose not to present ID, staff will manually enter your information into the MBTA-issued device.
After receiving a written warning or citation, you may continue your journey. If you refuse to pay your fare or provide your information, you will be asked to leave the station or the vehicle.
What is the Role of Tariff Control Representatives?
So far, 50 trained Fare Engagement program representatives will be assigned to the busiest stations in the metropolitan area while the plan is further developed. Commuters will be able to recognize them because they will be wearing royal blue T-shirts with the yellow Fare Engagement logo, compared to the rest of the MBTA employees who usually wear the red uniform.
Ornan, representative of tariff control, who was part of the official communicators at the launch of this program, emphasized, "We're here to help. And the ideal is to make sure people have access to resources so they can comply with the laws and don't have to evade them.".
This way, in addition to conducting fare checks, they will also be available to assist passengers with ticket vending machines, answer questions about fare payments at stations and onboard vehicles, and support passengers with trip planning and accessible travel options.
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