70% of WMATA bus riders don't pay

[Anonymous]

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/transportation/nearly-70-of-metrobus-riders-evading-fare-wmata-says/4105890/?amp=1

Metro plans to have operators quote the fare to ride the bus as a reminder to riders to pay. But the union worries it could lead to bus operators getting involved in altercations.

Might as well make it free at this point if few customers are paying.

[Anonymous]

Can we make the toll roads free too?

[Anonymous]

I rode the buses in the 80s and 90s. They would not let you on the bus without paying your fare. Why did that change?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I rode the buses in the 80s and 90s. They would not let you on the bus without paying your fare. Why did that change?

So you're like 100 now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can we make the toll roads free too?

Actually we just need ez pass for humans. An implantable chip that is automatically scanned when you get on the bus and then your credit card gets charged. Just like ez pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I rode the buses in the 80s and 90s. They would not let you on the bus without paying your fare. Why did that change?

I think they see it as a bus driver safety issue.

[Anonymous]

N

[Anonymous]

I've recently started riding the bus in DC. The few time that I have ridden, the fare machines do not work. If things start getting backed up, the driver says to just go. I've also seen ppl just walk onto the bus and not pay.

[Anonymous]

ALL the metro busses say "FARE REQUIRED" on the front sign. And still no one is paying?! Says a lot about this area.

[Anonymous]

It should be free. The bus drivers don't need to risk their lives to make a living.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ALL the metro busses say "FARE REQUIRED" on the front sign. And still no one is paying?! Says a lot about this area.

Certain routes are driving this.

The D20 (formerly known as the X2) averages about 315,000 boardings per month, but only 39,000 of them are paid (about 88% evade the fare), but the D80 (formerly the 33/31) averages about 338,000 boardings per month, with 183,000 paid (only 45% evade the fare).

[Anonymous]

This began when the city council decriminalized fare evasion. It was stupid because it was a solution in search of a problem, and sent the unmistakable message to the public that you don't really have to pay if you don't want to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ALL the metro busses say "FARE REQUIRED" on the front sign. And still no one is paying?! Says a lot about this area.

Careful PP, you are ASSUMING the passengers are fully literate.

Your unearned white privilege is showing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I rode the buses in the 80s and 90s. They would not let you on the bus without paying your fare. Why did that change?

So you're like 100 now?

You’re an idiot.

[Anonymous]

They should put transit police on buses and if people don't pay, get them off the bus and arrest if needed. The bus driver should be focused on driving the bus safely and keeping to a schedule, while others can focus on fare enforcement. If word gets around about people actually getting put off buses or arrested, especially by undercover police, people will pay the fare more often. If people get upset when someone gets put off the bus for non-payment, let them tap their credit card and pay for the person to ride...only arrest if the person refuses to get off the bus or becomes violent. Promote things like kids ride free and the half price fares for snap recipients too.