MINNEAPOLIS — Commuters, make sure to have your tickets ready on Monday morning.
Metro Transit announced that on Dec 4, Community Service Officers (CSOs) will be asking riders for their proof of fare and issuing administrative citations to people who haven't paid.
The move is part of a larger plan to provide a "welcoming and safe experience," according to Metro Transit.
CSOs are members of the Metro Transit Police Department on a path to law enforcement careers, and their duties include riding transit to help customers, monitor behavior and call for police when they observe illegal behaviors or emergencies.
The officers will board trains and buses, asking each customer for Go-To cards, paper transfers or app tickets.
If a commuter is found without a ticket, they will be given a citation that must be paid within 90 days.
The fees are as follows:
- First violation: $35
- Second violation: $55
- Third violation: $75, prohibited from accessing transit services for 60 days
- Fourth and subsequent violations: $100, prohibited from accessing transit services for 120 days
Find more information about buying fares and money-saving programs here.
How to reduce your fine
Those who receive their first administrative citation can reduce the $35 fine associated with the citation in several ways.
- Load $20 in stored value to a Go-To Card or the Metro Transit app. (Fine is waived)
- View the Transit School video at a Metro Transit Service Center and load $10 in stored value to a Go-To Card or the Metro Transit app. (Fine is waived)
- View the Transit School video. (Fine is reduced to $25)
- If you qualify for the Transit Assistance Program (TAP), apply, then load $5 in stored value to a TAP card. TAP makes public transit more affordable for people with lower incomes. For program details, visit the website. (Fine is waived)
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