are fares checked on the Metro Hiawatha Light rail?

[Rhody2Mn]

I have only been checked for tickets periodically when I ride the light rail (which, in full disclosure, is only about two-three times a month). As another poster previously stated, I think the checks are more likely to occur during non-rush hours or other times when the trains aren't crowded. If the line is running at or over capacity, however, I don't think anyone checks for tickets. For example, can you imagine trying to ask someone if he/she has a ticket on the way to a Twins game? The trains are so full heading towards Target field that people can barely stand in the aisles, never mind sit, and there is no way officials could navigate through such a crowd to check to see if tickets were actually purchased. The same is true with the reverse trip.

[Beenhere4ever]

Used to see transit cops on there every few days. This winter, they seem to have vanished. Wonder exactly what they are doing to earn their keep. Metro Transit should post something about their activities.

[xandrex]

Originally Posted by Beenhere4ever

Used to see transit cops on there every few days. This winter, they seem to have vanished. Wonder exactly what they are doing to earn their keep. Metro Transit should post something about their activities.

I would assume they're doing other duties. After all, I suspect that someone isn't simply a "fare-checking" cop (or could at least performs other jobs during the day). I'm not sure that they want to be giving an update on what they're doing though, or what that would even entail. "We are checking this train today"? Is that what we're looking for?

That said, light rail is luck of the draw for getting checked. I used to ride it all the time and I think I've been checked three times total.

[Beenhere4ever]

Yeh. It's a bet. Win you get a $2.25 ride free. Lose you get a $180 ticket. It's your play.

[Homeless In The City]

Originally Posted by xandrex

I would assume they're doing other duties. After all, I suspect that someone isn't simply a "fare-checking" cop (or could at least performs other jobs during the day). I'm not sure that they want to be giving an update on what they're doing though, or what that would even entail. "We are checking this train today"? Is that what we're looking for?

That said, light rail is luck of the draw for getting checked. I used to ride it all the time and I think I've been checked three times total.

According to the Metro Transit Police website, "Transit Police officers ride buses and trains as well as patrol along bus routes, METRO Blue Line (Hiawatha) and the Northstar Line. Sometimes officers patrol out of uniform – one could be on your next bus. Transit Police officers also inspect fares on Blue Line and Northstar trains."

[Beenhere4ever]

Originally Posted by Homeless In The City

According to the Metro Transit Police website, "Transit Police officers ride buses and trains as well as patrol along bus routes, METRO Blue Line (Hiawatha) and the Northstar Line. Sometimes officers patrol out of uniform – one could be on your next bus. Transit Police officers also inspect fares on Blue Line and Northstar trains."

Believe it when I see one. That sounds like they are spooks. Maybe.

[mike6679]

Last time I rode it to the mall (few weeks ago) there were two officers checking tickets before leaving the platform at the mall. Much less hassle and cost to just pay the damn fare.

[xandrex]

Originally Posted by Homeless In The City

According to the Metro Transit Police website, "Transit Police officers ride buses and trains as well as patrol along bus routes, METRO Blue Line (Hiawatha) and the Northstar Line. Sometimes officers patrol out of uniform – one could be on your next bus. Transit Police officers also inspect fares on Blue Line and Northstar trains."

Has anyone ever had their fare checked on the bus by a plainclothes officer? Seems like a waste of resources, since the bus driver should be checking that you have paid your fare as you're getting on.

I'd also be skeptical that there would be any out of uniform on the light rail either, or at least anyone whose job is to be check fares. Every time my fare has been checked, they've scanned my Go-To Card with what looks like a very old, flip-style cell phone. An officer approaching someone in plainclothes and holding a chunky cell phone isn't going to look very official, and it would be a hassle to show everyone your badge just to check their fare (I'd be wary of holding out my unlimited ride card so a random person could "scan" it...seems like the perfect opportunity to grab some passes and dash).