Phoenix Valley POLITICS - Area breakdown? (Tucson: inspector, taxes, restaurants)

[sargeant79]

Originally Posted by Java Jolt

The trains should have fareboxes and turnstiles where people can't ride unless they insert their tickets.

I think something like this is needed because the honor system doesn't work too well.

I actually completely agree with this. I realize that Phoenix isn't the only metro area whose light rail system operates on an honor system, but Valley Metro is pissing away money by going this route. I have to think the extra investment in equipment and personnel to manage fare compliance would be far outweighed by the additional revenue.

[pbenjamin]

It is not feasible to do such a thing on an at-grade rail system. I have been asked to provide my ticket many times by fare inspectors. Moderator cut: .

[sargeant79]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

It is not feasible to do such a thing on an at-grade rail system. I have been asked to provide my ticket many times by fare inspectors.

Moderator cut: .

It would be feasible if you set up turnstiles and completely section off the remainder of the platform. All it takes is some fencing. Not saying you wouldn't still have turnstile-jumpers like you do in any city, but you'd get a lot more people who pay then.

And I admit I only take the light rail a few times a month on average, but I have never once been asked to show my ticket.

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by sargeant79

It would be feasible if you set up turnstiles and completely section off the remainder of the platform. All it takes is some fencing. Not saying you wouldn't still have turnstile-jumpers like you do in any city, but you'd get a lot more people who pay then.

And I admit I only take the light rail a few times a month on average, but I have never once been asked to show my ticket.

When it is at grade you can simply walk around the fence/barrier on the tracks, and step up onto the platform.

[sargeant79]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

When it is at grade you can simply walk around the fence/barrier on the tracks, and step up onto the platform.

And you can jump over a turnstile if it's a subway or elevated train. I know...used to do it all the time when I was an [snip] teenager. No doubt it isn't a perfect solution, but the current system almost invites people to not pay their fare. I'm not exaggerating when I saw that I have never once been asked to show my ticket. My wife has only ever been asked once.

An alternative would be to set up fare card machines at train car entrances and have each car manned with a Valley Metro employee to enforce compliance, although that would certainly slow down the boarding process. Either that, or simply step up enforcement by verifying tickets on more trips. No doubt labor costs would go up, but I can't imagine how it wouldn't pay for itself tenfold.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

When it is at grade you can simply walk around the fence/barrier on the tracks, and step up onto the platform.

I think the free rider problem is overhyped I see security all the time.

[kell490]

Also another idea is to just use RFID tickets and software can be used with a security camera to count the people in each car doesn't add up they alert police to that car for ticket inspection and make the fine $500.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by kell490

Also another idea is to just use RFID tickets and software can be used with a security camera to count the people in each car doesn't add up they alert police to that car for ticket inspection and make the fine $500.

I wonder if that would be cheaper or more expensive then just doing it as we are.

[kell490]

RFID sticker rolls are cheap when you buy large quantity's fast google search I found for 20 cents each. https://www.atlasrfidstore.com/ This is what they are using in stores when you pass though the door with an item that hasn't had the tag deactivated. The tag inside the box is discarded.

[TempeAZnative]

Originally Posted by JGMotorsport64

I think the free rider problem is overhyped I see security all the time.

Indeed it is I take the light rail every day to work downtown and everyday they are on there checking everyone's fare. Sometimes 2 times per trip most of the comments are by people who have never taken the light rail here.