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Also, some systems have had to transition from proof-of-payment to fare gates - I know Vancouver had to do so on Skytrain a decade or so ago. I think proof-of-p
by telotortium 2y ago
Also, some systems have had to transition from proof-of-payment to fare gates - I know Vancouver had to do so on Skytrain a decade or so ago. I think proof-of-payment works best on a commuter line like Caltrain, where there are a few main nodes. In Caltrain’s case, that would be San Jose, Millbrae (connects to the airport and BART), and San Francisco, along with perhaps Palo Alto. I could probably take a train from Mountain View to San Jose without ever encountering a conductor, and perhaps even the other direction. But they know most people are riding all the way, so they only need to check a few times.
- pcwalton 2y agoI suspect that the biggest reason for the low fare evasion rate on Caltrain is that the line serves a relatively-wealthy clientele for whom the fare isn't a burden. Many of Caltrain's patrons even get subsidies from the companies they're commuting to. Interestingly, until recently fare evasion on Caltrain was a criminal infraction. In the past few years, Caltrain has moved to a flat $75 civil penalty instead (like a parking ticket), which I believe ended up earning Caltrain more money overall because it's less hassle for conductors.