TriMet currently has only three full time fare inspectors, but that's changing. TriMet has hired nine additional fare inspectors.
Other staff conduct fare enforcement assignments on a rotating basis but perform other duties as well, such as coordinating extra transit service after a Blazers game or responding to a passenger having a medical issue. For these 12 Fare Inspectors though, enforcing TriMet’s Code of Conduct for riding, including the requirement to have proof of valid fare, will be their primary job.
The nine new Fare Inspectors started their field training on Monday, so riders should expect to see them out on the system and expect to have their fare checked. During this phase of training, you may see large groups working together. Once fully trained though, the Fare Inspectors will break into teams of two to do random fare inspections on trains and buses, and at stations and transit centers.
Fare Inspectors will be joined by contract Customer Safety Officers. These Officers will assist riders and Inspectors during fare checks. The teams will be assigned to geographical regions in TriMet's service area so they can get to know daily riders better and the riders can get to know them. These fare enforcement teams will also provide a valuable security presence on the system, people who riders can go to for help. TriMet will be evaluating the new approach for fare enforcement and possibly look at bringing in more dedicated Fare Inspectors in the future.
TriMet requires fares to ride the transit system. It’s the transit agency's second largest source of funding and accounts for more than 16% of our revenue.
While some riders question the cost of the fare, it’s important to realize every rider on the TriMet system is subsidized. No one is paying the real cost of taking a trip on TriMet. For instance, riders who pay $2.50 for an Adult 2 ½ hour ticket would pay $5.06 per ride if paying the full cost of the service.
TriMet officers the Honored Citizen reduced fare. It gives riders living on a low income, seniors who are 65 and older, Medicare beneficiaries and riders with a mental or physical disability the option of paying less. There are also reduced fares for youth and children under age 7 ride free.