SOP 306 - Bus and MAX Platform Inspection

Code Enforcement and Fare Inspection Standard Operating Procedures

Purpose:

This procedure outlines basic fare inspection approach and condition techniques for Code Enforcement personnel. Chapter 29 of the TriMet Code lists regulations governing proof of fare payment.

Procedures:

1.    In all fare inspection situations:

• Use safe and effective platform/vehicle entry points and engagement techniques.
• Develop a standard professional greeting and presence during initial approach to customers on vehicles or platforms.
• Acknowledge and thank each person as she or he displays a fare, pass, personal identification, tickets, or transfer.
• Do not detain any person or prevent his/her exit or departure from any TriMet property or TriMet vehicle.  A person announcing or choosing to depart should be allowed to do so. (See SOP 307 Use of Physical Force).

2.    Use a safe and systemic approach when inspecting fares onboard a MAX train. If the train has two cars, move to the second car when you have finished the first.
3.    To inspect fares onboard a TriMet bus:

• As the bus pulls into the stop, hold up one or two fingers to indicate the number of doors the operator should open.
• Announce your presence to the operator at the front door.
• Check exiting passengers from the bus. Do not position yourself in a manner that blocks or prevents safe exit or entry from the bus. Passengers deboarding a bus without proper proof of payment are in violation of TriMet Code.
• Enter the bus to complete the inspection.

4.    To inspect fares on MAX platforms:

• Check passengers exiting the train. Do not position yourself in a manner that blocks or prevents safe exit or entry from the train.
• Passengers deboarding a train without proper proof of payment are in violation of TriMet Code.

At paid platforms, passengers are required to have a valid fare instrument when entering, exiting, or occupying the MAX platform. This requirement is prominently posted. To inspect fares at paid platform MAX stations:

• Inspect fares of the passengers occupying the platform.
• Position yourself at an entry/exit point to check fares of departing and arriving passengers. Do not position yourself in a manner that blocks or prevents safe exit or entry from the platform. Departing passengers without proper proof of payment are in violation of TriMet Code.
• If intending passenger comes to entry point for the platform without proper fare, instruct the intending passenger to purchase a fare.  If the person chooses to leave instead of purchasing a fare and entering the platform, do not pursue him/her.

5.    Follow procedures outlined in SOP313 when responding to violations of TriMet’s fare policy:

• Written Warning: Warnings should be used rarely and only in cases where there are compelling reasons to extend leniency rather than issue a citation.
• Citation: It is TriMet’s policy that clear violations of fare policy require issuance of a citation to ensure overall system compliance.
• Exclusion: If the nature of the customers’ actions warrants temporary removal of the customer from the TriMet system.