SEATTLE — For those who take the Light Rail often, there are new signs at the entrances.
Riders received text messages from Sound Transit Wednesday saying there would be consequences for those who don't pay for their fare.
"November 15th is when it takes effect," said a passenger who rides Light Rail four to five times a week. "I saw that and I just thought, 'Man, they're going to start cracking down on this.'"
Starting on Nov. 15, Sound Transit Fare Ambassadors will issue violations to people who don't pay to ride.
"I'm not going to lie, I'm one of the many people who don't pay a fare," a passenger said. "I just get on and get on my way."
"Sure I should be paying the fare, but let's be honest, most of us don't," said another who was warned about riding without a ticket the day before.
Sound Transit said it is challenging to determine the number of riders who don't pay, but did say that of the people that board light rail, 55% tap to pay. That number includes those 18 and under who are not required to pay.
The transportation company said it inspected 1.4% of riders and found that 86% of the sample was in compliance. Sound Transit acknowledged the small sample of ridership 1.4% makes up, however.
"During the pandemic, people didn't have to pay and then when we did start checking again, people received warnings, but there haven't been any penalties, so this will be kind of new for people," said Rachelle Cunningham, a spokesperson for Sound Transit.
According to Sound Transit, it'll give two warnings and turn into violations with options for online classes or to pay a fine starting at $50 and going up to $124. By the fifth violation in a 12-month period, it will be a civil infraction.
"It's not intended to be punitive," Cunningham said.
Some passengers believe it's time everyone paid.
"I'd rather they enforce the fares they have then raise the fares for people who are actually paying them," a passenger said.
To make the payment process less confusing, Sound Transit is adding fare-paid zones to stations.
"It's visually much more obvious where the zone is," Cunningham said.
Not all riders are convinced this will make a difference.
"I don't think this will work," one passenger said. I think they need to put up gates or something."
According to Sound Transit, riders who can't prove they bought a ticket must provide some identification. If they don't have identification, they'll be asked to exit at the next station and security will be called if that is met with any issues.