San Diego's transit authority has voted to overhaul how it handles riders who don't pay fares, replacing criminal citations with an administrative penalty system that officials say will reduce the burden on low-income passengers.
The Metropolitan Transit System Board of Directors approved the new framework, which will allow people cited for fare evasion and certain conduct violations to resolve their cases through an administrative review rather than the criminal court system. Under the revised approach, total penalties including late and collection fees would be capped at $125 per citation, and riders would have options such as payment plans and community service if they cannot afford to pay.
Monica Montgomery Steppe, who serves as MTS Chair Pro Tem and is a San Diego County Supervisor, said she has pushed for the change since 2019 to prevent minor infractions from spiraling into major financial consequences. She emphasized that a $3 fare shouldn't result in hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines that burden people for years.
The transit agency will need considerable time to put the new system in place. MTS must procure technology, equipment and administrative services to support the program, a process expected to take roughly two years. Full implementation is projected for January 2029.
MTS operates 93 bus routes and four trolley lines serving 10 cities and unincorporated areas throughout San Diego County, carrying more than 250,000 passenger trips on weekdays.