MINNEAPOLIS — Starting Monday, Metro Transit will begin issuing citations and fines to people who don’t pay their fares.
The first violation fare is $35. These will be managed by community service officers, who are uniformed members of the Metro Transit Police Department who are training to become police officers.
Community service workers will board the train or bus and ask customers for proof of payment, such as an app ticket, Go-To card, or paper money transfer. If a passenger is found not to have paid their fare, an administrative order will be issued and they must pay within 90 days.
A second citation costs $55. A third violation will result in a $75 fee and the passenger will be banned from using Metro Transit for 60 days. The fine will then increase to $100 and the passenger will be banned from using the subway for his 120 days. These citations do not appear on your criminal record and can be appealed.
Metro Transit has several programs to reduce fares, including programs for young people, seniors, and people with Medicare cards. In addition, those eligible for transportation assistance will pay $1 for the ride.