Citing reduced physical contact and supporting social distancing encouraged by local health departments, Sound Transit and King County Metro have said they will temporarily suspend fare enforcement actions.
“Guided by the recommendations of Public Health – Seattle [and] King County related to social distancing, suspending fare enforcement will limit hand-to-hand, close interactions between fare enforcement officers and passengers, protecting their health and – by extension – the health of our community,” wrote Jeff Switzer in a blog for King County Metro.
However, the reduction in fare inspection doesn’t mean fares are no longer needed.
“Fare payment and tapping ORCA cards is still required, with fare revenues providing critical support for operating transit services,” notes Sound Transit. “During this challenging time Sound Transit is committed to maintaining services that are vital to enabling the region’s communities to continue functioning.”
Fare enforcement officers will continue to have a presence throughout both systems. Sound Transit says the officers will oversee and provide guidance on fare payment and continue their focus on providing security presence and customer support.
