Frequent riders of the LA Metro have long noticed the constant reminders to keep their TAP cards ready for inspection. Social media posts and news reports have also highlighted the agency’s ongoing attempts to control fare evasion.
However, what came as a major surprise this summer was the discovery that LA Metro has, in practice, barely enforced fares for several years.
Declining Fare Enforcement Across the System
Extremely Low Citation Numbers
A detailed 15-page review reveals that LA Metro’s team of about 200 Transit Security Officers (TSOs) issues fewer than 10 fare-evasion citations per day across the entire network. Recent data also shows that each TSO writes only about 1.4 fare citations per month.
Surprisingly, this drop in enforcement has nothing to do with fare evasion becoming rare. In reality, almost 46% of riders skip payment, and some routes experience more than 60% evasion, creating nearly 12 million unpaid rides every month.
Fare Evasion Linked to Crime and Rider Discomfort
Metro reports state that more than 90% of offenders involved in onboard crimes enter the system without paying. As a result, safety challenges and disorder—lingering since the pandemic—continue to trouble riders.
According to the USC Barometer Survey, around two-thirds of riders believed LA Metro was unsafe in the previous year, proving that the issue goes far deeper than fare collection.
How LA Metro Reached This Point
Transfer of Enforcement Responsibilities
The situation worsened after 2017, when Metro shifted its Code of Conduct enforcement from the Sheriff’s Department to its in-house security team. Once this transition occurred, overall enforcement dropped sharply.
Pandemic Suspension of Fares
During the COVID-19 pandemic, fares were fully suspended for nearly two years, creating a culture where riders became used to boarding for free. Even though Metro now claims to have resumed enforcement, riders say otherwise—many feel that the system is still operating under an unofficial free-fare model.
Rider Priorities Ignored
Survey data consistently shows that riders care most about safety, cleanliness, and order, even more than service frequency. They also strongly support efforts such as increased faregate use to limit unpaid ridership. Yet enforcement remains almost nonexistent.
Metro’s Justifications — and the Reality
Claims of “Deterrence”
Metro officials argue that TSOs focus on other responsibilities and provide deterrence simply through visibility. However, statistics show that only 19 non-fare-related citations and warnings were issued throughout the entire summer. This raises doubts about how much enforcement—or deterrence—is truly happening.
No Real Consequence for Fare Evaders
If riders know their TAP cards will almost never be checked, the supposed “deterrence” has no practical effect. Without consequences, unpaid boarding remains widespread.
A New Strategy for Real Fare Compliance
Reassigning TSOs to Active Fare Checks
The report proposes that Metro redirect TSOs toward onboard proof-of-payment validations. If each officer checks around 20 TAP cards per hour, Metro could verify over 20,000 riders daily using its current workforce.
Improving Safety and Accountability
More interactions with riders would naturally help TSOs spot suspicious behavior and prevent crimes. Random inspections would further ensure that the system is used solely for its intended purpose—safe, reliable transportation.
Protecting Low-Income Riders While Restoring Order
Support Programs Already in Place
Strengthening fare enforcement does not harm low-income residents. Metro’s LIFE program already provides 20 free rides each month for people earning below $53,000 annually. Additionally, fare citations do not lead to a criminal record.
A Needed Reset for LA Transit
For nearly five years, LA Metro has unintentionally experimented with a massive, free-fare model. Most riders, however, feel the outcome has been far from positive. A shift toward consistent, fair, and visible enforcement could help rebuild trust and restore safety.
LA Metro’s lack of meaningful fare enforcement has contributed to soaring fare evasion, declining safety, and widespread rider dissatisfaction.
With millions of unpaid rides and security issues rising, the system can no longer rely on passive deterrence.
By assigning TSOs to perform regular onboard fare checks and reinforcing accountability, Metro has a real opportunity to rebuild confidence and deliver the clean, safe, and reliable transit experience that riders continue to demand.
