Handling Non-Payment on Buses: Processes and Procedures in the USA

In the United States, the procedures for dealing with passengers who refuse to pay fares or do not have the correct change can vary significantly by transit agency and jurisdiction. This article explores common practices and policies implemented by bus drivers and transit systems to ensure smooth operations and adhere to legal and safety standards.

Common Fare Collection Policies

Many transit systems have specific fare collection policies that drivers are trained to follow. These policies often mandate that drivers are to follow a certain protocol when encountering passengers who do not have the correct fare. In many cases, drivers have the discretion to allow passengers to ride for free, especially if it is a matter of not having exact change. This is not universal, however, and can depend on the specific transit agency and local regulations.

Warning or Reminder

When a passenger realizes they do not have the correct fare, the bus driver may choose to give a verbal reminder of the fare policy and request payment. Some transit systems also provide passengers with options for obtaining the correct fare in the future, such as purchasing a pass or top-up online.

Issuing a Fare Violation Ticket

In some cases, if a passenger refuses to pay the fare after being reminded, the driver may have the authority to issue a fare violation ticket or inform the passenger of potential financial consequences. This is typically a last resort and is usually accompanied by a verbal warning.

Asking the Passenger to Disembark

If a passenger continues to refuse to pay the fare, the driver may ask them to leave the bus at the next stop. This is usually done in a calm and professional manner, ensuring the safety of all passengers.

Calling for Assistance

If the situation escalates or if the passenger becomes confrontational, the driver may call for transit security or local law enforcement to handle the situation. This is especially true if concerns about safety are present. In many transit systems, drivers have radios to communicate with law enforcement, and in some cases, a specific stop on the route is designated for calling police.

Local Examples: Canmore and Calgary

In the Town of Canmore, where I currently live, the bus is completely free, which means there is no issue with passengers not paying. However, parking costs money, and it is used to subsidize the bus system. Canmore faces a significant parking shortage, making this a crucial aspect of the local transit system.

When I worked in the City of Calgary, non-payment of a fare was punishable by a 250 fine and was strictly enforced. All bus drivers had radios, and one stop on the Light Rail system was the police station. Any issues would be taken to the police station, and the driver only needed to open one door for police to board. Undercover police officers were known for their unorthodox appearances, being even scruffier than the homeless people around town. To know these officers, you often needed to know someone who knew someone.

Transit officials report that annual surveys find only a few percent of the total number of riders on the system do not pay a fare. Despite the 250 fine, the number of fare violations is relatively low, which means the deterrence is effective.

Conclusion

Bus drivers in the USA face a range of challenges in ensuring that all passengers pay the correct fare. The approach can vary widely depending on the specific rules set by the transit agency, the circumstances of the situation, and the discretion given to the driver. Regardless of the process, the primary focus is on maintaining safe and efficient transit operations.