Sound Transit, King County Metro suspending fare enforcement to improve safety during novel coronavirus response
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.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
