WASHINGTON — Metro Transit Police have begun cracking down on fare evasion in D.C. New enhanced citations took effect on Monday, and resulted in 37 citations and five arrests, according to a spokesperson for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Following the passage of the Secure DC omnibus bill, riders have to provide their ID, or name and address so the officer can issue a civil citation of up to $50. If they refuse, the fine could double and a person can even be arrested.
Of the five arrests reported on Monday, a WMATA spokesperson said two were arrested for outstanding warrants.
"It is not uncommon for Metro Transit Police to arrest individuals with outstanding warrants in local jurisdictions, which speaks to the important role MTPD plays in keeping our region safe," the spokesperson said.
The new policy adds to other measures the transit system has been implementing to curb fare evasion. Metro says people not paying their rides costs them $40 million a year.
New higher fare gates have decreased fare evasion by more than 70% at the stations that have them, according to the transit system.
Metro has also increased police patrols, hired special officers and crisis intervention specialists in an effort to reduce crime.
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