Self-Service Fare Collection on the San Diego Trolley

The San Diego Trolley (owner by the Metropolitan Transit Development Board) began operations in July 1981 using self-service fare collection (SSFC). Passengers must have proof of payment consisting of a single-ride ticket bought at a vending machine located at one of the 18 stations, a multi-ride ticket validated at one of the same machines, a transfer, or a monthly pass. About one-third of riders are checked by a team of inspectors who issue citations, or notices to appear in court, to fare evaders. The usual penalty for fare evasion is to forfeit $20 bail plus a $10 court fee. The 33 ticket machines have performed well in the opinion of Trolley staff, with a record of better than 96% in-service availability. Analysis of boarding times indicates that SSFC on the Trolley saves about 3.4 minutes per 16-mile run. On the average, 0.5% of passengers checked do not have proper proof of payment. The use of court citations has proved workable, although 20% to 40% of cited passengers ignore the citations indefinitely. Passengers have generally positive attitudes toward the SSFC system. Total annual cost (including annualized capital) for SSFC has been estimated at $444,000 or $.11 per passenger. Conventional fare collection would have much higher operating costs and lower capital costs.