Sound Transit fare ambassadors have officially replaced fare enforcement officers as part of a recent package of updates to Sound Transit's fare engagement approach.
We want to hear from you about your experience with fare ambassadors. Fill out this quick, four-question survey to deliver your feedback.
- 参与问卷调查!
- 參與問卷調查!
- 조사에 참여하세요!
- Примите участие в опросе!
- ¡Realice la encuesta!
- Sagutan ang Survey!
- Tham gia Khảo Sát!
The Sound Transit Board also recently adopted the following updates to our fare compliance approach:
- Passengers can now receive two warnings in a 12-month period instead of one
- More options for resolving cases of initial citations
- No involvement with collection agencies
In addition, the Board reinforced support for income-qualified riders, including lower ORCA LIFT fares that will be promoted through expanded marketing and extended subsidized pass programs.
- Reduction of ORCA LIFT fare from $1.50 to $1.00 beginning in September 2022
- Additional outreach funding for reduced fare programs
- Fully subsidized ORCA pilot program extended until end of 2024
Fare Ambassadors
Fare Ambassadors are Sound Transit staff that will be present at Link and Sounder stations and onboard trains. Look for their yellow hats!
Fare Ambassadors:
- Check fares
- Answer questions
- Teach passengers how to use the system
- Help passengers purchase ORCA cards and passes
- Assist riders in finding the ORCA fare that is best for them
- Help income-eligible passengers learn how to get an ORCA LIFT card
What comes next
The Sound Transit Board adopted Fare Engagement’s recommendation on staffing levels for Fare Ambassadors, which will take effect starting in 2023.
When the newly adopted fare compliance policy takes effect, riders will have more opportunities to learn how to best pay their fare depending on their situation. For example, they might get connected to ORCA LIFT if they fit the requirements for the program.
For those riders that do move into the citation steps of non-compliance, there will be multiple pathways for resolution, including non-monetary options.
Non-payment interactions within 12 months |
Old Program |
New Program |
---|---|---|
1st |
Warning |
Warning |
2nd |
Civil infraction |
Warning |
3rd |
Civil infraction |
$50 Citation* |
4th |
Civil infraction |
$75 Citation* |
5th and beyond |
Civil infraction |
$124 Civil infraction** |
*Sound Transit managed resolutions: will include monetary and non-monetary options, along with referrals to reduced fare programs like ORCA LIFT.
**Resolved through the district court, depending on where the infraction occurred
How we got here
Learn more about Sound Transit's fare engagement work on the Platform blog:
- Aug. 29, 2022: Fare Ambassador program now permanent
- May 31, 2022: New approach to fare checking/enforcement moves forward, Fare Ambassadors program doubles
- Jan. 28, 2022: Responding to declining fares revenues
- Dec. 29, 2021: Inside Sound Transit: Fare ambassadors are here to help
- Sept. 10, 2021: Fare Ambassadors enter the system for the first time
- March 26, 2020: Sound Transit revises fare enforcement methods to better ensure…
- Feb. 6, 2020: Sound Transit's fare enforcement preliminary survey results are in
- Oct. 4, 2019: Sound Transit reviewing fare enforcement program for improvements
Stay involved
An effective and equitable fare engagement program starts with authentic community relationships. We're grateful to the individuals and groups who have challenged us to improve, and we'll continue to rely on your feedback.
Email us: FareEngagement@soundtransit.org
Call us: 800-201-4900