LA Metro is finally doing real onboard fare checks.
Now, they need our help.
In August, LA Metro fully reinstated prepandemic-style fare checks on the A Line North, just like we asked, doing over 10k fare checks and writing 735 fare citations in just the first month (after an initial two week warning period).
Anti-fare activists are furious, and we believe they may be mobilizing to have the enforcement pilot shut down.
Our allies inside Metro have told us they need a big turnout from fare check supporters this Thursday, or the fate of the pilot could be in jeopardy as soon as it runs into blowback.
Here's where we need you this week:
Regular Board Meeting (most important)
Thu 10/22/2026 10:00am One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 3rd Floor, Metro Board Room
(There's a virtual comment option too.)
We're commenting during the CEO's remarks, since many of the board members leave before general comment. However, if general comment is more convenient, you can comment then. CEO's remarks are at the very beginning at 10am. General comment is at the end, so probably not before 11:30am.
To comment in person: Sign up to comment on "report by the Chief Executive Officer" at the tablet when entering. During that item, your name will be called. Walk up to your assigned lectern. You will have 60 seconds to speak.
To comment remotely: Dial into the meeting using the instructions on the meeting page. As soon as they move to general comment, type "#2". You should hear “your hand has been raised”. They will tell you when you’re about to be unmuted by saying the last four digits of your number. You will have 60 seconds to speak.
Talking points:
Thank/PRAISE Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins and Metro Police Chief Bill Scott for greenlighting this fare check pilot. It's not just to butter her up. If you mention CEO Wiggins by name toward the beginning of your comment, it will allow us to more seamlessly use the CEO's remarks for our comments instead of being told to wait until General Comment.
Make it personal. Talk about the noticeable positive impact fare enforcement has had on your experience riding the A Line. If you don't ride the A Line, explain why you hope to see a similar fare compliance operation expanded to your bus or rail line.
Riders want fare enforcement. The CX Pulse Survey unveiled last week showed broad, outspoken support from riders for the new fare checks. Metro should listen to that.
We'll get more money. LA Metro currently has a systemwide evasion rate of around 50%. That means that with fare enforcement, LA Metro could nearly double fare revenue. And every additional dollar collected will go straight into running better transit service for LA County's working class commuters.
The pilot has strong local backing. This pilot was launched after Metro received letters from the mayors of Arcadia, Azusa, Duarte, Irwindale and Monrovia, from US Rep. Gilbert Cisneros and from the San Gabriel Valley Service Advisory Council all urging Metro to bring back fare enforcement. Let's thank Metro for listening to the San Gabriel Valley's leaders.
Read more about the pilot on page 3 of this month's public safety update.
https://boardagendas.metro.net/board-report/2026-0630/
PSAC Community Listening Session
Tue Oct 20 2026 6:00pm-7:30pm One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 3rd Floor, Metro Board Room
On Tuesday night, the Public Safety Advisory Committee will be holding a community listening session. Our opponents attend these meetings to voice opposition to virtually all onboard rule enforcement, so we need to be there too. Please attend if you can make it!
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at ametroworthpayingfor@gmail.com.