Since the first week of October 2007, the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission has attempted to educate the ACE passengers on the importance of purchasing and validating tickets before boarding the Trains. 20-ride tickets, round-trip tickets and one-way tickets all require validation from the platform validation machines.  The issue is an important one because a consistent problem with fare evaders can have far reaching, negative implications.  Fare box recovery (the percentage of operating costs paid for by the passenger fares) is a key factor in various funding programs.  Some programs are competitive and some are allocated on a formula basis, but the fare recovery comes into play in nearly every investment discussion.

Initially, we tried to take this issue to the passengers as an educational item, however there is a small group of passengers who keep trying to cheat the system and avoid paying for their trip.  In other industries and businesses, this is not tolerated.  It is like walking out of a store with an iPod without paying. We had hoped that by trying to work with the passengers, the word would get out to everyone and the problems would be eliminated. This has not happened, so starting March 17, 2008 we will begin maximum enforcement of the fare program rules that are posted on the Web Site and on the back of our Schedules in the section for, “Tickets”.

Most of you are already complying with the procedures so it shouldn’t impact your train trip.  This is meant for those who continue to cheat the system without regard for it’s impact on the rest of the riders or the ability for ACE to be competitive in some of the major funding programs.

640.  (a) Any of the acts described in subdivision (b) is aninfraction punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred fiftydollars ($250) and by community service for a total time not toexceed 48 hours over a period not to exceed 30 days, during a timeother than during his or her hours of school attendance oremployment, when committed on or in any of the following: (b) (1) Evasion of the payment of a fare of the system.(2) Misuse of a transfer, pass, ticket, or token with the intentto evade the payment of a fare. (11) (A) Unauthorized use of a discount ticket or failure topresent, upon request from a transit system representative,acceptable proof of eligibility to use a discount ticket, inaccordance with Section 99155 of the Public Utilities Code and postedsystem identification policies when entering or exiting a transitstation or vehicle.  Acceptable proof of eligibility must be clearlydefined in the posting.    (B) In the event that an eligible discount ticket user is not inpossession of acceptable proof at the time of request, any citationissued shall be held for a period of 72 hours to allow the user toproduce acceptable proof. If the proof is provided, the citationshall be voided. If the proof is not produced within that timeperiod, the citation shall be processed. 

ACE staff onboard the trains have the ability to issue citations to anyone who violates the applicable parts of the California State Penal Code.

Ticket revenue is ACE’s primary source of funding for train operations. This money goes directly towards operating costs which allows other funding to go towards capital related items such as new equipment, stations, track projects and capacity improvements.

All ACE passengers must have a validated one-way, roundtrip, twenty ride ticket, posses a current monthly, or have an instant ticket purchased within 12 hours of boarding the train. Failure to do so can result in the issuance of a citation. If there is a legitimate reason that your ticket is not valid it is your responsibility to inform an on board employee so they can properly evaluate the situation and take the appropriate action.

The issuance of citations can be a costly and timely process for all parties. It could involve court appearances, absences from work and court imposed fines and penalties.

ACE requests all our passengers do their part to ensure they posses a valid ticket or pass prior to boarding the train.

Know how many rides are left on your multi ride ticket. Purchase tickets in advance if necessary to ensure you do not run out of trips.

Purchase monthly passes in advance of the first of the month.

Allow enough time prior to boarding the train to validate tickets.

If unable to validate or purchase a ticket prior to boarding the train immediately seek out an on board employee to notify them of the situation.