Risk It and a Ticket

Risk it and a Ticket – Muni Cops and a Proof of Payments

Every time you board a Muni, you would have to pay $2 if you’re an adult and 75¢ if you’re 17 and under. But be sure to get a transfer if you pay in cash! That is proof that you have paid to ride Muni. I've seen people refuse the transfer after paying the fare, thinking that it’s just another piece of garbage. 

However, what they don’t know is that there are Muni cops going on buses and streetcars inspecting people for proof of payments. Proof of payments includes transfers (good for transferring between Muni for 1 ½ hours), passports (7-day or 30 day passes usually for visitors), and clipper cards. To avoid receiving a citation, have a proof of payment with you at all times! Later in this blog, I will inform you guys more about the clipper card.

Muni Transfers

Muni Passports

Muni loses about 19 million dollars because of the 8 ½ percent of people that doesn't pay what they should (SFGATE). That is the reason why SFMTA has Muni cops – they wanted to catch fare evaders and decrease the deficit. I’d say that Muni inspectors really changed a lot of people. People now fear getting a ticket of $100, so they now pay when boarding Muni.

Muni Fare Inspectors in Action

I've seen Muni fare inspectors numerous times, and are often seen in groups of three or more. Sometimes, they work with the police as well, because I've seen some police officers with inspectors in the Stonestown station. Most of the time, they are polite, and I've seen some nice fare inspectors that helped an elderly person pay their fare. 

Rarely do I see conflicts except for some arguments on the bus. People just usually go along with the fare inspectors and receive their citation. I believe that Muni fare inspectors are necessary to keep things in order, and to close the deficit gap as well. Knowing the different ways of how to pay is very important, and the most popular way of paying is by clipper cards.  

Clipper cards were introduced around 2010. At first, clipper cards were called Translink, and a limited amount of people used it. After Translink, it changed to clipper cards. Clipper cards are electronic passes that substitute’s paper passes. It is more convenient because it can automatically load money onto the card, so you will always have sufficient amount on the clipper card to deduct your fare. 

Clipper Card

Currently, Muni offers four different ways you can add value to the clipper card. You can add value by phone, website, vending machines, and retailer stores. Those that don’t use technology like elderly people will have to all or go to retailer stores to add value. Today, it is very widely used and if fairly convenient. Just tap your clipper card on the machine near the doors on the bus and you’re ready to roll! Do you have a story you want to share about Muni fare inspectors or clipper cards? Comment below! I’d like to hear your story!