Citations Issued in Crackdown on Fare Evaders as Santa Monica Metro Enforces TAP-to-Exit Program

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (September 10, 2024) – After a week of education and warnings, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) began issuing citations today to riders who failed to comply with the TAP-to-Exit Program at the downtown Santa Monica E Line station. The new program, launched last week, aims to enhance security, reduce fare evasion, and improve safety for all transit users. On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Metro security issued several $75 fines to riders who did not properly tap their cards to ride on the Metro.

For the past seven days, Metro security had focused on educating riders about the new requirement, giving out warnings to those who failed to tap their cards upon exiting. However, as of today, enforcement is now fully underway, with citations being issued to ensure compliance. This measure is a part of Metro's broader efforts to promote fare compliance and deter unauthorized use of the transit system.

The TAP-to-Exit Program was initially tested at the North Hollywood station, where it successfully reduced incidents such as fights, drug use, and graffiti by 40%. Following this success, the program expanded to Santa Monica as a collaborative effort between the city, Los Angeles County, and Metro to improve public safety and address the challenges posed by unauthorized train riders in the downtown area. Santa Monica Vice Mayor Lana Negrete was on-site last week to observe the program's launch, where she engaged with deputies and joined them during their sweeps through the trains, reminding riders that they had reached the end of the line and needed to exit.

To support the new initiative, Metro has deployed a range of personnel, including Metro Ambassadors, the Metro Outreach Team, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Mental Evaluation Team (LASD MET). These teams have been present at the station to provide outreach, assistance, and support to passengers. The LASD MET, which includes a deputy sheriff and a licensed mental health clinician, specializes in crisis assessment, intervention, and targeted case management, reducing the use of force, minimizing unnecessary hospitalizations, and avoiding the incarceration of severely mentally ill individuals.

During the recent sweeps, Sheriff's Deputies, along with a K9 unit trained to detect explosives, conducted searches to further enhance security at the station. The K9, capable of identifying explosives and concealed firearms from a distance of around 50 yards, adds another layer of safety to Metro's efforts.

Metro Ambassadors continue to play a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment by connecting riders to resources, reporting maintenance and safety concerns, and supporting overall public safety efforts. Metro's Homeless Outreach Teams also engage with unhoused riders, linking them to necessary resources and services.

The TAP-to-Exit program is a key part of Metro's strategy to deter criminal activity, reassure commuters, and restore confidence in the transit system. "Metro programs like TAP-to-Exit, combined with the efforts of our officers, are crucial for achieving a safer community," stated Santa Monica Police Chief Ramón Batista.

As Metro fully implements the TAP-to-Exit program, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies and Metro Armed Security will continue to conduct comprehensive sweeps of the station, ensuring fare compliance, maintaining public safety, and providing outreach to passengers. Los Angeles County Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Expanding the TAP-to-Exit program to the Downtown Santa Monica E Line Station is an additional way Metro is improving customer experience and safety. We encourage everyone to use public transit and benefit from these enhancements.”

Passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any security concerns through Metro’s Transit Watch app or by contacting Metro security at 888.950.7233. In emergencies, passengers should dial 9-1-1.

The continued enforcement of the TAP-to-Exit Program, alongside the presence of Metro Ambassadors, outreach teams, and increased law enforcement, reflects Metro's commitment to providing a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all transit users while promoting sustainable public transportation options in Santa Monica.