Study BART's fare evasion crackdown falls short on revenue recovery, equity

A report from the Center for Policing Equity indicates that BART's fare evasion enforcement does not correlate with reduced crime rates. Most arrests made during fare evasion stops are for minor offenses and not directly related to fare evasion. The revenue from fare evasion citations has been significantly lower than the costs associated with enforcement, peaking at $86,613 in 2019 while BART spent $25. 5 million on law enforcement in 2023. The study also points out that Black individuals, who make up less than 9% of the population served by BART, received nearly 50% of fare evasion citations.

BART's communications officer, Alicia Trost, asserted that the agency would continue its enforcement measures, citing a 17% drop in crime. Trost also mentioned the introduction of new fare gates aimed at reducing fare evasion and improving equity. Following the murder of George Floyd, BART expanded the use of non-police responders, a strategy recommended by the CPE for prioritization over fare evasion enforcement. BART fare rates are set to increase by 6. 2% in January.