King County Metro to fully resumes public transit fare enforcement Saturday

King County Metro will fully resume fare enforcement on May 31, after initially restarting in March with 30 fare enforcement officers deployed across the transit system. These officers will start by issuing verbal reminders to riders who cannot provide valid proof of payment, moving to written warnings and potential fines for continued violations. Metro's Chief Safety Officer, Rebecca Frankhauser, stated that around one-third of riders do not pay fares, which significantly affects the agency's revenue. The adult fare is set at $2. 75, and acceptable proof of payment includes ORCA cards, Transit GO Tickets, and transfer slips.

For youth without valid proof, Metro will provide information regarding the Free Youth Transit Pass. In 2024, Metro recorded over 300,000 daily rides and an estimated $73 million in fare revenue. The resumption of fare enforcement aims to restore compliance and ensure the sustainability of transit services. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to maintaining safe and reliable public transportation in the region.