by Gilbert B Norman
Today, The New York Times reports that an added NJT woe is an inability to properly "handle revenue":
http://nytimes.com/2017/05/07/nyregion/ ... fares.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Fair Use:
Can a train crew be blamed if the agency does not properly call Assistants when they know they will have a herd aboard for an event like that?
http://nytimes.com/2017/05/07/nyregion/ ... fares.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Fair Use:
New Jersey Transit, one of the nation’s busiest commuter railroads, has been flogged by riders who have suffered through a brutal stretch of travel upheavals. The railroad’s safety record is under scrutiny after a fatal derailment last year.I'd like to think I would never wilfully evade a ticket lift or fare collection in this life. In common with likely every transit agency around, METRA (Chicago rail transit) has warnings about of the criminal penalties for fare evasion. But there are times that neither Conductor/Asst nor passenger can be held accountable. For myself, going into town taking my "poor man's way to O'Hare" Saturday morning April 23, there was also a "Science march" demonstration in town as well as nationally (found same in Atlanta that afternoon as well). There was no window open, so it was pay on train. The train was standing room only, but I had a seat. Here comes the Conductor; I had my Senior permit and the $3 fare ready to go. He gives me a hat check and forgets about the rest. I said "I owe you something". "all you owe me is to have a nice day", and he's gone.
Now, questions are being raised about how it handles a basic task: ensuring riders pay their fares.
More than 240,000 fares were not collected on New Jersey Transit last year because trains were crowded and understaffed, according to a letter sent in March to the railroad’s executive director from the union representing conductors. The letter, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times, said uncollected fares could represent more than $5.5 million in lost revenue
Can a train crew be blamed if the agency does not properly call Assistants when they know they will have a herd aboard for an event like that?