What if you got on a SEPTA Regional Rail train and when the conductor asks for money or passes you didn't have either? I've always wondered this because I doubt if it happens that much.
Railroad Forums
What would the conductor do in this situation?
- Discussion relating to Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (Philadelphia Metro Area). Official web site can be found here: www.septa.com. Also including discussion related to the PATCO Speedline rapid transit operated by Delaware River Port Authority. Official web site can be found here: http://www.ridepatco.org/.
Moderator: AlexC
There is a procedure for this, and a form the passenger must complete to identify him/herself and send in with the proper fare. If the passenger does not comply, s/he is put off the train, with police assistance if necessary.
This just happened to me about 2 weeks ago. I have a monthly pass, but I forgot to grab my wallet before leaving for work (Actually, I grabbed the wrong wallet). When the conductor came to me, I explained that I had a monthly pass but forgot it. He said he could not help me out and asked me to pay. I further explained that I forgot my wallet and had no money either. He asked if I had a photo ID, which I did not. He said I would need to fill out a form. He shuffled through his papers for a second, and then told me he would be back with the form. He never came back. I took this as him letting me slide but not wanting everyone around me to know he was letting me slide. I thought it was very nice of him.
I will say from a standpoint of working train service before if you notice you have no cash or forgot your pass you should speak to a crew member prior to boarding if possible. Reason being it takes the spotlight off the crew member when he/she asks for it on board because if you don't have anything it puts the the person in the position to either make you fill out uncollected fare report or risk being turned in by someone else for letting you slide.
AMTRAK HAWK DETECTOR TRACK 1 NOOO DEFECTS OUT!
That makes sense. I honestly didn't realize it until I had already boarded. If I had realized it before I would have walked back home and taken a later train.