TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Adoption of Ordinance No. 17
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider the adoption of Ordinance No. 17 Fare Evasion Citation and Adjudication Process for the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Safe and Secure Operations
Initiative - Service Quality
By adopting this ordinance, the District will have the ability to deter fare evasion which will contribute to Service Quality.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
Currently there are no budgetary or fiscal impacts associated with this report other than the cost to publish the ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
At the last Board meeting on January 8, 2020, staff introduced Ordinance No. 17 to the Board for consideration. California Public Utilities Code Section 99580 permits the District ‘s Board of Directors to enact an ordinance to impose administrative penalties for fare evasion. Ordinance No. 17 would decriminalize the offense and regulate fare evasion and the adjudication process for the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
Advantages: An administrative/civil process eliminates associated consequences of introducing individuals into the criminal justice system and relieves the County Court system of prosecuting individuals for minor fare evasion infractions. Adopting the ordinance will allow the District to determine its own fine structure pursuant to the statute.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
The alternative would be to maintain the existing fare evasion citation/adjudication process which is through the court system. However, staff does not recommend it due to the social equity implications to our customers.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Bus Rapid Transit Fare Collection System - May 29, 2019 Board Retreat.
Staff Report 19-208 - East Bay Bus Rapid Transit Project Fare Collection - March 29, 2019 Board Retreat.
Staff Report 19-208a - Fare Evasion Citation and Adjudication Process - July 24, 2019 Board Meeting.
Staff Report 19-208b - Fare Evasion Citation and Adjudication Ordinance - January 8, 2020.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Alameda Contra-Costa Transit District Ordinance No. 17
Prepared by:
Kerry Jackson, Protective Services Manager
Approved/Reviewed by:
Salvador Llamas, Chief Operating Officer
Denise C. Standridge, General Counsel