IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Jean Leier (704) 432-0496

LYNX BLUE LINE FULL FARE ENFORCEMENT COMPLETES FIRST WEEK

Charlotte, N.C., February 11, 2008 - During the first week of the Charlotte Area Transit System’s (CATS) full fare enforcement blitz that occurred from February 4 through February 10, 145 civil citations were handed out to passengers with improper or no fare.  This represents less than one-tenth of one percent of total riders during that week long period.  “We are pleased to see that the vast majority of our LYNX Blue Line passengers are following the fare policy,” said Jim Zingale, CATS Chief Operating Officer.  Nationally, proof-of-payment transit systems experience between 2 – 8 percent of customers attempting to evade fares. Zingale noted the lost revenue of $188.50 from these 145 riders equates to less than half of one percent from revenue collected from the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs).

Customers found without a pass or an expired pass receive a $50 civil citation and are escorted off at the next station.  If a customer indicates that the Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) is not working, the Fare Inspectors and Police will be able to confirm when TVMs are not operational.  Ticket checking on the trains can be done by Fare Inspectors, Police and other Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) personnel.    

Each LYNX Station has at least two TVMs, typically one on each platform. If a TVM is not working, customers are instructed to use the other TVM to purchase a ticket regardless of which direction they are heading. 

To ensure you arrive at your destination on time please arrive at a LYNX station early enough to purchase a ticket.

In addition to the one-way tickets sold at TVMs, customers can purchase seven- day passes at TVMs. Weekly and monthly passes are available at many convenient locations including the Charlotte Transportation Center, Harris Teeter and Food Lion Grocery Stores and many employers in the Uptown area.

Ten Ride Passes are not valid on the LYNX Blue Line.

To learn more about CATS and its services, call 704-336-RIDE or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.