The D.C. Council voted, 11-2, to decriminalize fare evasion on the D.C. Metro transit system. The council will have to vote one more time to confirm the new policy.
"The D.C. Council voted Tuesday to decriminalize Metro fare evasion in the District, citing concerns over soaring enforcement levels and disproportionate enforcement against African Americans," reports Faiz Siddiqui.
"Under the legislation, criminal fare evasion penalties of up to $300 would be replaced by a $50 civil infraction that would not appear on a criminal record," according to Siddiqui.
The article includes more detail about the political debate that preceded the vote. If the council gives the new policy final approval, the new lower penalties for fare evasion would go into effect in 2019.
FULL STORY: D.C. Council votes to decriminalize Metro fare evasion
Penalties for Fare Evasion Not a Good Look
Stiff penalties for transit fare evasion have come under fire as a tool of discrimination, and cities have taken notice.
Cash-Free Transit: Convenient or Unjust?
Washington, D.C.'s Metro is trying a cashless bus pilot that will last until December.
New York State Budget Includes $68B MTA Capital Plan, Boosts Transit Security
The state’s FY26 budget includes increased investment in transit security, mental health services, and fare evasion enforcement.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Single-Stair Design Contest Envisions Human-Scale Buildings
Single-stair building construction is having a resurgence in the United States, where, for the last several decades, zoning codes have required more than one staircase in multi-story housing developments.
Tesla Protests Release of Documents About Austin Robotaxi Launch
The company seeks to block the release of emails with city officials on the grounds they could contain confidential information and trade secrets.
Fungi to the Rescue: How Mushrooms Are Helping Clean Up Toxic Lands
Fungi are emerging as powerful tools in environmental cleanup, with scientists and community leaders using mushrooms to break down pollutants and restore contaminated soil.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Charlotte
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)