Policy Change That Could End the Disproportionate Targeting of Black Transit Riders

In San Diego, Black Americans account for only 12-14% of Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) ridership, but they receive 32% of the quality-of-life citations. No other group experiences this kind of disproportionate share, notes National City Housing Advisory Committee commissioner Marcus Bush in a recent Voice of San Diego piece detailing an experience of improper detainment by MTS enforcement officers. 

"The data from MTS is consistent with what we’ve seen in transit agencies across the country – from large cities such as Los Angeles and New York City – to smaller cities like Portland. It confirms the reality that many of us have personally experienced – the unfair and disparate treatment of Black transit riders," writes Bush. 

The MTS Board of Directors approved a program to reduce fare-evasion fines and allow community service rather than monetary payment. Bush considers these to be good first steps, but wants to see more intentional consideration to "address disparate treatment of Black riders and ensure a welcoming, safe, and fair transit system for all transit riders." Bush calls specifically for the reconsideration of transit security and attitudes toward addressing fare evasion as well as the decriminalization of an inability to pay evasion fees. 

Moreover, transit officials should undergo more anti-bias training and work with social support services to help riders with mental health issues. Addressing the issues underlying fare evasion will allow for a transit system accessible and safe for everyone, says Bush.