Unpaid riders and broken fares boxes are causing budget woes for San Francisco's bus and rail system, Muni, according to the system's administrators. The agency estimates losses in the tens of millions of dollars.
San Francisco's public transit system raises only 22 percent of its operating expenses at the fare box -- a rate that falls short of the national average -- in part due to broken fare boxes and riders who cheat the system, city officials acknowledge."
"Officials don't know how much money is lost each year, but it could be in the tens of millions of dollars, according to the agency's own estimates."
"The revelation comes as the agency's governing board is asking Mayor Gavin Newsom and the Board of Supervisors to raise tow fees and the cost to park at city-owned garages to help close a projected $11 million deficit in the agency's proposed $680 million budget."
"To illustrate the problem of fare cheats, Ford held up a fistful of confiscated counterfeit monthly FastPasses at a recent City Hall meeting, telling the agency's governing board, 'We do have an issue with fraud we need to deal with.'"
"One proposed solution: Increase the number of fare inspectors over the next year to 64, up from the current crew of 28."
FULL STORY: No fare: cheats on Muni

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

Study: Large SUVs Double Risk of Death for Children Under 10
New research from the United Kingdom reveals the higher risk of larger vehicles for pedestrians and cyclists.

Texas Bills Aim to Tackle Housing Affordability
One proposed bill would raise the threshold for neighbor opposition to new development.
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.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions