Capstone Students Evaluated the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System's (MTS) Fare Diversion Program

In 2020, MTS launched a new Fare Diversion Program to maintain fare revenue while promoting social equity on the trolley system. The Fare Diversion Program allows MTS Trolley riders to resolve a fare violation citation without facing a court hearing or an elevated fine. However, this program has not proven beneficial to either MTS or its riders. 

The Capstone research group aimed to address the program’s ineffectiveness and provide policy recommendations and strategies to address revenue collection in the transit system in a way that was sensitive to the needs of lower-income riders. By surveying MTS employees and observing enforcement officers, the Capstone research group developed policy recommendations for MTS management to review and implement. The research found that while implemented with good intentions, certain aspects of the program have decreased its effectiveness. Based on a review of peer agencies, interviews and surveys with MTS staff, and in-person observations of fare enforcement personnel, the team identified a suite of potential reforms that could turn around this program.