Fully explore option of Sound Transit fare gates

Sound Transit has bumped up enforcement of fare payments — albeit slightly and even gently — to make sure those trying to get a free ride will pay along with those already paying their fair share.

The agency changed its fare collection policy in response to the pandemic and allegations of biased enforcement. Sound Transit exchanged security guards for fare ambassadors, whose initial engagement with riders is education rather than citations.

Fare collections fell drastically and have not recovered, even as the COVID-19 peril waned and people returned to previous activities. From 2019 to 2020, Sound Transit’s fare revenue dropped from $96 million to just $30 million as ridership dropped in sync with restrictions created by the pandemic. Fares for 2024 are expected to bring in $59.4 million.

Now the agency is considering installing fare-collection gates that would require passengers to pay before boarding the Link or Sounder trains.

The idea is worth serious consideration and study. Sound Transit staff is expected to present a detailed briefing to the Sound Transit board on the idea this year.

A draft report created in 2022 for Sound Transit included an analysis that showed that if all 31 Link and Sounder stations are retrofitted with fare gates it would cost more than $200 million. The analysis also looked at a second option: retrofit just the five top stations when it comes to ridership (Capitol Hill, Chinatown International District, Northgate, University District and Westlake). This would cost just over $31 million. 

Based on return on investment, the analysis showed that installing fare gates only at the top five stations was the best scenario.

But a full, comprehensive study should be conducted with an eye toward getting the most bang for the public’s dollars, including hiring a firm to conduct the study itself.

Sound Transit estimated that in 2023, only 55% of riders paid fares. That number is expected to increase with the addition of more fare ambassadors and stepped-up enforcement.

The Link opened for service in 2009 and has been barrier-free, yet still with a fare. Barrier-free has its advantages. It allows large groups of people to board quickly, just tap and go. It also is easier for passengers with luggage or strollers, or those with mobility issues. Yet it also allows for too many people to ride without paying.

As Sound Transit looks to hire a new CEO and expand to meet the current and future needs of the region, its leaders should explore how fare-access gates would work and send a message to fare evaders that there’s no such thing as a free ride.

An earlier version of this editorial misidentified the University District light rail station.