A major fare enforcement campaign is about to ramp up on Metrobus. WMATA has been getting tough on fare evasion on the rails for some time now, but the transit agency says it's now turning its attention to its buses.
More than 70% of bus riders aren't paying the fares right now, Metro officials say.
WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke has a direct message to bus riders: Pay the fare.
"We've heard loud and clear from people. It's something that we are working on. So, starting the week after Thanksgiving, we are going to go after the bus system much more significantly," Clarke said.
Uniformed officers, plainclothes officers, video monitoring, special police and Metro Transit police will all be used in this effort.
Clarke says most of this enforcement will happen without the bus operator getting involved, protecting them from confrontation.