King County Metro to resume fare inspection March 31; full enforcement begins May 31

King County Metro will resume fare inspection on March 31, 2025, with a phased approach that moves from education to formal enforcement, Metro officials told the Regional Transit Committee on March 19.

Metro presented the plan to the committee as part of a broader safety and equity agenda. ‘‘Starting March 31, fare inspectors will ask riders for proof of payment and provide friendly verbal reminders and information,’’ Renee Hosogi, Metro’s SAFE Reform program manager, said. ‘‘Full enforcement—written warnings moving toward citations—will begin May 31.’’

The phased approach is intended to reset rider behavior and limit immediate punitive impacts. During the education phase (starting March 31), inspectors will ask for proof of payment (a tapped ORCA card or valid transfer) and provide information about reduced‑fare programs and how to obtain them. Beginning May 31, Metro will issue written warnings and, after two warnings, may issue a citation that could result in a fine or one of several alternate resolutions.

Why it matters: Metro relies on fares as a funding source and must meet Federal Transit Administration funding obligations. Committee members and Metro staff framed the resumption as both a revenue stewardship action and a public‑facing reinforcement of the system’s code of conduct, coupled with expanded non‑enforcement supports.

Key elements of the resumption plan

- Dates and phases: education begins March 31, 2025; full…