Xվ NEWSRADIO OPINION

Ross: You have to pay your transit fare now; imagine that

Mar 20, 2023, 7:46 AM | Updated: 9:18 am

Light rail transit fare...

Starting this week, new signs are going up at all the light rail stations. They are bright yellow signs that say “Pay To Enter.” (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Now that the that there are no excuses for not paying your transit fare, Sound Transit is ready to end any confusion that might remain.

Starting this week, new signs are going up at all the light rail stations. They are bright yellow signs that say “Pay To Enter.”

More from Dave Ross: Ex-football players would convince people to pay for transit

And in addition to the bright yellow signs overhead, there will be bright yellow lines on the floor. If you cross the line and have not paid, you can be asked to leave. And as we know, thanks to the Supreme Court decision, if you do not respond to the request to leave, your departure will be politely assisted by someone in uniform.

Speaking of Security, Sound Transit CEO Julie Timm posted this video:

YouTube video

“The security presence will be more visible, and it will have improved response times on board and at stations over the course of this year,” Timm said. “We’re also working with partners to put more focus on helping to connect those people in need with social services resources in real-time.”

In real time – that implies no extended loitering in the stations, and people in crisis will be quickly and compassionately escorted to a more suitable location.

And for you transit fans who found that Seattle Times article about the sad state of the Downtown Transit tunnel as depressing as I did, she also promised working equipment and more attention to cleanliness.

“You’ll see us focusing on cleaning our stations more often over the course of this year, and we’re bringing back the trash cans at downtown station platforms,” Timm said.

Can I get a Hallelujah!!

For a while there, I thought we were trying to out-grunge New York City.

I know this will not happen instantly, but it’s the best transit news I’ve heard in a long time.

According to the official release, Sound Transit understands this might represent a significant change for many people – the idea of having to pay for something before you enter. I would just point out that there are many organizations that have used this method quite successfully for many years – including theaters, amusement parks, the Space Needle, and every sports event – whether your team wins or not!

So I’m pretty sure we can handle this.

And remember – Sound Transit also remains one of few transactions where no one expects a tip. In fact, it’s not even an option.

Your tab fees take care of that.


Listen to Seattle’s Morning News with Dave Ross and Colleen O’Brien weekday mornings from 5 – 9 a.m. on Xվ Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Dave's Commentary

Dave Ross on Xվ Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • to Xվ Newsradio weekdays at 5am for Dave Ross on Seattle's Morning News.

Xվ Newsradio Opinion

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: Getting High for the Safety of the People

John officially asks management if he can take a day off of work to get stoned at the request of the Seattle Police Department. Listen to The John Curley Show every weekday at 3pm on Xվ Newsradio 97.3 FM. Listen to Xվ Newsradio 97.3 FM, or visit MyNorthwest.com to learn more!

2 hours ago

seattle spd lawsuit...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘She’ll get paid’: Jake and Spike react to Jamie Tompkins’ request for $3M regarding Diaz allegations

Jamie Tompkins seeks $3M from Seattle over Diaz allegations. Jake and Spike share insights on this controversial development.

11 hours ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: Jeremie Dufault on Ban, Ferguson & WA’s Future

State Rep Jeremie Dufault joined the John Curley Show to talk about being banned from the house floor last week, his optimism in Bob Ferguson as the Governor and why he still has hope for the future of the state of Washington. Listen to The John Curley Show every weekday at 3pm on Xվ Newsradio […]

22 hours ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: Help Us Find Producer Laura’s Mystery Man!

On the Jake & Spike Show, producer Laura shares a missed connection. It was A chance meeting and a date in Greece straight from a rom-com. Listen to the Jake and Spike Show every weekday from 12pm – 3pm on Xվ Newsradio 97.3 FM. Listen to Xվ Newsradio 97.3 FM or go to MyNorthwest.com to […]

1 day ago

house floor republican...

John Curley Show

‘They’ve been lying, and nobody calls them on it’: Republican Rep. removed from House floor after Parents’ Bill of Rights outburst

The House of Representatives barred Republican lawmaker Jeremie Dufault from the floor for the rest of the legislative session following an outburst Thursday

1 day ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: Is Bill Belichick’s 24-Year-Old Girlfriend Weird?

Did anyone else notice Bill Belichick’s new girlfriend has a uniquely sinister energy in this interview? Listen to the Jake and Spike Show every weekday from 12pm – 3pm on Xվ Newsradio 97.3 FM. Listen to Xվ Newsradio 97.3 FM or go to MyNorthwest.com to learn more!

1 day ago

Ross: You have to pay your transit fare now; imagine that