As part of ongoing efforts to stop fare evasion on Commuter Rail trains, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company this week increased random checks of all tickets. The highlight of this program is a new inspection system using technology that allows Commuter Rail conductors to immediately identify counterfeit tickets and passes.

          Acting MBTA General Manager William Mitchell said the new program, in which conductors use a small, flashlight-like device to identify counterfeit fare media, is showing early signs of success.  "In less than three days, conductors have discovered eight people attempting to use counterfeit monthly passes or one-way tickets," said Mitchell.  "We owe it to the vast majority of our customers who regularly pay their fares to expose the selfish behavior of those who feel they don't have to pay."

          “The message behind this new program is clear: those who counterfeit rail passes and Charlie tickets will be held accountable,” said Richard A. Davey, MBCR’s General Manager. “The MBTA and commuter rail staff work diligently each day to ensure full collection of fares from every customer. This program will improve our efforts while cracking down on those who try to beat the system.”

          Because the random checks requires customers to remove their tickets and passes from any protective cases and hand the papers to a conductor for physical inspection, the MBTA and MBCR thank all customers for their patience and cooperation with this important initiative.