In this week's installment, our Security Guy answers questions that were asked in last week's segment. But before we get into it, we'd like to point you to this story, about more concerns involving the collecting of fares on Cable Cars.

And with that, let's get it on.

It'd be cool if the streetcars could have fare machines in the cars like the ones on the platforms out on the Embarcadero. Sometimes you can't get on the first car to pay the driver. Sure, in theory you shouldn't board the train if you can't pay the fare, but the one time I got off the back car and reboarded the front one, the driver told me off, saying it was a good way to miss the train.

Has something to do with the streetcars being historic vehicles and being a violation to modify / add items not originally installed on the vehicle.

I remember reading an article on "forged" Muni Fast Passes that made it sound like they are quite common. Is this actually that big of a deal? Ever see any forged/modified transfers?
Do inspectors ever bust people for "reselling" their transfers, which says right on the transfer that it is forbidden? I see this quite often though, especially on Market downtown.
"Transfers for a dolla! Good all night!"

They are out there. Common? sort of. It takes a sharp fare inspector to catch it. The fake passes are that good.

We have a collection of the fake passes - and part of them were given over to Mr. Ford during that news conference for display.

Busting people for reselling transfers? yes, we've caught and cited those persons too.

those muni fare cops think they are the police when they are definitely not. i've seen them bully a young woman and tell her she could be arrested. the muni "inspector" was an almost bald woman on n-judah. she actually kind of looked like a guy. anyway, if you get a ticket, just go to the traffic court they assign you to, and show them your muni pass for that month or transfer for that time. it will be dismissed. our city criminal court system has better things to do. why don't they spend their time stopping thefts on muni (2 of my girlfriends at separate instances have gotten wallets stolen!) and people who are causing violence and intimidating innocent people. that happens too frequently. i try to avoid muni now whenever possible...this and the erratic train schedules found everyday now.

not cops: yes, they are not cops in any way nor are they trained to "be a cop." they are trained on their jobs which include the limitations of their position. They are also trained on what to do - calling for the police.

be arrested: fare inspectors are passing information on what can happen - yes, a person who refuses to cooperate may and I say "MAY" be arrested. Will they? that depends on the person who is not cooperation.

Courts: It depends on the judge mostly though. Some of them are very good at enforcing while others couldn't care less.

stop thefts: well, they are not cops - so then can't "stop" thefts. They are trained to be a visible deterrent. Insofar as handling disturbances, the staff are trained to call for the police through Central Control or call SFPD off their phones.

avoid muni: it's getting better. don't quit on us yet.