Ask a Muni Security Guy
This week, we're going to change things up a bit and go all History Channel on you as we explore the history of Muni Security. Next week, we'll go back to the usual responses to the various questions.
The unit has been around since 1999, created to handle mostly fare evasion or Proof of Payment "POP" starting with a group of approximately 20 persons-all transfers from other places in MUNI and most, ADA transfers. All POP occur on the trains only.
This initial group has been interesting, with attitudes like most drivers that people complain about. More interesting that there was no one holding the personnel accountable for their actions. POP inspectors are represented by Local 250-A, the same union that represents the Operators (drivers and cable car conductors / gripmen).
The unit was initially overseen by Michael Hursh, who left in 2005 to another transit agency. Since August 2006, the person overseeing security is SFPD Deputy Chief Antonio Parra
Anyway...
Fare evasion, according to outside study panels (2005-2006) from UC Berkeley has noted that the evasion was between 55 to 73 percent. I think it's a little high due to the fact that the surveyors asked people for information, a lot did not cooperate and that was counted as a non payment. I believe overall, it's still on the high side but more at about 55 percent.
Since 1999 to 2004, the average UNIT inspection rate was about 200 citations issued a month (200 divided by 20 persons over 30 days per month), which is NOT a lot. Since 2004-2005, the UNIT average is up to approximately 1,200 citations per month. 1,500 divided by 35 people over 30 days). Recently, we trained and released 9 new fare inspectors to work in the field, each partnered with a more experienced fare inspector. There have never been any type of quotas set or implied but focusing the fare inspectors on their job duties and responsibilites.
What's the difference? Good supervision, job expectations set and holding our personnel accountable for their actions (or inactions).
Have you seen any fare inspectors goofing off? going shopping while on duty (in uniform?), taking extended breaks? seen them out of the subway / train areas? If you have, We want to know about it. We promote accountability, responsibility, treating the public with respect (as appropriate).