Sound Transit’s “Enforcement” Plan: Wrangling Freeloaders with Gentle Nudges and Fines They Can Just Waive
Sound Transit Cracks Down: Freeloaders Beware, Sort Of...
Sound Transit is, at long last, enforcing rules for passengers – but it’s not as promising as it sounds. Starting Monday, fare inspectors will be posted around downtown Seattle stations to catch fare-dodgers, instead of just allowing them to ride the trains. The goal is to plug the revenue leak caused by thousands of freeloaders who dodge the $2.25 to $3.50 fare. Shockingly, last year it was estimated that nearly half of the riders weren’t paying. The agency has been using a “modified honor system” (read: barely enforced). From now on, fare ambassadors will be stationed on platforms to scare people into paying.
Rider can expect to see blue-clad fare ambassadors herding non-payers towards the fare machines with a “gentle” reminder to pay up. Just how “gentle”? Well, in case the usual “I forgot to tap” excuse isn’t working, fare-dodgers will get two warnings within a year before fines kick in. On the third offense, it’s a $50 fine, and the fourth will cost you $75. By the fifth, you’re looking at a $124 civil infraction. But don’t worry, you can get those fines waived if you promise to buy a ticket or take a survey—how generous.
Despite spending $672 million on the fare ambassador program, fare revenue covered just 2.1% of Sound Transit’s budget last year. Given the “gentle” approach to fare enforcement, we aren’t holding our breath for a substantial improvement. Meanwhile, taxpayers will continue to foot the bill for Sound Transit. Read more at the Seattle Times.
Inslee: Save the Planet, Sacrifice the Hawks – Wind Turbines Take Priority Over Wildlife
Jay Inslee isn’t happy about a state panel’s decision to significantly reduce the size of the proposed Horse Heaven wind farm. The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council had recommended halving the number of turbines to protect tribal cultural resources and endangered hawks. Inslee directed the panel to revisit its decision and implement specific mitigation measures that would allow the project to reach near-full capacity. The project, spanning 72,500 acres, includes up to 244 wind turbines. Concerns had arisen about its environmental impact, particularly on wildlife and tribal sites – which is why the panel took steps to reduce its size. But, ironically enough, it appears Inslee is not at all concerned about the environmental impacts of his environmental policies.
Always one to put ideology over reality, Inslee appears to be more than willing to let wildlife die on the altar of his extreme green agenda. Inslee insisted that hawks have been absent from the area in recent years and suggested seasonal construction halts if they returned – he made no mention of other birds. As for tribal site concerns, Inslee downplayed the visual impacts, asserting the turbines would only be visible from a distance. The council has 90 days to respond, after which Inslee will make the final decision – though one can readily guess Inslee’s final decision. Read more at the Washington State Standard.
Seattle City Council's "PayUp" Backtrack: From Minimum Wage Promise to Delivering Nothing
The Seattle City Council is set to debate and vote on repealing the “PayUp” legislation unanimously passed in 2022. The legislation – meant to “stick-it” to tech companies – guaranteed app-based delivery drivers minimum wage while maintaining employment flexibility. Passed unanimously in 2022 and mandated specific pay rates per minute and mile traveled. Of course, like most attempts to mandate minimum wage, the legislation failed. Businesses like DoorDash added fees to comply with the law, which led to a decline in orders and – with that – a decline in demand for delivery drivers. Far from earning the new minimum wage, Seattle councilmembers ensured delivery drivers received no wage at all. It remains to be seen if, in the end, lefty councilmembers learned any lesson. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.
Former State Sen. Reuven Carlyle Fibs
Former State Sen. Reuven recently claimed that passing Initiative 2117 – the carbon tax repeal – will do nothing to lower gas prices.
That’s not true. As the Washington Policy Center points out, in 2023, the carbon tax added about 43 cents per gallon of gas. And that’s with the final price decreasing only due to the Department of Ecology intervening in the market. Prices are likely to increase in 2024.
OVERHEARD ON THE INTERWEBS...
Sadly, this comes as no surprise…
Don’t let Democrats dictate your choice of energy in your home…
SUPPORT OUR WORK...
Please consider making a contribution to ensure Shift continues to provide daily updates on the shenanigans of the liberal establishment. If you’d rather mail a check, you can send it to: Shift WA | PO Box 956 | Cle Elum, WA 98922
Forward this to a friend. It helps us grow our community and serve you better.
You can also follow SHIFTWA on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.
If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected].