It has made the City of San Francisco even more weak kneed.
Muni has temporarily halted use of its biggest weapon against fare evasion — saturation campaigns in which fare inspectors and sometimes police officers check everyone on a bus or rail car to make sure they’ve paid up or have a Fast Pass — because some have apparently mistaken them for immigration raids.
“There was confusion surrounding the uniformed presence,” said Kristen Holland, a Muni spokeswoman. “Many misunderstood and thought it might be an immigration law enforcement program.”
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The saturation inspections were effective, Muni officials said at a hearing earlier this month. A total of 130 saturation inspections between July and March managed to check 326,293 passengers, and 3,348 citations were issued. But Holland said the biggest measure of success was that the fare evasion was dropping and most passengers were readily complying with the inspections.But some people complained at recent Municipal Transportation Agency hearings that the saturation inspections were racist or classist, focused only at poorer neighborhoods. Others complained that because of the increased cost of riding Muni, people who can’t afford to pay don’t deserve to be harassed. For the record, the saturation inspections have been held at locations spread around the city.
You all know that I am not one to be in want of a strong government, but when you actively work to attract leftists who are perpetually offended to your city, and then whimper at their every growl, this is what you will get.
Fare Inspector: “Excuse me, but would you be kind enough to show me your bus pass?”
Typical SF bus passenger: “You’re harshin’ my mellow with your fascism, pig!”
Fare Inspector: “Sorry. Never mind.”
Found via Bill Quick