Public transportation systems are continuously evolving to accommodate growing urban populations and advancing technologies. A key component of these systems is fare policy, which affects revenue, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction. However, many transit agencies face challenges with fare enforcement, balancing passive and active approaches, and integrating new fare collection technologies.

TCRP has a strong history of providing guidance on fare policies, with foundational reports like TCRP Report 10 (1995) and its update, TCRP Report 94 (2003), as well as more recent publications on fare payment systems. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, no major study has evaluated changes in fare policies and enforcement strategies. As some agencies experience increased fare evasion due to shifting post-pandemic behaviors, they face the challenge of justifying the costs of stricter fare enforcement while ensuring equitable access to public transit.

The current landscape, shaped by social justice and equity considerations, underscores the need for best practices on fare enforcement that balance revenue generation with equitable access. Agencies are exploring innovative solutions, such as proof-of-payment systems and hybrid enforcement methods that combine both active and passive strategies. Additionally, the implementation of advanced fare technologies, installation of taller fare gates, highlights the potential for enhanced revenue and improved passenger experience.

The objective of this research is to develop best practices and recommendations for transit fare policy, focusing on fare enforcement. This includes:

• Assessing the effectiveness of passive (e.g., proof-of-payment) and active (e.g., fare gates) enforcement methods, including hybrid approaches.
• Investigating the latest fare collection technologies and their implementation.
• Evaluating the impact of evolving fare gating systems on fare evasion, efficiency, and user experience.
• Providing guidelines for integrating modern fare technologies into existing transit networks to improve equity and operational outcomes.