Human Factors Reduce Aggression and Fare Evasion

This article reports on a survey that was conducted with 31 transit operators around the world on the subject of aggression and fare evasion in public transportation. Results showed that in 2007, 1.9% of drivers and 4% of inspectors were the victims of aggression. Although the number of aggressions toward staff decreased by 13% between 2006 and 2007, aggressions between passengers increased by 19% over the same time period. Aggressions toward public transportation staff occur more frequently in the late afternoon for surface transportation and in the evening for underground transportation. Aggression between passengers happens more frequently in the evening in both underground and surface transit. About 68% of aggressions happened inside the transit vehicle. The most commonly used technological tools for reducing aggressions are video surveillance, radio alarm and protected driver cabins and/or windows. The most effective actions to prevent aggressions include partnerships with police forces, onsite security staff and staff training. On the issue of fare evasion, the survey results showed that the average of measured fare evasion was 4.2% of passengers. The number of fare evaders is inversely proportional to the number of inspectors. Over 50% of operators consider the problem of fare evasion to be significant. Among the most effective tools for fighting against fare evasion are the use of ticket inspectors, police partnerships, innovative tickets such as contactless cards, and ticket inspectors with a significant level of power.