Study: Up To 10 Percent Of Riders Freeloading On Light Rail

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A new report shows that as many as one in 10 people aren't paying to ride the light rail.

The Metropolitan Council's study shows that more than twice as many people aren't paying their light rail fare this year than two years ago. A report from last year showed that freeloading was more common the Green Line than on the Blue Line.

But the new study shows the Blue Line's evasion rate is now slightly higher than the Green Line. The increase in fare evasions could be in part because of a change in policy by Metro Transit police.

First time offenders are now given a warning instead of a fine.