Post by duffjr on Oct 31, 2007 20:21:11 GMT -8
I was cited this morning on the Orange Line for riding without a ticket. I took about $1.50 worth of dimes and nickels this morning and $1 worth of quarters for my fare to school and back today. I got to the ticket dispenser and was in a rush, so I used 3 quarters, inserted a nickel, and not one of my dimes worked. I then tried to insert my last quarter, but the machine wouldn't take it. I tried the other machine with the dimes and the machine wouldn't take them. I boarded the bus and two ticket officers boarded later. I could have got off at any station before Woodman since they hadn't checked yet; but I figured I could explain my situation and the machine error, show them that I had exactly $2.50 on me, and then receive a warning. Instead, I was assisted off the bus for 15 minutes, missed my class, and decided I would call customer relations.
After telling the operator how the Canoga machines wouldn't accept dimes, she said she couldn't help me even though we went back and forth for 10 minutes with my asking for the number of a machine operator with her repeatedly telling me to explain the problem to the judge in 2 1/2 months. During the last 5 minutes, she repeatedly called me a liar for saying I tried both ticket vending machines and that she wouldn't provide me with any further assistance. I called again pleading for the phone number of the machine administrator and spoke with another representative who politely asked me never to call customer relations again.
I rode my bike to the Van Nuys Courthouse to attempt to find a contact number. I was given an MTA help line and transfered three times to the Sheriff's Department. They informed me to return to the Canoga station and push the emergency button to report the machine number. The operator told me that I had to push the emergency button and report the problem at the exact moment it occurred for any resolution. If I don't do that, I have no recourse against citations. I thought the emergency button was for accidents or life and death situations, similar to the blue emergency call stations on some campuses.
The officers at that station told me I could expect a $1000 fine for a 2nd offense. (I only ride the Orange Line twice a month and received one last month before I knew they started checking regularly. After that, I vowed never to ride the bus again without a ticket, making sure I had ample change to pay.) One of the officers didn't understand English syntax who was clearly a native English speaker and told me to plead to the judge. I don't expect sympathy from any of them, but civility would be decent.
The last officer told me that I could expect only a small fine for my first offense. I can't afford any major fines right now. I want to know if I can speak with a judge beforehand, speak with a representative, speak with a ticket machine administrator, send digital footage showing the machine frequently fails to accept dimes (I tried the same mix of quarters and dimes at other machines and encountered the same problem), or anything that wouldn't sentence me to 48 hours of community service repairing roads for Caltrans and $250+ in fines.
I own a car and have insurance, but I ride my bike and the bus to save money and reduce pollution. If I have no recourse, I might leave the state for a few months after my sentencing in January to delay my community service after I've graduated while I start a new job. I'm not entirely unreasonable, but if my credit and life is ruined over $1.25, I'm considering suicide. I consider myself a Good Samaritan; I donate blood twice a month, help the elderly with heavy bags, and never start fights with anyone; but I don't take emotional stress well at all.
Thanks for reading,
Drew
After telling the operator how the Canoga machines wouldn't accept dimes, she said she couldn't help me even though we went back and forth for 10 minutes with my asking for the number of a machine operator with her repeatedly telling me to explain the problem to the judge in 2 1/2 months. During the last 5 minutes, she repeatedly called me a liar for saying I tried both ticket vending machines and that she wouldn't provide me with any further assistance. I called again pleading for the phone number of the machine administrator and spoke with another representative who politely asked me never to call customer relations again.
I rode my bike to the Van Nuys Courthouse to attempt to find a contact number. I was given an MTA help line and transfered three times to the Sheriff's Department. They informed me to return to the Canoga station and push the emergency button to report the machine number. The operator told me that I had to push the emergency button and report the problem at the exact moment it occurred for any resolution. If I don't do that, I have no recourse against citations. I thought the emergency button was for accidents or life and death situations, similar to the blue emergency call stations on some campuses.
The officers at that station told me I could expect a $1000 fine for a 2nd offense. (I only ride the Orange Line twice a month and received one last month before I knew they started checking regularly. After that, I vowed never to ride the bus again without a ticket, making sure I had ample change to pay.) One of the officers didn't understand English syntax who was clearly a native English speaker and told me to plead to the judge. I don't expect sympathy from any of them, but civility would be decent.
The last officer told me that I could expect only a small fine for my first offense. I can't afford any major fines right now. I want to know if I can speak with a judge beforehand, speak with a representative, speak with a ticket machine administrator, send digital footage showing the machine frequently fails to accept dimes (I tried the same mix of quarters and dimes at other machines and encountered the same problem), or anything that wouldn't sentence me to 48 hours of community service repairing roads for Caltrans and $250+ in fines.
I own a car and have insurance, but I ride my bike and the bus to save money and reduce pollution. If I have no recourse, I might leave the state for a few months after my sentencing in January to delay my community service after I've graduated while I start a new job. I'm not entirely unreasonable, but if my credit and life is ruined over $1.25, I'm considering suicide. I consider myself a Good Samaritan; I donate blood twice a month, help the elderly with heavy bags, and never start fights with anyone; but I don't take emotional stress well at all.
Thanks for reading,
Drew