A Message from the Executive Director: Greetings! Welcome to the inaugural issue of Tri-Rail's All Aboard! We plan to make this newsletter available on a monthly basis to keep you updated on what's happening with your tri-county commuter rail system and also to provide news on the people and issues affecting Tri-Rail. On that note, I'd like to talk about Tri-Rail's Zero Tolerance Fare Evasion Policy, which was instituted in April 1998. Zero tolerance means that anybody who is found riding Tri-Rail trains without first purchasing a valid ticket will be issued a $50 citation by onboard security officers and removed from the train. The policy sounds tough because it has to be - Tri-Rail cannot afford to transport non-paying passengers. At this time, an honor system exists for South Florida commuters. Entry to Tri-Rail trains is barrier-free (no turnstiles or conductor checking tickets at the door). Prior to the inception of our Zero Tolerance Policy, more than 10 percent of Tri-Rail riders violated the fare policy and rode without paying. Conductors were making infrequent on-board ticket inspections and they did not have the power to enforce the fare policy. With such high fare evasion, Tri-Rail was in danger of not meeting its state requirement to cover at least 25 percent of its expenses through the farebox or lose state operating subsidies. The state funds 50 percent of Tri-Rail's budget, net of fares. Our Zero Tolerance Policy appears to be working. Since April, fewer than half of I percent of riders are evading paying fares, equal to the current industry average. Tri-Rail is generating nearly $20,000 more per month in revenue and is now operating in the black. And riders seem to approve; a recent independent survey conducted onboard reflects that 95 percent of passengers are aware of the Zero Tolerance Policy and more than 80 percent of them support fining those riders without tickets. Remember, along with not having a valid ticket, on-board violations also include having an ineligible discount or zone override, no transfer slip, an outdated ticket or an invalidated 12-trip ticket. Help us educate other riders about Tri-Rail's Zero Tolerance Policy. Avoid a citation or potential removal from the train by remembering to buy a valid ticket prior to boarding. And try to arrive early at stations so there is sufficient time to purchase a ticket. See you on board! Linda Bohlinger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank You For Your Patience Tri-Rail suspended service between Thursday, Sept. 24, and Saturday, Sept. 26 in anticipation of the effects of Hurricane Georges. During this time, CSXT freight railroad shut down crossing gates throughout the South Florida Rail Corridor. The crossing gates were removed to prevent damage from winds - standard operating procedure by CSXT for winds higher than 35 mph. In addition, most of our equipment had to be relocated to avoid damage from flooding. During this emergency, Tri-Rail's toll-free number 1-800-TRI-RAIL - included regular updates about the suspension of service and information on when service would begin again after the storm. Tri-Rail thanks riders for their patience and understanding during this storm emergency! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Passengers Rate Tri-Rail An on-board study conducted during August and September with Tri-Rail passengers produced some interesting feedback from our riders. Half of all riders questioned (45%) rated Tri-Rail as either excellent or very good! Satisfaction ratings were highest from leisure travelers; those riding Tri-Rail rarely or for the first time; Palm Beach County residents; riders over 55 and those with high incomes. Ratings were lower among the most frequent riders, those who use Tri-Rail to get to work and Broward County residents. Receiving the highest ratings from Tri-Rail passengers were employee attitudes (59% excellent or very good), comfort of ride (56%), passenger safety (55%), train cleanliness (53%), station cleanliness (47%) and parking (47%). Ranked lower were train frequency, on-time performance, price/vaIue, bus connections and ticket machines. While the survey shows that everyday commuters are the backbone of the Tri-Rail customer base, the needs expressed by part-time or leisure riders will not be overlooked. Tri-Rail will use survey information to make the system a better and more responsive choice for riders. Understanding what customers like or dislike about Tri-Rail will help to institute changes that benefit as many riders as possible. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Train to Plane Service Improves A partnership with Palm Beach County's Palm Tran now provides expanded service making it easier for travelers to make a connection with planes leaving from Palm Beach International Airport. The new shuttle route has been designed specifically for Tri-Rail passengers - buses are timed to meet trains. With the addition of the new shuttle, Tri-Rail now provides free and direct bus service from our stations to all of South Florida's major international airports. Take advantage of Tri-Rail's extensive Train to Plane access! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambassadors Lend A Hand Tri-Rail's station ambassadors are on hand to assist passengers and answer questions during the busiest times at our stations. There are currently eight ambassadors on duty throughout the Tri-Rail system who are available to help riders. The ambassadors provide information on the train system, fare policy, ticket vending machines, bus connections and schedule changes. Look for these friendly faces at Tri-Rail's busiest stations during peak weekday travel hours (approximately 5:45-9:45 a.m. and 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.) Remember, they are there to help make your ride a smooth one!

November 1998