Officials warn non-paying Tide riders

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - More than 1,000 warnings and summonses were issued by HRT officials to light rail riders who did not pay for their rides last year.

"We have fare inspectors out every day checking people, talking to them, making sure they're paying," Tom Holden with Hampton Roads Transit said. 

From January 2012 through October 2012, 370 fare summonses were issued and 867 fare warnings were given, with a total of 103, 471 fare inspections.

Holden said although those numbers may seem alarming, he said customers do consistently pay for their rides.

"Our customers are very compliant and they're law-abiding people," Holden said. "They'd rather not go to court and pay an expensive fine so they pay their fare and board accordingly."

Jaye Williams said he has been approached by officers asking to see her ticket.

"I had two cops come up to me and ask me for my ticket and that was it," Williams said. "I had it."

If a rider is caught without a ticket, they face a $250 fine and a misdemeanor charge.