Sec. 452.0611. ENFORCEMENT OF FARES AND OTHER CHARGES; PENALTIES. (a) An executive committee by resolution may prohibit the use of the public transportation system by a person who fails to possess evidence showing that the appropriate fare for the use of the system has been paid and may establish reasonable and appropriate methods, using transit police officers or fare enforcement officers under Section 452.0612, to ensure that persons using the public transportation system pay the appropriate fare for that use.
(b) An executive committee by resolution may provide that a fare for or charge for the use of the public transportation system that is not paid incurs a penalty, not to exceed $100.
(c) The authority shall post signs designating each area in which a person is prohibited from using the transportation system without possession of evidence showing that the appropriate fare has been paid.
(d) A person commits an offense if:
(1) the person or another for whom the person is criminally responsible under Section 7.02, Penal Code, uses the public transportation system and does not possess evidence showing that the appropriate fare has been paid; and
(2) the person fails to pay the appropriate fare or other charge for the use of the public transportation system and any penalty on the fare on or before the 30th day after the date the authority notifies the person that the person is required to pay the amount of the fare or charge and the penalty.
(e) The notice required by Subsection (d)(2) may be included in a citation issued to the person by a peace officer under Article 14.06, Code of Criminal Procedure, or by a fare enforcement officer under Section 452.0612, in connection with an offense relating to the nonpayment of the appropriate fare or charge for the use of the public transportation system.
(f) An offense under Subsection (d) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(g) An offense under Subsection (d) is not a crime of moral turpitude.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1113, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Structure Texas Statutes
Subtitle K - Mass Transportation
Chapter 452 - Regional Transportation Authorities
Subchapter B. Powers of Authorities
Section 452.051. Powers Applicable to Confirmed Authority
Section 452.052. Nature of Authority
Section 452.053. Responsibility for Control of Authority
Section 452.054. General Powers of Authority
Section 452.055. Contracts; Grants and Loans
Section 452.056. Operation of Public Transportation System
Section 452.0561. Liability of Transportation Entity Providing Public Transportation
Section 452.057. Acquisition of Property by Agreement
Section 452.058. Use and Acquisition of Property of Others
Section 452.059. Eminent Domain Proceedings
Section 452.060. Agreement With Utilities, Carriers
Section 452.061. Fares and Other Charges
Section 452.0611. Enforcement of Fares and Other Charges; Penalties
Section 452.0612. Fare Enforcement Officers
Section 452.0613. Enforcement of High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Usage; Penalties
Section 452.063. Tax Exemption
Section 452.064. Light Rail System: Regulatory Exemption
Section 452.065. Electric Power for Rail System: Certain Authorities