AVTA and Local Law Enforcement Share Fare Evasion Enforcement Plans with Riders at OMP Transit Center  

Lancaster – On Thursday, October 30, 2025, Antelope Valley Transit Authority management and representatives from local law enforcement agencies met at Owen Memorial Park Transit Center to hand-out flyers and answer questions about the agency’s plans to crack-down on fare evasion. 

Fare evasion is theft. Disorderly rider behavior, prohibited activities, and illegal fare evasion are grounds for suspension of rider privileges. Public transportation is a privilege and a vital part of the wellbeing of the Antelope Valley community.
 
"Successful public transportation is built on trust and community responsibility,” said AVTA Board Chairman Marvin Crist. “Every fare that goes unpaid robs resources from vulnerable Valley residents such as seniors, veterans, and disabled riders. AVTA does not want to be forced to raise fares. We’re asking every passenger to help keep our transportation services strong by paying the appropriate fare for the service being used.”

The flyers distributed at the transit center reminded riders that there is no such thing as a “Courtesy Ride” and fare evasion is a violation of California Penal Code Section 640 c1. Paying the correct fare is not only the law, but also a direct investment in a better transit system.

“Riders are expected to behave in a proper manner, pay the appropriate fare, and treat other riders and AVTA employees with respect. Fare evasion is theft,” said Lancaster Police Department Chief of Police Rod Armalin. “Local law enforcement in AVTA’s service area will begin checking for proof of payment and enforcing California Penal Code Section 640 c1.” 

Violators can be identified by law enforcement using the bus camera system, mobile TAP Card validators to check for activity, and even undercover law enforcement officers. Fines of up to $250 may result from successful prosecution for fare evasion violations.

“For those riders that need assistance to pay the proper fare, AVTA provides access to many fare assistance programs that may reduce or even waive fares for riders. There are programs for low-income riders, senior citizens, veterans, and eligible students,” said AVTA CEO and Executive Director Martin Tompkins. “However, these special passes must be properly applied for, obtained, and then used every time upon boarding the bus. Simply ignoring proper payment procedures will not be tolerated.”  

For information on paying fares, payment methods, and available assistance programs for senior citizens, veterans, students, and low-income riders, visit www.avta.com or contact the AVTA customer service department at 661.945.9445.

AVTA provides local, commuter and dial-a-ride service to a population of more than 475,000 residents in the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale as well as the unincorporated portions of northern Los Angeles County. Its total service area covers 1,200 square miles and it is bounded by the Kern County line to the north, the San Bernardino County line to the east, the Angeles National Forest to the south, and Interstate 5 to the West.

Martin Tompkins, AVTA CEO and Executive Director, and Lancaster Police Department Chief of Police Rod Armalin, answer questions about fare evasion enforcement.  










Deputy Maselli, LASD Transit Services Bureau, discuss fare evasion with AVTA riders.