Today when boarding the Muni at Union Square, the turnstile didn't accept my Apple Pay Clipper Card so the young man behind me asked to walk past me and -- viola -- the turnstiles opened for him without payment! I quickly followed behind him but we both watched the train close its doors and depart the station. We waited 10 mins for the next train. The ride was pleasant until we arrived at the station right before 4th and King when two ticket inspectors walked onto the train. At this point, I knew I was going to get caught for non-payment and was starting to think to whether to exit the station before the doors closed but I hesitated.
As luck would it, the first ticket inspector was caught up with the young man while the second ticket inspector walked past me and into the next cabin. I had about 30 seconds until the next station. As the first ticket inspector was demanding the young man's ID, and we entered 4th and King station, I quickly exited and popped into another cabin and quickly tapped my Clipper card.
I feel bad for the young man who took the so-called "bullet", however, there is some leniency in SF. There are certain criteria where someone does not have to pay the $120 fee, which is considered an administrative fee and not a crime so it doesn't go on someone's personal record.
#running
