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SF Muni Considers All-Door Boarding System

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency bus riders may soon be able to use the back door – legally.

The agency is considering a new policy that would allow passengers to enter through the rear doors of buses in an effort to increase on-time performance.

"What the all-door boarding policy would be is it will enable you to get into any door unless you are paying cash, in which you have to go into the front door," said Muni Executive Director Ed Reiskin.

KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:

The policy has long been in place on Muni Metro light rail lines. Reiskin said behind such a policy, there would be a reasonable expectation that at any point, riders could be required to demonstrate proof of payment.

"We think we can do this without risking increased fare evasion," said Reiskin.

Studies show that 25 percent of Muni delays are caused in the boarding process.

"We're not going to get that to zero, but to the extent we can reduce that, it can have a significant impact," Reiskin said.

The Muni Board of Directors has not yet voted on the proposal, but some board members have suggested eliminating cash payments on buses altogether.

Reiskin said it will likely take until early next year to fully implement the plan, which could also include more fare inspectors on buses.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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