MBTA implements Green Line front door policy

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Facing a multi-million dollar deficit and a continued problem with fare evasion, the MBTA is cracking down on riders who don't pay their "fare share.”

Starting Tuesday, people taking the Green Line's "D" train will notice a change in the policy.

For passengers boarding D-line trains above ground, starting Tuesday they have to board in the front of the train during off-peak hours.

Some people don’t like the change.

“It's going to make things slower,” said Rose DeLuca.

But others think a little inconvenience is okay to make sure riders pay their fare.

“It allows everyone to pay when they get on,” said one man.

Before Tuesday, riders could board the trains at the back doors and all they had to do was physically show the driver their pass from a distance. Now they have to enter and swipe their cards up front -- an idea that Secretary Richard Davey says came from T riders.

“One of the complaints we heard, rightfully so, from our customers, is we need to do a better job with fare collection,” said Mass. Transportation Secretary Richard Davey.

The T is facing a projected $185 million short fall, and they're proposing 23 percent fare increases, targeted service cuts, and a hike in penalties for fare jumpers, to close the gap. They're also hoping the legislature will chip in as well.

“We hope the legislature, in fact, I think they will move on that bill in the next couple of weeks -- I know that they're looking to help us get through this year,” Secretary Davey said.

Boarding in front is just one of several efforts to keep the trains rolling.

The new front door policy is only for off-peak, holiday and weekend trains.

For stations with heavy traffic, the T deploys monitors to swipe tickets during rush hour.

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