redshifter.org

In the last year or two, MUNI has implemented a trust-based policy called "Proof of Payment." The nutshell is that riders can hop on trains via any door, or enter the underground MUNI stations at will, so long as they have a valid transfer or FastPass. Occasionally station agents are seen checking people at random for their proof, and citing violators with a fine (of about $25, I think), basically to enforce the policy. Fine, that's cool.

Kelsey and I had valid passes and entered the Powell station last night via the swing-gate, which has a sign on it reading, "NO ENTRY WITHOUT VALID PROOF OF PURCHASE." I see people using that gate all the time. We got halfway down the stairs when the agent in the booth loudly called us out on the P.A. It was hard to understand what he was saying but it amounted to "you with the yellow bag, SFPD, yadda yadda yadda." Whatever, we could have been trying to sneak in, I guess. So we turned around, walked back and showed him our valid passes, at which point he got a little lecture-happy and told us "we had to to just like everybody else" and pass through the gates. I told him that I was "doing like everybody else" because I see people with valid passes passing through the swing gate all the time. After all, that's what the sign on the gate leads us to believe. He just looked at me deadpan, and slowly shook his head. Asshole! I shot back a look that was a mix of melodramatic, faux-confusion and "by the way, you're a prick," and went on my way.

This morning, via BoingBoing, I read a photographer's account of getting hassled by MUNI fare inspectors and the SFPD over taking pictures a MUNI station. Not only is photography in a MUNI station perfectly legal, but when the MUNI/cops could not find an applicable way to cite the guy, they threatened him with trespassing, mainly out of frustration with the photographer for actually having the nerve to ask which specific law he was accused of violating and not quietly acquiescing to them. This interchange perfectly sums up what I hate most about cops: wanton power-tripping and intimidation. It's a truism.

So today, I extend my middle finger to MUNI authority. And to my San Francisco brethren, I encourage you to bring your cameras along with you on your next MUNI ride, and snap away to your little heart's content. Snap photos of every little detail you can possibly fit in your viewfinder. Because it's your right, and you are perfectly allowed to do it. Just don't forget your proof of purchase.