I have a confession to make: I am a delinquent. I used to be a juvenile, but I no longer have that excuse.
About a month and a half ago, I was ticketed for riding the MetroLink with no fare, which is especially embarrassing when you’re interning for Metro. In my defense, I did have a valid student pass at the time, and I thought I had my student ID on me as well. (Student passes are only valid when accompanied by a student ID.) But I’m not the most organized person in the world, and I discovered that I had left my ID at home only after coming through my entire backpack multiple times in front of the fare enforcement officer.
So that is why I found myself at the St. Louis City Courts yesterday morning, lined up with all of the other first-time fare evaders. We lined up in alphabetical order and waited for our turn in front of the judge, who had a lively sense of humor for an enforcer of justice. Most people presented some sort of excuse but had no valid fare, and so paid the $20 penalty plus $50 in court costs. I was one of the lucky ones; because I did have a valid pass, I received a stern warning to never be seen riding around without a Student ID again. Duly noted.
Don’t get lazy – that’s not the building you went to. Metro court day should be a televised event. At least the judge THINKS he’s on TV.
Good eye, Steve!
Steve, that was my insert, so I’ll take the blame and remove the image. Note to readers: the image was of St. Louis City Hall. Fare enforcement hearings are held at the St. Louis City Court, 1430 Olive Street. Thanks Steve!