Groups protest against fare payment policy

would cause him to recommend changing the authority’s policy.

The issue is expected to come to a head early next year, when the Port Authority goes to cashless fares for the light-rail system between Downtown and the South Hills.

Armed officers will check whether all riders in a light-rail vehicle or all passengers in the designated platform waiting area for paid passengers have either used a prepaid ConnectCard or bought a day pass to pay their fares.

The system was expected to begin in July, but the agency has had problems with the equipment that will record fare payments, issue new ConnectCards and provide day passes.

Additional equipment is expected to be delivered this month; once it’s tested the authority will conduct a two-month education campaign before beginning the cashless system.