ASK DR. DETOUR

Ticket checks are random on Tri-Rail.

Q: My wife and I travel on Tri-Rail regularly but I have never been asked for my ticket. I want to see public transit succeed, but if you don’t check tickets won’t the commuter train lose money if people start riding for free?— James Moriarty, Delray Beach

A: Tickets can be bought only from vending machines or from ticket agents at train stations, not on trains, so TriRail gets its fares upfront.

The first time a rider is caught on the train without a ticket, they get awarning and the security officer puts their name on a fare evader list.

The second time they will be issued a $75 citation. Three or more free ride attempts and they will be put off the train, according to Tri-Rail officials.

Tri-Rail has conductors responsible for the safe operation of the train, not ticket taking.

Each train has at least one G4S officer responsible for security and fare enforcement. Ticket-checking is a random process based on the availability of the officers whose main function is providing security.

Officers may have to disembark a train to remove an unruly passenger or because of a passenger’s medical emergency.

Officers can be deployed to train stations if a safety or security issue arises and that might prevent them from getting back on the departing train to conduct ticket checks.

Q: The Interstate 75 corridor between Miramar Parkway and Griffin Road is in

bad condition. Whenwill they fix the highway?— Mike Fonticoba, Miramar

A: There is no set frequency for repairing potholes or rough pavement along the I-75 corridor.

However, repairs have been scheduled and construction crews should complete patchwork from south of Miramar Parkway to south of Sheridan Street by the end of the month, according to officials with the 75 Express Lanes Project.

Thework will be done overnights and will close some lanes. The rough pavement is the result of regularwear and tear from high traffic volume.

I-75 will be repaved totally beginning as early as the summer of 2019.