The paradigm shift in revenue protection research and practice

This chapter focuses on recent research discoveries which have been applied in practice and found to significantly reduce revenue loss in public transport. It starts with an overview of research in fare evasion, a major study undertaken by the authors in Melbourne is then outlined including key findings and the methods adopted with a focus on psychological motivations of offenders. A major discovery of the research was that ‘recidivist evaders’; those that almost always fare evade, represent a small number of people but cause most revenue loss. Recommendations of the research were applied resulting in a halving of revenue loss (from 12% of 5% of trips) saving some $Aust 45M p.a. ($US 31M). A follow-on international study of 10 cities is also described demonstrated that the problem of recidivist evaders was apparent in all cities.