The two passengers are going in opposite directions, so when would they ever have a chance to switch passes?
Are they supposed to get off their trains and meet each other on the platform, then wait for another train? Sounds like a stupid amount of work to steal 85 cents.
The article is wrong. The two people are going the same direction on a Richmond-bound train which travels from Milbrae through Glen Park to Embarcadero and onto Berkeley.
There is also an example of doing the same thing on DC's Metrorail.
I was confused when I read that at first, too. The second person is coming from the opposite direction, which means they are already on the train when you get on.
Are they supposed to get off their trains and meet each other on the platform, then wait for another train? Sounds like a stupid amount of work to steal 85 cents.