Almost Half of NYC Bus Riders Evade Fares

New York City's Public Transit Fare Evasion Problem

New York City and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) are grappling with a significant issue: fare evasion. A recent report by the New York Times reveals that almost half of MTA bus riders fail to pay fares. Prior to the pandemic, the percentage of fare evaders stood at about 20%, but this figure has significantly increased in recent times.

Subway vs. Bus Fare Evasion

Despite the high rate of fare evasion on buses, city officials have primarily concentrated their efforts on the subway system. They have deployed police and security personnel to enforce fare payment on subways, even though the rate of fare evasion on buses is substantially higher. In the early part of 2024, nearly 50% of bus riders evaded fares, compared to 14% of subway riders. This is despite the fact that subway ridership is double that of buses.

The Cost of Fare Evasion to the MTA

The fare evasion problem has resulted in significant financial losses for the MTA. According to a 2023 report, the MTA lost $315 million from bus riders and $285 million from subway riders in 2022. David R. Jones, an MTA board member and the chief executive of the Community Service Society, emphasized the need for the public to recognize the bus system as a significant source of fare evasion.

Drivers' Fear and Public Reactions

The report also highlights that bus drivers are increasingly fearful of collecting fares due to potential violence. Some paying riders express resentment towards those who ride for free, while advocates for low-income residents are concerned that stricter enforcement could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The bus system, which primarily serves older and poorer individuals, has become a central point in this debate.

Free Mass Transit: A Possible Solution?

The MTA's ongoing struggle with fare evasion has sparked conversations about the possibility of making mass transit free, with funding coming from taxes like other public services. Assemblyman Zohran K. Mamdani, a Democrat, recently backed a bill proposing free rides on select bus routes, arguing that many New Yorkers cannot afford the current fares.

MTA's Financial Struggles

However, the MTA urgently needs fare revenue as it faces a projected $1 billion deficit by 2028 due to higher-than-expected fare evasion. Before the pandemic, fares accounted for approximately 42% of the MTA's revenue. The situation was further exacerbated when Governor Kathy Hochul scrapped a planned congestion pricing program, causing the MTA to lose $15 billion in potential funding.

Bottom Line

The issue of fare evasion is a complex one, with significant implications for New York City's public transit system and its users. It's clear that a solution is needed, but finding one that balances the needs of all stakeholders will be a challenging task. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think making public transit free could be a viable solution? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.