Is fare evasion a problem?

Why is fare evasion such a problem? In the case of fare evasion, there are two sides that suffer – the transit authority on the one hand, and the public in general on the other. Many transit agencies depend on fare collection to support their operations beyond the funding they receive from the government.



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Fare evasion on buses accounted for nearly half of the estimated $700 million the MTA lost to non-payment in 2022. “All of a sudden, buses have become the No. 1 fare evasion problem,” said MTA chairman Janno Lieber.

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Currie told me that in New York City, about 40 percent of transit riders evade a fare once a year, intentional or not. “This is a big share of the population,” he said.

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But for many, New York is also an unaffordable city, and economic necessity figures in fare evasion. “New Yorkers of less economic means are often forced to choose between MetroCards and food or rent,” the Columbia University economist Harold Stolper wrote in 2020.

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As things currently stand, most people pay their share to keep the public transit system working. But why not everyone? There are many reasons why fare evasion occurs – some are connected to the socioeconomic status of specific groups; others are connected to a badly designed customer experience.

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Likewise, did you know that transit fare evasion falls under petit theft? Below is a brief explanation of this crime, as well as the elements that constitute theft.

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For most riders, the subway fare is $2.90. Reduced fares are available for people 65 and older, people with disabilities, and low-income New Yorkers. Learn more about fares.

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Booking a hacker fare isn't illegal, Cathy Mansfield, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University, told CBS News.

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Since our initial report was issued, the subway and bus fare evasion rates have increased. The first quarter of 2023 (January–March) saw an increase of 11.1% (± 0.9%) for subways and an estimated increase of 37.6% for buses.

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To dispute a ticket, you must request a hearing within 30 days after the ticket was issued to avoid paying late penalties. You can dispute a ticket online, by mobile app, by mail, or in-person. You must meet all deadlines. Contacting anyone other than the Department of Finance does not change the deadline.

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The BART Board of Directors passed the proof of payment requirement on October 26, 2017, to deter fare evasion. The new ordinance took effect January 1, 2018. Any person inside the paid area of BART must be prepared to show a magnetic stripe ticket or Clipper card with valid fare.

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It's responsible for $700 million a year in lost revenue for the MTA, said its chairman and CEO, Janno Lieber.

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NYC MTA bus drivers do not have the authority to let riders ride without payment. Passengers are required to pay the fare or use a valid MetroCard when boarding the bus. Failure to pay the fare may result in penalties or fines.

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Cost: $34 (7-day) or $132 (30-day). You have unlimited swipes on the subway and local buses for either 7 or 30 days. Your MetroCard can only hold one Unlimited Ride refill at a time. You can't pause an unlimited ride card once you've started using it.

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What is the Penalty for Fare Evasion in New York? While jumping a turnstile is still technically a criminal offense, the penalties are relatively light. It falls into the same general category as a parking ticket, and you will be fined $100 if caught. However, you can appeal the decision and avoid paying the fine.

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Generally, if someone is caught without a valid train ticket they will face fines and/or a criminal charge.

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