MTA reports fare evasions dropping, despite riders seeing it daily
Despite the firsthand accounts, the MTA says fare evasion dropped by 30% during the first quarter of 2025.
More Stories
The MTA says fare evasion is on the decline, but at stations like Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, skipping the $2.90 fare remains a common sight.
News 12 witnessed multiple incidents of fare evasion during a visit to the Brooklyn station, where riders hopped turnstiles even in the presence of police officers.
“It’s everybody from teens to people in suits,” Ben, an everyday rider, told News 12. “It’s not higher or lower than what I’ve seen historically.”
Despite the firsthand accounts, the MTA says fare evasion dropped by 30% during the first quarter of 2025.
The MTA credits the decrease to enhanced enforcement efforts and new tools that make it easier to pay the fare.
Still, not all riders are fazed by the rule-breaking.
“It sucks, but what are you going to do?”, Ben added. “I’d rather see that than almost psychopaths in the middle of the subway with no pants on.”
Fines for fare evasion depend on the number of violations within a four-year period.
A first offense earns a warning, while a second results in a $100 fine.
A third offense could bring a $150 fine or a criminal summons.
Despite the decline, the MTA continues to push for compliance to help reduce revenue loss across the system.
