MTA sees increase in bus fare evaders
In 2022, the MTA says bus fare evasion cost them $315 million, and that number is only increasing.
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The MTA says it is seeing an increase in bus fare evaders.
On Pelham Parkway and Williamsbridge Road News 12 saw some people paying their fare at a stop on the BX12 - but not everyone does.
One rider who did not want to be identified said she does not feel the service is worth paying the fare.
“It’s too expensive, kind of slow, you wait a long time so, if you wait and you have car fare, you don’t want to give the car fare up, “ she said.
Another rider said a transfer is not available for his trip and he does not think he should have to pay twice.
According to the MTA, almost half of the people who rode the bus in the first three months of the year did not pay the $2.90 fare.
In 2022, the MTA says bus fare evasion cost them $315 million, and that number is only increasing.
"We let people get out of the habit of paying for buses during COVID because we were trying to protect the drivers at the front, and everyone got in the back door, and nobody paid,” said MTA CEO and Chair Jannno Lieber.
This is a big reason the MTA expects to have a budget deficit by 2027, which could mean service cuts for riders.
Despite starting fare enforcement programs in 2022, many riders News 12 spoke to say they are still riding without paying.
The MTA has fares available at a discounted price for riders who qualify.
