#fare-evasion

#fare-evasion

New York City's buses are in crisis, and have been for a long time. In the year 2000, MTA buses carried 699 million passengers per year. Even as New York City has grown over the last quarter-century, gaining 470,000 new residents, bus ridership has dropped by 41 percent, to 409 million. Fare evasion is rampant. Over one-third of passengers refuse to pay, costing the MTA $568 million in 2024. Nearly one-third of buses run late.

The hooded man was seen flouting several TfL byelaws when he rode his bike through the underground corridors at Bank station, weaving in and out of commuters making their way on foot. He then carried the bike which is banned from services in and out of the station, as well as most Underground lines up the escalators and stairs. When he reached the ticket barriers, station staff in orange hi-vis jackets can be seen congregating on the other side.

During an Aug. 30 visit to the station, just days after the barriers and half-moon sleeves were installed, amNewYork observed that no one jumped the turnstiles. Two uniformed NYPD officers were standing guard at the time. amNewYork observed a continual parade of straphangers entering the station, many about to jump the newly sleeved and spiked turnstiles before stopping in their tracks after noticing the officers. A line of straphangers then formed at the MetroCard vending machine to refill their cards.

Subway crime dropped 8% last month compared to the same period in 2024, making it the lowest level for any July since 1995, MTA officials said.

An off-duty policewoman faced violence when she confronted fare dodgers at Wood Green Tube station, including being punched, kicked, and having a drink thrown at her.

The report highlights that inconsistent treatment for ticketing issues leaves passengers vulnerable to prosecution, even for honest mistakes, undermining trust in the railway system.

Transit cops apprehended fare evader Hugh Hyde at a Manhattan subway station, discovering a loaded firearm in his backpack, highlighting ongoing transit crime issues.

TfL's focus on fare evasion aims to reduce current rates from 3.4% to 1.5% by 2030, affirming a commitment to fair travel for all.