The fare-beaters really outdid themselves in 2010. They could have just coasted after costing the MTA $8 million in 2009, but last year they went above and beyond, reportedly evading a whopping $14 million in fares. MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz tells us, "Fare evasion is an age-old problem that is expensive for the MTA and for our riders, who end up paying more when some New Yorkers choose to break the law. We will continue to work with the NYPD on cost effective strategies such as targeting high-incidence locations and placing cameras in key areas to combat this problem."
Unemployment and fare hikes are most likely the biggest contributing factors, but according to many bus drivers the NYPD isn't helping. One driver told the Daily News that about 30% of his riders beat the fare, and about 10% don't even have the decency to make up an excuse. "They just waltz on," he said. "They don't even recognize I'm alive." Another driver said that during his 12-year career he's seen a cop confront a fare-beater only once.
Police sources say it's more efficient for them to place traffic officers in high-traffic subway stations rather than at bus stops, but it seems like that plan hasn't been working as well as they've hoped. Or maybe fare beaters have just figured that out and realize the bus is easier to jump. It's probably time for some street justice though. Just think of these guys the next time the MTA hikes your fares.
