Bold claim: fare evasion on buses could be reshaped by adopting a European-style enforcement approach that relies on fare inspectors rather than police. The MTA’s Chair and CEO, Janno Lieber, revealed on Tuesday that the agency plans to implement this model to crack down on riders who haven’t paid after boarding buses in New York City.
Under this plan, fare agents would approach passengers and request proof of payment, asking, “Can you show me your phone or your OMNY card? I can verify that you paid.” Lieber explained that the reform is driven in part by the NYPD’s current staffing, which he says leaves too few police officers available to enforce bus fares, even though the NYPD already has a presence across the subway system.
In many European transit systems, riders pay before boarding or enter through ramps without gates, and fare enforcement is carried out by roaming inspectors who check tickets on buses and trains after passengers have entered.
Fare evasion on buses is most common toward the back of buses, where riders often board while doors are open and the vehicle is stopped.
Lieber reflected on past pandemic-era policy changes, noting, “We hope that will ultimately help us make more progress on the bus issue, which I think escalated quickly during COVID, when we told people, get on the back and don’t pay. And we never put the toothpaste back in the tube.” During the pandemic, all-door boarding was allowed to protect drivers, which contributed to gaps in fare collection.
The timing of the new enforcement approach hinges on the full rollout of OMNY, the tap-and-ride system, though specifics about implementation and whether all-door boarding will continue remain unclear. An MTA spokesperson declined further comment beyond Lieber’s remarks.
Although fare evasion on subways tends to receive more attention, the MTA reports substantial losses from bus riders who do not pay. A September report from the Citizens Budget Commission estimated $568 million in unpaid bus fares last year.
To combat bus fare evasion, the MTA has been deploying EAGLE Teams—civilian fare inspectors—on certain routes and at bus hubs with high evasion rates, supported by NYPD officers. Governor Kathy Hochul’s office has credited these efforts with improvements, stating that rider payments at stops with EAGLE Teams increased by 7% in March. Additionally, MTA Chief Financial Officer Jai Patel noted that bus fare evasion has declined in every quarter since the second quarter of the previous year.
Questions for readers: Do you think replacing police with civilian fare inspectors on buses is a better approach to enforce payments? What potential challenges or unintended consequences might arise from a European-style model in the New York City context? Share your thoughts in the comments.
