MTA’s Fare Evasion Strategy Raises Concerns Among Riders
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is ramping up its efforts to tackle fare evasion on the subway system, but critics are voicing concerns about the safety and practicality of these new measures.
In a bid to deter those who sneak into the subway without paying, the MTA has announced that it will expand a program that temporarily locks emergency gates for 15 seconds after they are opened. This initiative is set to roll out in at least 150 stations this year. However, even with this new measure in place, it’s likely that people could still hold the doors open for others trying to evade fares.
Riders are worried that this approach could lead to dangerous situations. In emergencies like fires or shootings, the 15-second wait could feel like an eternity. Sharon McLennon-Wier, head of the Center for Independence of the Disabled New York, expressed her concerns, stating, “In a state of panic, every second counts.”
Dustin Jones, a disability advocate who relies on a wheelchair, echoed these sentiments. He emphasized that the delays could be particularly harmful for individuals with disabilities, saying, “Every second lost can be critical in an emergency.”
News of this expanded fare-evasion initiative follows a Blue-Ribbon Panel report that labeled fare evasion as a “crisis-level” issue. The report indicated that fare evaders cost the MTA a staggering $690 million in 2022, a financial blow that could lead to higher fares for honest riders. “Every dollar lost to evasion undermines the MTA’s stability and threatens reliable transit for all New Yorkers,” stated the report.
The MTA has made strides to address this issue already; so far, the emergency gate delays have cut down fare evasion by 40% in locations where they’ve been implemented. Nevertheless, some riders remain skeptical about their safety. One individual, 68-year-old Bernice Parks, warned, “Imagine if there’s a fire — people would panic trying to get out.”
While some locals feel that the measure may not significantly deter fare evaders, they also believe it poses unnecessary risks. Tony Morris, a Williamsburg resident, noted, “I don’t think it’s going to stop kids from jumping turnstiles.” He also lamented the rising fares, suggesting that if the MTA better addressed fare evasion, it could alleviate the need for constant fare increases.
Furthermore, the agency has experimented with various tactics to curb fare evasion, including installing barriers on turnstiles and deploying enforcement teams at busy stations. These initiatives have reportedly led to a 26% reduction in fare evasion during the second half of 2024.
Despite these statistics, the MTA has faced criticism over its methods. Critics argue that the focus should be on smarter enforcement rather than measures that may compromise the safety of passengers. The MTA’s plan to install new fare gates, slated to be rolled out in 20 stations, will be tested for efficiency and safety before a broader implementation.
City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow addressed these concerns, stating, “Fare evasion undermines the very system that supports New York City and offers essential transportation for our communities.” He emphasized the need for ongoing improvements to ensure all riders contribute fairly to the system.
In conclusion, while the MTA’s initiatives aim to reduce fare evasion, significant concerns linger regarding safety and efficacy. Many riders are left hoping for solutions that maintain both the integrity of the transit system and the safety of everyone who depends on it.
