Nearly Half Of MTA Bus Riders Aren't Paying

The MTA expects to lose about $700 million this year because of fare evasion.

“The MTA recognizes fare evasion is an existential challenge," MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said.

Lieber said that somewhere between 30 and 50 percent of bus riders aren't paying to ride. He believes this is a carry over from the pandemic when commuters boarded using the rear door instead of the one in the front by the driver.

“We understand that this is a complex issue without a one-size-fits-all solution – there are fare evaders who are determined not to pay, those who would have otherwise but see an opportunity, and some who might struggle with affordability fares," Lieber said.

He didn't offer any specific plan for curbing fare evasion.

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