MTA, NYPD crackdown on bus fare evaders throughout city, violations led to summonses

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A handful of fare evaders were removed from the crosstown M96 bus during a 45-minute sweep by the MTA and NYPD at the East 97th Street and Fifth Avenue bus stop in Manhattan on Thursday.

One rider, Patrina, said she approved of the crackdown, noting that fare evasion is a common issue. “Every day you’re on the bus, you see this happening,” she told 1010 WINS.

Some fare evaders were issued summonses on the spot.

Another rider, Angelina, said, “It’s about time. I mean, every day, every day, every day, I see it here. I see it on the train. I see it at 42nd Street every single day. You’re supposed to pay your fare. Why shouldn’t you?”

New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow spoke to the press following the crackdown and stated that similar enforcement efforts are happening across the city. “This is just a small sample of what is going on throughout the entire network of buses,” he said.

Thursday's sweep also included bus routes at Grand Concourse and Fordham Road in the Bronx.

A recent MTA report shows 48% of city bus riders don’t pay the fare. That amounts to nearly 1 million riders skimping on bus fares daily as the MTA faces a projected $900 million combined deficit in 2027 and 2028.

The number of fare-beaters is also more than double what it was in 2018, when 18% of bus riders skipped the fare, according to MTA data.

Amid the years-long debate about how to curb fare evasion, some lawmakers continue to push for making public transit a free, tax-funded service, like public education and emergency services.