Private security guards hired by the MTA to deter fare evasion in the subway system have been caught actively helping fare beaters instead. Guards at Herald Square have been seen holding emergency doors open for commuters to pass without paying. An Allied Guard recounted the excuses fare evaders provide as they seek free rides, undermining the purpose of the security presence. Despite a significant financial investment of $35 million in security services, fare evasion results in an annual loss of approximately $800 million for the MTA.
Apparently, nobody's watching the watchmen. Private security guards hired by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to staff subway stations, and act as deterrents to would-be turnstile hoppers, have instead been lending a helping hand to the Big Apple fare-beaters.
In 2022, the MTA quietly signed a multi-million dollar contract with Pennsylvania-headquartered Allied Universal Security Services for 500 guards charged with cracking down on turnstile jumping.
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