New York authorities are urged to reinforce fare evasion enforcement by reallocating funds from a proposed $3 billion taxpayer rebate to support the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) $68.4 billion capital plan. The Citizens Budget Commission emphasizes that half-hearted fare evasion enforcement costing the MTA $700-$800 million must end, recommending stronger legal action against violators. The situation worsened post-pandemic, escalating from $200 million in losses to $800 million. The report indicates that increased cooperation among lawmakers, police, and the MTA is crucial for greater revenue recovery and operational stability.
"These $300 and $500 checks spread $3 billion so thinly that they will not meaningfully make New York more affordable for any single family. Redirecting some or all of the $3 billion to the MTA would have a major impact," said the Citizens Budget Commission, a government watchdog group.
"Losing $700 million to $800 million in revenue lost to fare evasion is not sustainable," Ana Champeny, CBC's vice president of research, told The Post.
"There needs to be cooperation from law enforcement to issue citations, arrest repeat offenders, and prosecute theft of service," it continued.
"Include provisions to catalyze action and provide tools to the District Attorneys, police and the MTA to dramatically turn the tide on fare evasion, which could increase revenue by hundreds of millions of dollars."
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