Flossi to Humans: Pay Your Fare

A new report from the MTA shows that nearly half of bus riders in New York City skip out on paying their fares. 

According to officials, 48% of bus riders did not pay during the first three months of 2024, up almost 30% from 2020.

"We let people get out of the habit of paying for buses during COVID," MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said. "It's hard to put that genie back in the bottle, but we have to do it because otherwise, we're not going to be able to keep up the level of service, and that is unacceptable."

The agency reported losing $315 million in 2022 due to bus fare evasion and an additional $285 million from subway turnstile jumpers.

The MTA is increasing its efforts to combat fare evasion by expanding its "Eagle Teams" program. These unarmed employees board buses to check for fare compliance and issue tickets to those who still need to pay. As part of the agency's enforcement strategy, the program will be expanded to include more routes.