fare evasion

A state auditor reported that many Charlotte transit riders are not paying fares or fines. The audit noted that in 2025, CATS issued 2018 tickets for fare evasion but collected only $550 in revenue. These findings concern the state of public transit security in Charlotte.

The mayor's 2025 campaign pledge to make NYC buses free has not been implemented, but riders have stopped paying fares, leading to increased fare evasion. MTA Chair Janno Lieber attributes the rise in fare evasion to this pledge.

MTA boss Janno Lieber blamed Mayor Zohran Mamdani's 'free bus' promises for a spike in fare evasion that caused paid ridership to drop 7.7% in June.

A 27-year-old man wanted for the 2021 murder of a transgender woman in Georgia was arrested at BART's El Cerrito del Norte Station for fare evasion. He was on the run since his 2024 conviction for the death of 25-year-old Skyler.

The Legal Aid Society accused Mayor Zohran Mamdani's NYPD of maintaining aggressive fare evasion enforcement similar to Eric Adams' administration, with data showing 3,188 arrests and 26,267 summonses in Q1 2026. New Yorkers of color accounted for 94% of arrests and 81% of summonses. NYPD countered that enforcement declined 15% compared to Q1 2025 and shifted focus to high-crime areas.

Cook County Sheriff's Police reported 80-90% fare evasion on some CTA lines. WGN Investigates conducted an independent analysis using Chicago's city data portal.

MTA NYC Transit is piloting electronic fare enforcement using handheld devices with EAGLE Teams to combat fare evasion on buses, transitioning from MetroCards to the OMNY tap-and-pay system. The agency is testing this 'European style' model primarily on Select Bus Service routes to verify fare payments and issue summonses.

Charlotte City Council approved a fare inspector ambassador program for light rail and buses, starting with the Blue Line, to address fare evasion costing millions annually. The initiative aims to improve safety and accountability, with mixed rider reactions including concerns about affordability and alternative solutions.

CATS is ending cash payments and implementing a new fare plan requiring Gold Line riders to pay for the first time. The changes, approved by the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority, have sparked public dissatisfaction, with riders criticizing reduced accessibility and unreliable payment technology. Fares remain unchanged, and the transition to a paid system is framed as a safety measure.

Metro Transit Police issued 807 citations and made 51 arrests during a 10-day crackdown on Metrobus fare evasion. The 'Fares Pay for Service' campaign aims to prevent fare evasion, which Metro estimates costs $50 million annually, with 70% of riders skipping fares.