Hochul given another opportunity to redeem herself by addressing NYC’s fare-evasion problem
The broken-windows theory of social disorder suggests that ignoring minor problems can lead to more significant issues over time.
Using the example from which the theory derives its name, a vacant building with a single broken window is likely to accumulate more broken windows and other problems, eventually becoming a blight on the neighborhood.
The latest real-life example supporting this theory involves riders on New York City buses refusing to pay their fare.
An astonishing 48% of bus passengers engage in fare evasion, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in losses for the MTA each year.
Initially a manageable issue, the number of fare evaders steadily increased due to lack of intervention.
Evasion rates stood at 18% in 2018, rose to 33% in May 2023, and reached 41% in December of the same year.
Nearly half of riders don’t pay
Currently, almost half of all riders do not pay their fare, with subway fare evasion standing at 14%, which is high compared to international standards.
With no repercussions for fare evasion, the number of cheaters continues to grow, leading honest riders to also become offenders.
As seen in the broken-windows theory, the lack of consequences invites more trouble.
The financial losses incurred from fare evasion are significant, with bus fare evasion costing the MTA $312 million in 2022 alone, and the total loss from both bus and subway fare evasion reaching around $700 million in 2023.
Ultimately, the burden falls on taxpayers if the issue is not addressed effectively by the MTA, Albany, and City Hall.
Despite acknowledging the problem, little has been done to address it, with only superficial attempts made to curb fare evasion.
One recent initiative involves unarmed “fare inspectors,” but their limited numbers show a lack of seriousness in addressing the widespread problem.
Decisions like Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr.’s shift away from treating subway turnstile jumpers as criminals have contributed to the increase in lawlessness, further exacerbated by the George Floyd riots and pro-criminal legislators and prosecutors minimizing penalties for offenders.
DAs fuel lawlessness
This leniency has led to an increase in shoplifting, contributing to store closures, job losses, and neighborhood decline.
Alvin Bragg, Vance’s successor, has extended the avoidance of criminal penalties to other offenses, perpetuating the cycle of lawlessness.
New York faces the crunch of fare evasion with congestion pricing, which aims to finance the MTA as losses from fare evasion escalate.
Instead of penalizing fare cheats, the leadership seeks to tax commuters and trucks, with congestion pricing projected to generate around $1 billion annually.
While congestion pricing was paused before implementation, suspicions of political motivations remain, as the decision may have been influenced by upcoming elections.
Don’t tax — enforce!
An alternative approach, focusing on enforcing fare payment and cracking down on fare evasion, is a more sensible and just solution to the problem.
Mobilizing the MTA and involving law enforcement in arresting fare evaders, along with holding prosecutors and judges accountable, can help tackle the issue effectively.
Addressing street congestion without penalizing drivers and focusing on cracking down on fare evasion can alleviate the financial strain on the MTA.
Both measures, if implemented, would not only be the right course of action but also garner public support.
The clock is ticking for Governor Hochul to make a decision on congestion pricing, with the potential to demonstrate good faith and good policymaking to voters before the elections.
Eliminating the congestion tax would signal a commitment to addressing the root cause of financial losses for the MTA and ensuring a fair and just approach to public policy.
