Governor Andrew Cuomo and the MTA are sending an additional 500 police officers into the subway system and onto bus routes to combat fare evasion.
“Fare evasion is a growing, monetarily significant problem,” Governor Cuomo said.
It’s estimated that fare evasion costs the MTA $240 million a year, up from $100 million just three years ago.
“The MTA just did a fare increase and more and more people are evading the fare and getting on the trains without paying, or the buses without paying. That is not only a legal violation, it is unfair to everyone,” Cuomo said.
The governor said they’ve identified 100 hotspots that will be targeted with the additional officers. In addition to cracking down on fare beaters, the cops will help protect MTA workers.From 2013 to 2017, the number of assaults on transit workers has increased by more than 15 percent.
"This partnership means more eyes and ears in stations, and more officers for New Yorkers to turn to when they need help. The additional officers we're deploying to the subway system will protect riders, prevent fare evasion and respond in emergencies," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement.
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