Central Bus' Compassionate Approach To Non-Paying Riders

In New York City, nearly half of bus riders do not pay their fares. This has resulted in a loss of millions of dollars for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). While some riders evade the fare because they cannot afford it, others simply take advantage of the system. To combat this issue, the MTA is expanding its Eagle Teams program, which involves unarmed employees checking for fare compliance and issuing tickets to those who haven't paid. It's important to note that not paying your fare on public transportation is considered fare evasion and can result in fines.

Inability to pay

The issue of fare evasion has worsened over time, with a notable increase from 2020 to the first three months of 2024 in New York. The COVID-19 pandemic played a role in this trend, as people got out of the habit of paying for bus fares during that period. MTA Chair and CEO, Janno Lieber, acknowledged the challenge of reinstating fare-paying habits but emphasized the necessity to maintain service levels.

To address fare evasion, the MTA has implemented measures such as expanding its "Eagle Teams" program. These teams consist of unarmed employees who board buses to check for fare compliance and issue tickets to those who haven't paid. However, it's important to distinguish between intentional fare evasion and those who cannot pay due to financial constraints.

In recognition of financial difficulties, certain groups are eligible for reduced fares in New York. People aged 65 or older or those with qualifying disabilities can apply for reduced fares. This approach aims to balance the need for fare compliance with an understanding of the financial challenges faced by some riders.

While the issue of inability to pay bus fares persists, it is important to explore sustainable solutions that ensure riders can access transportation while also maintaining the financial viability of bus services. Striking this balance is crucial for the well-being of riders and the efficiency of public transportation systems.

Affordability of bus fares

Bus fares are a sensitive political issue, as they often account for a significant proportion of household spending for those on low incomes. In many cases, bus fares are not excessive in the sense that they are set at the minimum level necessary to cover the full cost of providing an efficiently operated bus service. If passengers cannot afford the fares in such a situation, the basic choice is between reducing service standards to an affordable level or providing a subsidy. Restricting fares to an affordable level without subsidy and without reducing standards will make the service unsustainable.

In developing countries, public transport fares are often regulated, and enforcement is usually more stringent than for any other regulation. The regulations may specify actual fares to be charged, a maximum permitted charge, or a basic charge that operators are permitted to exceed for premium services. Different fare levels may be authorized to reflect different service standards. Fare control is implemented to ensure that fares remain affordable, particularly when an operator has a monopoly.

However, there is considerable disagreement about whether fare control is necessary to protect passengers from exploitation by unscrupulous operators, or whether it distorts the market to the passengers' disadvantage. In some cases, inappropriate control of bus fares has led to the demise of bus companies. Fare control can also result in a time lag between cost increases (such as fuel or wages) and the implementation of a fare increase, which can be detrimental to operators, especially in high inflation environments.

Ideally, fare increases should be authorized at regular intervals and based on a formula linking bus fares to an appropriate price index. They should also be relatively frequent and small rather than infrequent and large. Allowing operators more flexibility in their charging policies can be beneficial, such as charging different fares at different times of the day to reflect variations in demand.

In the context of affordability, it is worth noting that bus travel is generally a much more affordable option compared to flying, with bus tickets often costing a small fraction of the price of a flight on the same route. Additionally, discounts are often available for different fare classes, such as seniors, children, students, and military veterans.

Boarding without payment

It is important to pay your fare when riding a bus, but there are situations where a person may not be able to do so. In New York City, for instance, nearly half of bus riders skipped their fares in the first quarter of 2024, according to a report by the MTA. This was a sharp increase from 2020, and the agency attributed it to people getting out of the habit of paying for bus rides during the COVID pandemic. Fare evasion resulted in significant financial losses for the MTA, with $315 million lost in 2022 from bus fare evasion alone.

While some people may not pay their fares because they cannot afford to, it is important to remember that there are other options available, such as reduced fares for those who are eligible. In addition, not paying your fare can lead to fines or other penalties.

In Edmonton, for example, random checks for proof of payment are conducted, and there is a $150 fine for fare evasion. It is important to be prepared and have your fare ready when boarding the bus to avoid these penalties.

If you are unable to pay your fare, it is best to communicate this to the bus driver or operator as soon as possible. They may be able to provide you with a warning or allow you to board without payment, but this is at their discretion. It is important to remember that not paying your fare can impact the level of service provided by the transit agency, as they rely on these fares to maintain operations.

While it may be tempting to board a bus without paying, especially if others are doing so, it is important to remember the potential consequences and consider the impact on the wider community.

Bus driver's response

Bus drivers in New York City have a difficult task when it comes to fare evasion, with nearly half of bus riders skipping the fare. While the official statistics from the MTA report that 48% of bus riders did not pay during the first quarter of 2024, some bus drivers claim the number is even higher, with hundreds of fare evaders on their buses every day.

Bus drivers are instructed to press the F5 button on their dashboard each time a rider does not pay. This records the number of fare evaders, and the MTA uses this data to monitor and address the issue. However, beyond recording the incident, there is little that bus drivers can do to prevent people from riding without paying.

In an interview with FOX 5 NY, some New Yorkers admitted to skipping the fare because they simply cannot afford it. The high cost of living and rising prices have made it difficult for some people to cover the cost of bus fare. While some may view this as a justifiable reason for fare evasion, it still impacts the MTA's ability to maintain its services.

To combat fare evasion, the MTA has implemented "Eagle Teams". These are unarmed employees who board buses to check for fare compliance and issue tickets to those who haven't paid. This program is being expanded to cover more routes, demonstrating the MTA's commitment to addressing the issue.

Bus drivers play a crucial role in this process by recording fare evaders and supporting the "Eagle Teams" when they board the bus. While it can be challenging to witness so many people riding without paying, bus drivers are expected to remain professional and follow the established protocols. This includes cooperating with the "Eagle Teams" and providing any necessary assistance during fare checks.

Central bus financial loss

Furthermore, government support for bus services has decreased over the years, exacerbating the financial challenges faced by bus operators. In England, government funding for bus services decreased by 35.3% in real terms between 2008/09 and 2019/20, with similar reductions in London (46.8%) and other English metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. This decline in funding has impacted various forms of support, including net public transport support, concessionary travel, and the Bus Service Operators Grant.

The financial loss in bus services is also evident in other parts of the world. For example, the bus company in Shangqiu, China, faced a halt in services due to heavy losses and insufficient fiscal subsidies from the city government.

To address these financial losses, bus operators and local governments must work together to improve efficiency, increase ridership, and explore alternative funding sources. This may include route optimisation, dedicated bus lanes, and technological advancements to enhance user-friendliness and attract more passengers.

Additionally, it is essential to distinguish between justified and unjustified losses. Justified losses arise from serving the public, such as operating in economically non-viable routes or providing subsidised ticket rates. On the other hand, unjustified losses result from inefficient management and under-utilisation of assets. Distinguishing between these two types of losses can help guide financial strategies and ensure that public funds are used effectively.

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