Securing Transit: A Focus on Fare Evaders to Boost Safety

Transit systems are investing in new security measures to combat fare evasion, hoping to boost safety and attract more riders. One example is the MetroLink in the St. Louis area, which is installing 8-foot metal gates to ensure riders have valid fare cards. This is a significant shift from their previous honor system, where riders could board without showing tickets. Experts like Janno Lieber, chairman of New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority, point out that not all fare evaders are criminals, but many criminals do evade fares. This means that addressing fare evasion could potentially reduce violent crimes. Kevin Scott, the general manager for security at Bi-State Development, emphasizes that these new gates are about more than catching fare-skippers; they are about improving overall safety. Crime on public transit has roughly doubled between 2011 and 2023, according to the Federal Transit Administration. While current data on the direct link between crime and fare evasion is limited, a report from the Los Angeles Metro shows that nearly 94% of those arrested for violent crimes on their system were fare evaders.

Cities like New York and Washington, D.C., have been reinforcing their subway gates and increasing patrols. In Chicago, enhancements to gates and patrols are already part of their security plans after a tragic shooting incident. Systems like Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in San Francisco have also upgraded their gates to be nearly impossible to push through. In some regions, like the Seattle area, systems have opted not to install fare gates due to high costs. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority in Philadelphia estimates annual losses of up to $68 million from fare evasion. Despite these financial challenges, many transit systems are focusing on security and fairness as primary justifications for gate installations. Community members like Dominique Davenport, who was waiting for a ride home one night, appreciate the new measures. He believes that if riders show they'll pay their fare, they should be allowed to board safely.

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