In August of 2023, many New Yorkers were impacted by the increase in bus fares. Increased from 15 cents from $2.75 to $2.90. For most people foreign to New York, this 15-cent increase isn’t significant; most people would pay.
However, in New York, many people have been outraged and refused to pay the bus fares. This has led to people oftentimes getting on the bus, looking at the bus drivers directly in their faces, and refusing to pay the fare. Although many who try to avoid paying the fare think that it’s a small and minor issue, the Metropolitan Transit Authorities (MTA) Police have been cracking down on this.
In addition, bus drivers are being told to not let customers on the bus if they refuse to pay. This new policy has put many bus drivers in danger, with many being physically assaulted and even shot.
“There is somebody who had a MetroCard on him, who for some reason didn’t want to pay the fare, they did their job, they asked him to get off the bus, and lo and behold, he produced a .45 and took shots at our employees,” stated Janno Lieber, MTA chairman, and CEO.
Bus drivers are growing tired of disobedience and the casual disrespect that comes with their everyday jobs. They are growing tired of putting their safety at risk and have seen to start working closely with the police to ensure their safety while doing their job.
When boarding the bus, MTA police have no exceptions to the rule of citizens paying their fares. They do not discriminate against anything including race, gender, sexual orientation, or even age.
Multiple MTA police officers can be seen at busy stops waiting upon the arrival of the given bus. Intimidatingly one officer stands in the entry of the bus inspecting and ensuring that the bus fares are paid. If a customer is off by just a cent, they will be asked to find another way to pay or to exit the bus in general.
There are several other officers outside the premises of the bus monitoring the crowd and making sure that everything is regulated with little to no chaos.
You can avoid being ejected from your ride by paying your fare. There are various forms of payment besides the obvious one of coins. Paying your local fares can be done with student OMNY cards, city Metro Cards, bus transfers, and even you’re credit or debit card.
