Transit Unplugged News Minute: Fare Evasion Crackdowns & Driver Appreciation Month

Transit Unplugged Weekly News Minute with Julie Gates

are evasion enforcement is heating up and the MBTA is celebrating transit driver appreciation month.

With a fiscal cliff coming for many transit agencies who are nearing the end of COVID relief subsidies, farebox revenue is becoming increasingly important and now there are efforts to step up fare enforcement.

Last year, the Toronto Transit Commission lost nearly $124 million dollars to fare evasion. Today, the TTC is rolling out a new campaign to remind riders about the importance of paying fares.

Washington DC Metro Transit Police have additional support when dealing with fare evasion, thanks to a new District of Columbia law. Violators could face up to $100 fines.

And the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is celebrating transit driver appreciation month by featuring operator stories on YouTube and collecting thank you notes for riders’ favorite bus drivers and rail operators.