What we’re doing
Fare inspectors are enforcing fare payment on local buses throughout the city. If you don’t pay your fare, you may be asked to exit the bus and may receive a summons.
Why we’re doing it
The rate of fare evasion on buses has increased considerably since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. In 2020, about 21% of bus riders didn’t pay their fare; now, that number is roughly 50%, the highest rate of fare evasion of any mode of transportation that the MTA operates.
In 2022, we lost about $315 million to fare evasion on buses. That's money we can’t spend running better service for our riders.
Our efforts to combat fare and toll evasion on other MTA services are ongoing. We have stepped up enforcement of fare payment on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North, and gate guards have been deployed at subway stations to reduce evasion. We have also collaborated with other city and state agencies on joint toll enforcement operations focusing on ghost plates and persistent toll violators.
Why it’s important to pay the fare
The MTA relies on fares to help pay to run service. About a quarter of the MTA’s budget comes from fares paid by our riders.
Paying the fare make your bus system possible. The MTA uses your fares to hire more bus operators and mechanics, expand and modernize our fleet, and improve frequency and reliability. When you pay your fares, you are helping us deliver better service to the over two million New Yorkers who rely on buses every single day.
Without your fare, we have less money to spend, and service could deteriorate. Your fares keep all of us moving.
How you can save money on fares
If you need help paying the fare, here are some things you can do.
- If you’re over 65 or have a qualifying disability you may qualify for half-price fares through our Reduced Fare program.
- New York City operates the Fair Fares program, which provides half-priced fares to qualifying residents.
- Learn more about fare discount programs.
With Student OMNY Cards, students get four free rides per day—all day, every day, all year round. If you have a Student OMNY Card, remember to always tap for your rides. Your tap tells the MTA how many people ride from every stop and helps improve service. Learn more about Student OMNY Cards.
Everyone can save money with our weekly fare cap. When you tap with the same contactless card or device for every ride, your weekly fares will be capped at $34. You get all the benefits of a 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard without paying in advance. Learn more about fare capping.