Why Transit Systems Are Now Focusing on Fraud

Ever had a scary moment on a train platform? Dominique Davenport faced gunshots while waiting for a ride. He wasn't alone; many riders feel anxious due to transit crimes. Systems like St. Louis' MetroLink, known for its lax fare enforcement, aim to change that. They're adding security gates, a far cry from the old honor system. Is cracking down on fare dodgers the answer? Maybe, but it's complex. We'll explore how these changes might impact safety and the inclusivity of public transport. For starters, let's consider MetroLink. Their new $52 million investment includes gates and cameras. But is it about catching freeloaders, or improving safety? Security head Kevin Scott explains they hope to change the system's unsafe image. Other cities like New York and San Francisco agree, boosting their gates and patrols after notorious fare evasion videos. But will it work? After all, fare dodgers aren't always criminals, and criminals often evade fares, notes Janno Lieber, NY's Metropolitan Transportation Authority chief.Nationwide, transit crime stats are grim, with violent incidents double between 2011 and 2023. However, linking crime with fare evasion? It's murky. In Los Angeles, 94% of violent crime arrestees skipped fares. Sound Transit in Seattle, however, sees fare gates as a pricey hindrance. The Seattle area system won't add gates due to cost. Meanwhile, fare dodging on New York buses spiked after free rides during the pandemic, leading to millions in losses. Safety's key, but so is fairness. Gates could boost security but risk excluding those who can’t afford fares. Balancing access and safety’s tricky. Could better patrols and community engagement work too? Questions we ought to ponder as transit systems evolve, aiming to win back riders and ensure safer commutes for everyone.