MTA wastes $1 million to study why people evade fares
- The MTA plans to spend $1 million to study the psychology behind fare evasion.
- Readers argue that past enforcement tactics effectively reduced fare evasion.
- Criticism arises over the use of funds for research instead of direct enforcement solutions.
On December 17, 2024, discussions emerged around the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) decision to allocate $1 million towards researching the psychology behind fare evasion. The plan has sparked significant debate among New York Post readers, many of whom believe the funds could be better utilized through direct enforcement measures rather than psychological studies. Some patrons argue that merely reducing fares could deter those who evaded payments for the thrill of it, while others believe historical enforcement tactics, particularly during the Lindsay administration, effectively resolved similar issues. Critics suggest that the study is rooted in a failure to address the underlying factors resulting in fare evasion, arguing that lack of enforcement and the perception of minimal consequences play a vital role in this ongoing problem. With plans for congestion pricing in Manhattan also being discussed, many readers are questioning the MTA's priorities and whether this significant expenditure is justified given the pressing issues with fare evaders.