Bloomberg Talks MTA CFO Jai Patel Talks Ridership Recovery, Fare Evasion
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Aug 19, 2025 Jai Patel, the Chief Financial Officer of the MTA, is on a mission to steer public transit towards a sustainable future. She dives into the complex world of fare increases and the ongoing recovery of subway ridership post-pandemic. Patel highlights the challenges posed by fare evasion and outlines enforcement strategies. She also discusses bold proposals for fare-free bus systems and the implications of congestion pricing. Tune in for insights on balancing finances while enhancing the commuter experience in New York City!
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Subway Fare Evasion Has Dropped Substantially
- Subway fare evasion fell from 14% to 9.8% after enforcement measures like fins and gate guards.
- Targeted physical and staffing measures on subways are producing measurable declines.
Enforce Bus Fares With Eagle Teams
- Increase enforcement on buses using dedicated Eagle teams and operator diligence.
- Issue summonses or remove non-paying passengers to deter evasion until proof-of-payment rolls out.
Omni Enables Proof-Of-Payment Checks
- Full Omni rollout will enable European-style proof-of-payment with phone and card taps.
- Inspectors will be able to check taps and issue summonses to non-payers under the new system.