NY Daily News: State Senate passes $500 fine for subway farebeaters
Bill inspired by Daily News article
By Pete Donohue / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Monday, January 23 2012, 5:37 PM
The MTA could jack up the fine for farebeating from $100 to $500 under legislation the state Senate passed Monday.
The bill — inspired by a Daily News article — would deter riders from jumping turnstiles or entering through emergency exit gates, Sen. Charles Fuschillo (R-L.I.), who drafted the legislation, said.
"The MTA and its fare-paying riders shouldn't have to spend tens of millions of dollars more each year paying for other people’s illegal free rides," Fuschillo, chairman of the Senate's transportation committee, said.
Fuschillo moved to turn the screws on farebeaters after the Daily News reported on a study that found a habitual scofflaw could expect to get caught and fined $100 once every six to 13 weeks.
Paying the fine would be cheaper than buying six weekly MetroCards, the study by NYC Transit division staff said.
Fuschillo consulted with the NYPD and the MTA on the legislation, he said. It authorizes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board to increase fines for violating its Rules of Conduct.
The state Assembly must also pass the bill for it to become law.
The MTA has estimated farebeating denies it $31 million in annual revenue.
