Starting September 8, the MBTA is set to intensify its efforts against fare evasion, deploying "fare engagement representatives" across Boston's transit system to ensure that all riders are paying their way, according to an announcement made by the transportation agency and covered by CBS Boston. The move comes as a response to what has been termed rampant fare evasion, particularly highlighted in an NBC10 Boston Investigation that showcased the issue on the Green Line, following the advent of a contactless payment system that, while meant to streamline the boarding process, has seemingly made it simpler to board without paying.
The representatives, who were introduced last October and are easily identifiable with their blue shirts and khaki pants, will first issue official warnings before progressing to citations starting at $50 for noncompliant passengers, this intensification strategy in the face of fare evasion was asserted by MBTA general manager and CEO Philip Eng who, in statements obtained by both CBS Boston and NBC Boston, emphasized the need for fairness and responsibility in maintaining a reliable mass transportation system.
Despite the crackdown, there is an acknowledgement of the importance of fair and non-discriminatory enforcement; "Obviously, for us it's really important that whatever is done is done equitably, that it's done in a non-discriminatory way," Caitlin Allen-Connelly of TransitMatters told CBS Boston. The plan also includes provisions for accessibility, as representatives will have Google Translate and multilingual capabilities, and have received specialized training for various scenarios including youth engagement and de-escalation tactics.
The implementation of the strategy coincides with the upcoming World Cup, which will likely increase the demands on the region's transportation infrastructure, and as fare evasion costs the agency millions annually, it’s framed as an essential move for fiscal responsibility, according to James Rodriguez, a rider who shared his experiences with the seemingly arbitrary fare checks prior to this initiative, with NBC Boston. There exists, however, some skepticism such as that expressed by former state transportation secretary Jim Aloisi, who believes that the financial needs of the T go beyond what fare evasion recoupment could potentially solve, he confided in an interview with NBC Boston.
For those who believe they have been wrongfully cited, an appeals process is in place, and discount programs exist to assist riders unable to afford fares. More information on fare evasion policies and appeal procedures can be found on the MBTA's official website.
