In September, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, responsible for Boston’s public transit network, announced they would be cracking down on fare evasion — the practice of traveling on public transit without paying. This move comes after the MBTA has already lost tens of millions of dollars from unpaid fares. According to a 2021 MBTA analysis, the system lost between $5 million and $6 million in annual revenue from unpaid fares on subways, trolleys and buses. Including the commuter rail, the MBTA lost an additional $10–20 million each year. When an NBC investigative team scoped out several Green Line stations near Boston University, they found that almost every passenger boarded the train without paying.
This lost revenue matters. The MBTA ranks among the worst public transit networks for derailments in 2024, and delays are frequent. Furthermore, the design of the MBTA’s subway lines make many routes deeply inefficient. For example, a trip from the Joyce Cummings Center to Assembly Row takes a mere 10 minutes by car, but roughly 40 minutes on public transit.
This is problematic because having reliable public transit is important. Public transportation reduces traffic congestion and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the Urban Institute notes that proximity to public transit correlates with higher employment, suggesting a link between transit access and economic mobility. They note: “availability of public transit influences job accessibility, commute times, and overall economic outcomes.” The MBTA’s inconsistent service denies Greater Boston the full realization of these benefits.
As part of its newest crackdown on fare evasion, the MBTA announced it will deploy representatives throughout the system — named the Fare Engagement Team — to conduct fare checks. Riders caught without a valid fare will first receive an official verbal warning, followed by a $50 citation for the next three offenses and $100 citations for each additional offense. This is a good start — and the MBTA should collect data to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures, if it is not already doing so.
However, the MBTA can and should do more to increase fare revenue. First, it should install fare gates at Green Line stops and other stations where fare evasion is frequent. Unlike traditional turnstiles, which present accessibility issues, fare gates are both accessible and effective. When the Bay Area Rapid Transit installed fare gates at their stations, the agency reported a noticeable decline in fare evasion. Crime also dropped — though this might only be indicative of correlation rather than causation. Second, the MBTA should be prepared to increase citation amounts if current enforcement efforts fail to deter fare evasion.
Finally, the MBTA should better publicize its new, easier ways for consumers to pay. For example, in 2024, the MBTA implemented tap-to-ride technology, eliminating the cumbersome process of purchasing and refilling CharlieCards. Riders can now simply tap a credit or debit card, or use Apple Pay, to enter subway stations or pay for buses. Furthermore, on the Green Line, passengers can pay on board rather than at station machines — allowing them to catch trains more quickly without skipping payment. The MBTA should make it clear that these options exist and that paying fares is now easier than ever. Meanwhile, as Tufts students, we can do our part by paying our fares and contributing to a stronger, more sustainable transit system — for ourselves and for the thousands of people in surrounding communities who rely on effective public transit.
