Boston’s public transit system is stepping up its efforts to prevent fare evasion this fall by adding staff to check fares, a decision that has drawn mixed responses from commuters and sparked debate among transit advocates.
As the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, or the MBTA, implements new changes to its Fare Engagement Program, the new policies divide students, commuters, and advocates over its effectiveness and accessibility. This debate highlights a broad issue in Boston transit, revealing its struggle to balance adequate revenue collection while remaining a form of equitable and accessible public transit.
“They’re definitely checking tickets more. There were certain trains where they didn’t check tickets at all,” Bill St. George, a 61-year-old tour guide for Great Boston Tours and a regular rider on the Commuter Rail, said. “But it makes sense. How are you going to fund the thing if you don’t have any money? There are dozens of people that don’t pay, and you need to collect that.”…