San Francisco and other cities are grappling with mounting revenue losses due to fare evasion. Nearly 21% of Muni riders in San Francisco dodge paying fares, up from 13% in 2019, according to SFMTA.
New York City’s MTA faces a staggering $900 million projected deficit in 2027-2028, with fare evasion costing $700 million in 2023 alone, per the Citizens Budget Commission. Meanwhile, San Diego’s MTS reported a trolley fare evasion rate surpassing 30% in 2024, compared to just 5% in 2020.
In Washington, D.C., WMATA loses $40 million annually to fare evaders. Philadelphia’s SEPTA is combating the issue by installing 3D gates to prevent turnstile jumping, aiming to recoup its annual $30 million in lost revenue.