MTA's Fare Evasion Controversy: A Heated Exchange and Future Plans

A recent budget hearing in Albany highlighted tensions between Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber and state Senator Mario Mattera (R-Smithtown) over the issue of fare evasion. The confrontation arose when Mattera questioned Lieber about a $35 million contract with Allied Universal Security Services, whose guards were reportedly allowing fare evaders to bypass payment systems. Lieber's frustration was palpable as he shouted, “Let me finish!” while defending the contractor's role in reducing fare evasion by 36%. However, this claim has been challenged, with MTA data indicating that fare evasion rates in subways dropped from 13.5% to 10.1% over three years, suggesting a less dramatic improvement than Lieber asserted.

MTA honcho Janno Lieber heatedly shouts at pol over fare evasion — as hearing goes off the railsFare evasion: MTA boss Lieber rules out all-door bus boarding until ‘European model’ of enforcement is activated – amNewYork

The MTA has faced significant financial losses due to fare evasion, with estimates suggesting nearly $1 billion lost in 2024 alone. The situation is particularly dire on buses, where approximately 49% of passengers are believed to have evaded fares in late 2025. Lieber acknowledged the need for improvement, stating he aims to reduce fare evasion across the MTA's system to around 10%. However, he admitted that the current situation on buses is far from this target.

Fare evasion: MTA boss Lieber rules out all-door bus boarding until ‘European model’ of enforcement is activated – amNewYork

Lieber announced that the MTA will not implement all-door boarding on city buses until a new fare enforcement system, modeled after European practices, is established. This system involves fare agents checking payments with handheld devices and issuing tickets to those who do not comply. The MTA has resisted all-door boarding due to concerns about fare evasion, particularly after allowing free boarding through back doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lieber emphasized that without a reliable method to validate payments at the back doors, fare evasion could increase.

Fare evasion: MTA boss Lieber rules out all-door bus boarding until ‘European model’ of enforcement is activated – amNewYorkMTA honcho Janno Lieber heatedly shouts at pol over fare evasion — as hearing goes off the rails

Transit advocates have expressed frustration over the MTA's delay in adopting all-door boarding, arguing that it would enhance service efficiency by reducing bus dwell times at stops. Lisa Daglian, executive director of the MTA’s Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee (PCAC), acknowledged the need for a quicker transition to onboard fare validation but also recognized the challenges posed by fare evasion. Critics have suggested that the MTA's proposed European-style enforcement may be more of a rebranding of existing practices rather than a substantial change in approach.

Fare evasion: MTA boss Lieber rules out all-door bus boarding until ‘European model’ of enforcement is activated – amNewYork

During the hearing, Lieber stated, “I actually think we’re south of 10% on the subways,” while acknowledging the significant fare evasion on buses. He also noted that the security guard program costs less than $35 million but did not provide specific figures on fare evasion losses. The exchange between Lieber and Mattera concluded with an apology from both parties, as Assembly Chair J. Gary Pretlow intervened to restore order.

MTA honcho Janno Lieber heatedly shouts at pol over fare evasion — as hearing goes off the rails

Discrepancies exist regarding the effectiveness of the security contractor and the actual rates of fare evasion. While Lieber claims a reduction in fare evasion due to the contractor's presence, independent analyses suggest that the situation may not be as improved as stated. Additionally, the MTA has not provided detailed statistics on fare evasion, leading to calls for greater transparency.

MTA honcho Janno Lieber heatedly shouts at pol over fare evasion — as hearing goes off the rails

• “Let me finish! Let me finish!” — Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO

MTA honcho Janno Lieber heatedly shouts at pol over fare evasion — as hearing goes off the rails

• “Why do we have people helping people avoid tolls? It’s on video.” — Mario Mattera, State Senator

MTA honcho Janno Lieber heatedly shouts at pol over fare evasion — as hearing goes off the rails

• “It doesn’t work if you have people getting on the back, and then you can’t really know whether they paid up front or not,” — Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO

Fare evasion: MTA boss Lieber rules out all-door bus boarding until ‘European model’ of enforcement is activated – amNewYork

• “Is it frustrating that we can’t do all-door boarding? Yes,” — Lisa Daglian, Executive Director, PCAC

Fare evasion: MTA boss Lieber rules out all-door bus boarding until ‘European model’ of enforcement is activated – amNewYork