NY MTA Seeks Behavioral Expert to Combat Record Fare Evasion (1)

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority is now looking beyond physical barriers and police presence to reduce fare evasion, which may cost the transit provider as much as $800 million this year.

The MTA, which runs New York City’s subways, buses and commuter rail lines, is seeking to change rider behavior and will select a consultant to create strategies to persuade customers to pay the fare, according to a request for proposals posted on the MTA’s website. About 900,000 subway and bus riders evade fare every day, according to the notice.

“The MTA is advancing a holistic approach to address fare ...