Staff Reports
In a world where public safety is increasingly becoming a hot-button issue, the latest proposal from a New York City politician has given new meaning to the phrase “free ride.” A self-proclaimed democratic socialist, Assemblyman Zoran Mamdani, is suggesting that the city ditch bus fares altogether in hopes of curbing crime on public transportation. While the idea might sound appealing to some, it raises eyebrows and questions on whether giving freebies to potential lawbreakers is truly a step in the right direction.
Incidents involving MTA bus drivers are becoming alarmingly common in New York City. Just recently, a female bus driver was pushed and had an unknown substance thrown in her face by someone who, for reasons unknown, must have thought a bus ride was worth the aggression. This unfortunate event is no isolated incident. Many bus operators face similar aggressive encounters daily, ranging from being slapped to more serious assaults. So naturally, the obvious solution seems to be increasing police presence and advocating for more arrests, right? Well, maybe not if you ask Mamdani.
Mamdani, in his wisdom, believes that the root of the problem lies in the fare box. His big idea? Make bus fares free to eliminate tension between passengers and bus drivers over a measly $2.90 fare. According to him, if the fare box were to disappear, it would create a safer environment for everyone—drivers and riders alike. However, this idea is being met with skepticism from many quarters, especially from crime prevention experts.
Critics of Mamdani’s plan argue that rewarding bad behavior, such as fare evasion, is counterproductive. Rafael Manguel from the Manhattan Institute has likened it to giving discounts to shoplifters if they promise not to steal. This perspective raises an important question: does giving away free rides effectively address the underlying issue of violence and crime, or does it merely enable it to persist? After all, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) lost over $300 million last year due to fare evasion.
Contrary to Mamdani’s belief, police officers have indicated that fare evasion often reveals more significant criminal behavior. In recent cases, stopping fare evaders has led the NYPD to uncover weapons, including a loaded gun and a knife resembling something straight out of an action movie, a fact that certainly adds a layer of concern about safety on public transport. It’s hard to argue that making transit-free while these issues remain unaddressed will lead to safer public spaces.
As Mamdani gathers campaign funds—nearly $700,000 in just three months—it’s essential to remember that he is not merely a fringe candidate. He is in a crowded field for the mayoral race, amidst a backdrop of waning approval ratings for the current mayor. The challenge lies in convincing the electorate that letting criminals off the hook with free rides isn’t the right path toward public safety. In a sense, if New York City leads the charge for fare-free transit, how might that translate into lawlessness in society at large? As the debate continues, residents are left pondering whether handing out free rides is the way to go or simply a ticket to more trouble.
