In an effort to address fare evasion on the Bee-Line Bus System, Westchester County has introduced a proposed local law aimed at establishing a civil penalty for those who evade paying fares. This initiative seeks to enhance fare compliance and ensure the safety and sustainability of the bus system.
The legislation, submitted to the Westchester County Board of Legislators for adoption, would amend existing county laws by adding Chapter 643. This amendment creates a non-criminal enforcement mechanism targeting individuals who do not pay the required fare.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins stated, “Fare evasion is costing us about $1 million dollars a month, and it poses a serious threat to the safety, fiscal integrity, and the long-term success of our Bee-Line system. This legislation is about accountability, not criminalization. It provides a fair and proportionate response to a growing problem that affects all riders. This is about protecting the integrity of the system while being mindful of who’s riding, and why they might not be paying.”
According to a report from 2018 by the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation, approximately 100,000 riders use the Bee-Line daily across more than 3,000 bus stops in the county. The service is crucial for students, seniors, commuters, and residents relying on public transit.
Currently classified under New York State’s Penal Law Section 165.15 as Theft of Services—a Class A Misdemeanor—fare evasion is now being addressed through local civil penalties rather than criminal charges by Westchester County.
The county calls on the Westchester County Board of Legislators to adopt this proposed law to support the continued reliability and equity of the Bee-Line Bus System.
