Keep our buses and trains clean

In August 2023, the MTA increased the fare from $2.75 per ride to $2.90, with a further increase scheduled for August 2025, which will bring the total cost per ride to $3.00.

In the last year, police have been cracking down on fare evaders across the city. The NYPD’s subway fare evasion report for 2024 lists 64 arrests along the 1 train line from 225^th Street to 242^nd.  This number does not account for summonses issued, which have increased 94 percent from 2019 to 2024, according to Gov. Hochul’s office. Additionally, some summonses require a court desk appearance where the individual must appear in criminal court.

With the severe enforcement placed on commuters to pay their fare, are everyday New Yorkers then not entitled to a safe and clean ride?

The Press documented cockroaches on MTA buses in the Bronx that cater to people traveling to and from Marble Hill, Kingsbridge and Riverdale. In March 2024, roaches were spotted on a Riverdale-bound Bx9 bus; on Dec. 27, 2024, a Bay Plaza-bound Bx12 bus was decommissioned at 207^th Street due to a roach infestation and the most recent sighting of the creepy, crawly critters was on April 15 on a Manhattan-bound Bx7.

The feeling is enough to, not only make your skin crawl, but to send you running for the hills. On every occasion, The Press, along with several other riders, exited the bus and waited for the next with crossed fingers. However, with increased wait times between buses -- which the MTA and Gov. Hochul announced would improve starting this June -- many don’t have the leisure to wait, much less during inclement weather and frigid temperatures.

The Press filed a FOIL request for the cleaning schedules of MTA buses from 2019 through 2024 and the report shows a full and thorough list of interior washes occurring frequently. Yet, when one looks closely at the filth in which the roaches are parading, the dirt and grime looks like it has caked on over weeks.

Imagine keeping a clean and tidy home only to bring in pests that hitched a ride on your coat or bag. They then harbor in the crevices of your house or apartment, and you are now faced with a new problem. Anyone who has had the misfortune of dealing with roaches can attest to how pervasive the issue can become and how quickly it can spread.

Maybe the MTA should start charging the roaches to ride their buses or the NYPD should issue them summonses for avoiding the fare.

As the law comes down on fare evaders and the prices of public transportation, groceries and rents increase, it seems the quality of life for New Yorkers is dwindling.

And this is not to absolve riders. It is important that we work together to keep our buses and trains clean. Avoid littering and eating on public transportation. If everyone does their part to keep their space clean and care about their environment, together we can create a sanitary environment we can all enjoy and feel safe in.

The last thing any of us want is an uninvited house guest.