Proposed Law Would Tackle Bee-Line Fare Evasion From New Angle

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — A proposed new law would address fair evasion on county buses with civil, rather than criminal, penalties.

In an effort to promote fare compliance on Westchester County's Bee-Line Bus System, the county has introduced a proposed local law that would establish a civil penalty for the theft of services on the Bee-Line.

The proposed legislation, submitted for adoption to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, would create a non-criminal enforcement mechanism for those who fail to pay the fare to ride the Bee-Line. Currently, fare evasion falls under the state misdemeanor theft of services law, but the county is now seeking to address the issue with local civil penalties rather than criminal charges.

County Executive Jenkins is urging the Westchester County Board of Legislators to adopt the proposed local law.

"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," Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said. "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."

The new proposed law calls for a civil fine of $50 for a first offense and a fine of $100 for each subsequent offense. The legislation authorizes law enforcement to issue appearance tickets with the option for violators to either pay the fine or appear in local court.