In a bold move to tackle fare evasion and enhance safety, the NYPD has announced the deployment of an additional 800 officers to the subway system over the next five days. This initiative, dubbed “Operation Fare Play,” aims to clamp down on fare-beaters, a strategy the department believes will also deter more serious crimes.
The decision to increase police presence comes in the wake of a report revealing a significant rise in violent incidents on the subway, with attacks surging by over 50% since 2019. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell, alongside other top officials, unveiled the plan at a press conference held at the subway station on 125th Street and Lenox Avenue in Manhattan. Chell emphasized that the deployment would target stations with high crime rates, as determined by MTA data and community feedback.
Chell assured that this was not a temporary measure but part of a broader, ongoing strategy to ensure subway safety. “We’re going to repeat this operation as needed. We’re keeping the specific locations confidential to maintain the element of surprise. Our message is clear: don’t expect to ride for free or bring weapons into the subway,” he stated.
NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper highlighted fare evasion as a major concern among regular subway users and the MTA. “Our goal is to uphold a sense of law and order right from the fare gates. We’re sending a strong message against fare evasion: don’t jump, crawl, or sneak through the gates. Choose to follow the law,” Kemper urged.
So far this year, 20 individuals have been arrested for carrying firearms in the subway, with 11 of these arrests occurring during fare evasion checks. One notable incident involved Dajuan Robinson, who was shot with his own weapon during a confrontation on a Brooklyn train, in what was deemed an act of self-defense by the authorities.
The NYPD reports a more than 15% decrease in subway crimes this month compared to the same period last year, attributing this success to the increased police patrols. Kemper revealed that approximately 28,000 fare evasion citations have been issued this year, with around 1,700 arrests for turnstile jumping.
“This initiative is about more than just enforcing fare payments; it’s about ensuring the safety and security of our subway riders,” Kemper explained.
Despite these efforts, some New Yorkers remain skeptical about the impact of the increased police presence on overall safety. Michael Griffin, a security guard and regular subway commuter, expressed doubts that targeting fare evasion would address the broader issue of crime. Similarly, a Harlem mother shared her ongoing concerns for her daughter’s safety on the subway, questioning the reported decrease in crime.
As the NYPD launches Operation Fare Play, the debate continues over the best approach to ensuring safety on the subway. While the department cites a decrease in overall transit crime, the rise in serious assaults underscores the challenges that remain in making the subway a safe environment for all New Yorkers.