Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Marc Molinaro wants Milwaukee transportation officials to crack down on fare evasion on the city’s bus and rail transit systems.
In a letter to John Rodgers, Interim Director, Milwaukee County Department of Transportation, and James Vineau, system manager for the Milwaukee Streetcar System, Molinaro called for immediate action on fare evasion, saying the crime is costing taxpayers millions annually in lost revenue. The agency is also asking for transparency on what resources are being allocated toward improving public safety. Molinaro said commuters have expressed increased fear over using area transit services.
“Each time a rider steps onto a bus without paying, it erodes the public’s trust in the system, discourages responsible riders, and normalizes disorder,” Molinaro said. “These aren’t isolated annoyances. They’re signals of a system abandoned by its leaders.”
The agency is asking the transit system for information about what actions and plans are being taken to reduce crime and fare evasion on their systems, including trends and previous actions, and to summarize all sources of funds, including federal funds, to improve passenger and worker security
“People traveling on MCTS to reach their jobs, education, healthcare, and other critical services need to feel secure and travel in a safe environment free from crime, and workers who operate the system need to be assured of a safe operating environment to provide transportation services,” Molinaro wrote. “The transit riders and workers of Milwaukee deserve nothing less.”