The Westchester County Legislature is reviewing a proposed new local law submitted by County Executive Ken Jenkins. The proposed new law is designed to help combat the inability to collect an estimated $1 million each month in Bee-Line bus fares due to fare evasion by riders.
“According to a 2025 report by the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation, the Bee-Line has an average daily ridership of 85,000, and serves well over 3,000 bus stops, touching the lives of many of Westchester’s residents,” Jenkins told the Legislature in a letter discussing his submission of the proposed local law. “For some time now, the Bee-Line has experienced a large number of fare violations (non-payment). This has been caused by both confusions over the free bus program over the summer, and also malfeasance. Regardless of the cause, fare evasion weakens the financial health of Westchester County and encourages unlawful behavior on the Bee-Line buses.”
Currently, fare evasion is classified under New York State’s Penal Law Section 165.15 (Theft of Services), as a Class A misdemeanor, a “printable offense” meaning a person would be arrested and finger-printed, which puts people at risk of having a long-lasting criminal record.
The proposed new law is described as allowing the county to take a more thoughtful and compassionate approach to dealing with fare evasion that promotes accountability through a civil penalty without imposing a criminal record.
Jenkins said, “We know that a missed bus fare should never derail a young person’s future. This legislation is about compassion and common sense. Today, too many people — many of whom rely on the Bee-Line to get to school or work — are one mistake away from carrying a criminal record that could follow them for life. By shifting fare evasion to a civil penalty, we’re holding people accountable in a way that is fair and proportionate.”
The new law would impose a civil fine of up to $50 for a first offense of fare non-payment. The second and subsequent offenses would be subject to a $100 fine. The new law would authorize county and local police to issue appearance tickets. Fare evaders would be allowed to either pay the fine or appear in local court.
“Westchester County is taking this course of action because it strongly opposes the criminalization of poverty, and is working hard to reduce youth interactions with the criminal justice system,” Jenkins said. “This proposed legislation will encourage fare compliance and enhance overall safety aboard Bee-Line buses.”
