Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has introduced a proposed local law that would establish a civil penalty for the theft of services on 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.
Westchester County is taking a more thoughtful and compassionate approach, one that promotes accountability without imposing a criminal record. In an effort to protect individuals—particularly young people, working families, and those already facing hardship—from receiving a criminal record for fare evasion, legal consequences for what is often a moment of financial hardship or simple mistake.
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.”
Fare evasion is costing taxpayers about $1 million a month, and threatens the long-term sustainability of the Bee-Line system. The legislation—submitted for adoption to the Westchester County Board of Legislators—would amend the Laws of Westchester County by adding a new Chapter 643, creating a non-criminal enforcement mechanism for individuals who fail to pay the required fare to ride the Bee-Line.
Key provisions of the proposed local law currently before the Westchester County Board of Legislators include:
• A civil fine of up to $50 for a first offense of fare non-payment.
• A fine of up to$100 for each subsequent offense.
• Authorization for County and local law enforcement to issue appearance tickets.
• The option for violators to either pay the fine or appear in local court.
