CONTACT:
Jasmine Budnella, jasmine@vocal-ny.org

FARE EVASION SHOULDN’T BE A DEATH SENTENCE

New York City Must Ensure Free and Expanded Fair Fares in this Year’s Budget

NEW YORK — In response to Gothamist’s coverage of Hector Sierra passing away in Brooklyn Central booking after being stopped for alleged fare evasion, VOCAL-NY released the following statement attributable to Little Flores, a member of VOCAL-NY’s Users Union:

“Punishing someone for not having money for fare shouldn’t condemn them to death – but that’s the reality many are facing. Hector should be alive today. 

Last month, I was detained for seven hours simply for walking through an open door at the station. We weren’t doing anything wrong, yet I was put in a cell for hours. If I had been held any longer, I would have gone into withdrawal from not having access to my methadone, and would have needed my asthma medication.

Free and expanded Fair Fares would make a real difference for people like me. It would mean not having to stress about getting to appointments or being stopped on the way there. It would eliminate these minute infractions before they even happen.

Instead of police harassment, tickets, and arrests — the city should be focused on housing, services, and care.”

BACKGROUND: This year’s City Council’s budget proposes free subway and bus fares for New Yorkers living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. However, the City Council budget proposal does not include the expansion of half-priced fares to include adults living between 150% and 300% of the federal poverty level. 

The Riders for Affordable Transit coalition, which includes Riders Alliance and VOCAL-NY, has fought for these demands, along with automatic enrollment for eligible program participants. The City Council and Mayor must include Fair Fares expansion in the final city budget.

###