The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has suspended its EAGLE bus fare inspection teams following allegations of passenger mistreatment and a continued rise in fare evasion, officials announced on Saturday. The decision comes amid mounting concerns that the teams, tasked with reducing fare evasion, have not only failed to curb losses but have also been involved in reported incidents of rough conduct toward riders.

Transit Chief Janno Lieber cited recent complaints, including a high-profile case involving Kyle Taylor, a Brooklyn school dean who filed a $25 million lawsuit after being allegedly assaulted by EAGLE inspectors over a $3 fare dispute. The incident, captured on video, has drawn condemnation from passenger advocacy groups and prompted scrutiny of the inspection unit’s practices.

Lieber emphasized that the violent episode had not been formally reported to his office, highlighting systemic communication failures within the agency. He also noted another unreported complaint concerning an interaction between fare inspectors and passengers on a Bronx bus, reinforcing concerns about oversight and accountability with the fare enforcement teams.

Established in 2008, the EAGLE (Evasion And Graffiti Lawlessness Eradication) teams initially operated on Select Bus Service routes and expanded to local buses in 2023. Despite nearly two decades of operation and recent expansion efforts, bus fare evasion has continued to rise significantly. The rate of riders avoiding payment increased from 36% in 2022 to 43% in 2023, reaching 48% in the first half of 2026. This surge has contributed to substantial revenue losses for the MTA, with fare evasion on buses estimated to have cost the agency approximately $568 million in 2024 alone.

The MTA’s move to suspend the EAGLE teams follows heightened public and internal criticism, underscoring the challenges of balancing revenue protection with passenger safety and trust. The agency has not yet outlined specific plans for replacing or restructuring the fare enforcement program but indicated ongoing efforts to address fare evasion through alternative measures.

Officials have pledged to review procedures and improve incident reporting protocols after the recent allegations, aiming to restore confidence in the transit system and curb the growing financial impact of unpaid fares.