This week we asked readers their thoughts on the proposed bill in the New York City Council that would decriminalize such low-level crimes such as transit fare-beating.

I once had an emergency and I hopped the train and [the fine] was $100. So I feel that it’s not worth it jumping on the bus or train because you’re being charged more than fifty times what the fare costs. And don’t be late to pay because that’s another $50. I ended up paying $180 because I was in a rush. I was lucky because they didn’t arrest me.

–Sheleque Burgess, East Harlem

 

 

 

I don’t think there’s really anything wrong with it. There could be an emergency and they have to get somewhere and some people who can’t afford a Metrocard and it’s an emergency and you hop on the bus. Children do it every day to go to school.

–Olando Smith, University Heights

 

 

 

 

It’s a crime. I think all of the small Broken Windows crimes that should be considered a crime, because I believe it leads to bigger crimes. They should get a summons and they should check people’s records when they get arrested for small crimes. They could have outstanding warrants.

–Luis Cruz, Norwood

 

 

 

It’s a crime. We pay our fares but they don’t want to pay theirs. That’s the crime. If you don’t have the money, don’t go.

–Charles Parker, Parkchester

 

 

 

 

I pay $1.50 now and it’s going up to $2.50 because of the young people riding on the bus and telling the bus drivers that they don’t have money to get on the bus. And the bus drivers let them ride for free. So I’ve got to pay more because of them. They should keep the law the way it is.

–Maria Bodden, Parkchester