Satirical news website The Onion turns up the heat on New York politicians, this time flipping the tables of the fare evasion debate.
Fare evasion: the illegal behavior of not paying for the use of a public transit system, of varying criminality depending on the jurisdiction and the levels of enforcement from police forces.
In the United States, transportation systems in Philadelphia, Portland, and Washington, D.C. have decriminalized fare evasion, while others, like in the San Francisco Bay Area, have turned to more draconian measures to curb the behavior. Researchers and advocates suggest there might be better ways to approach fare evasion.
Systematic neglect of public transit is both cultural and political, however, and the fake news website The Onion has focused on the role of New York politicians in failing to overcome political ambition to maintain the city's infrastructure. Last week, The Onion took on Mayor Bill de Blasio, campaigning for president while the city flooded. This week, it's Governor Andrew Cuomo. The totally fake, satirical article is actually just a headline—"Police Apprehend Man For Repeatedly Failing To Pay For Subway"—followed by a photo of the governor.
To be fair, sometimes New York's transportation problems result from spending too much on transit.
FULL STORY: Police Apprehend Man For Repeatedly Failing To Pay For Subway
New York MTA Seeks New Funding Sources
The agency plans to negotiate new options for operational funding as farebox and toll revenue lingers far below pre-pandemic levels.
The Onion Satirizes New York's Fare Enforcement Techniques, Over Spending on Transit
Two jokes in one: The Onion reports a totally fake news story about New York builds a super expensive fake subway station just to bust fare evaders.
Satirizing Mayors Who Campaign for President During a Flood
The Onion took some shots at presidential hopeful and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio after summer rain showers flooded streets and sent water cascading into the city's subway system.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service