NEW YORK - The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is rearranging its efforts to crack down on those who skip out on bus fares.
The transit authority employs retired police officers to patrol buses in what it calls the Eagle Team program.
According to financial documents, the effort to fight fare-jumpers on ordinary local buses "did not result in significant or lasting reductions".
As a result, 64 Eagle Team positions will be shifted to select bus service lines.
SBS riders do not pay onboard, but instead swipe their MetroCards at sidewalk kiosks and hold onto receipts for inspection.
Bus drivers are advised to avoid confrontation with passengers who refuse to pay.