NEW YORK - Fare evasion is costing the MTA big money, but now agency analysts report that cost at nearly $225 million in 2018.

As a result, the NYPD is boosting its efforts to crack down on fare evasion.

New data shows police issued double the number of summonses to violators compared to this time last year.

Over the first three months of 2019, more than 21,000 summonses were given out.

During the same time last year, around 10,500 were issued.

People are still being arrested for fare evasion, but at a much lower rate due to a change in NYPD policy.

The MTA is trying to cut down on the practice with new signs and extensive cameras inside subway stations.