Going Soft on Fare-Beating: Vance’s See-No-Evil Stand

New Yorkers should oppose Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance’s decision to no longer prosecute subway and bus fare-beating (“Debating fare-beating,” Feb. 11).

I remember when crime was high, graffiti was everywhere and families and businesses were leaving New York City. I was one of the people who left the city and moved back only when a sense of order was restored.

Arresting and prosecuting bus and subway fare-evaders is a major crime deterrent. James Rivkin Manhattan

The Manhattan DA will no longer prosecute farebeating at a time when adequately funding the MTA is a key priority.

While each fare-evasion case is perhaps different, not all of those who refuse to pay are poor.

Criminal prosecution prevents crime by deterrence. Vance’s blanket policy surrenders deterrence to political ideology, and, like President Gerald Ford to New York City, tells the MTA to “drop dead.” Roger B. Adler Brooklyn

The feeble Manhattan DA apparently thinks that fare-beating on subways and buses is just fine.

The MTA already loses $100 million a year down the drain because thousands of these dishonest law-breakers know they can get away with it easily .

They’re well aware the city is spineless and will look the other way. Kevin O’Leary Kew Gardens

After reading of DA Vance’s decision to not prosecute fare-beaters, can someone please explain to me why anyone would still pay their fare?

When there is no fear of prosecution for breaking the law, it becomes meaningless.

This is the most asinine decision that anyone in law enforcement could possibly make. It’s like telling the public to break the law without fear.

Even our ultra-liberal Mayor de Blasio thinks that this is a ridiculous idea. The inmates are definitely running the asylum. Alan Brooks Brooklyn

The Manhattan DA is no longer going to prosecute most fare-beaters, and the city has decriminalized urinating in the street and drinking your favorite adult beverage in public.

So if you want to ride the subway or bus for free, just jump the turnstile. And if you want to urinate while waiting for the train, just be careful not to hit the third rail.

Then again, this new policy will allow the city to focus on more serious issues, like sugary drinks. Michael Velsmid Nantucket, Mass.