MBTA GM Catches Fare Evader

BOSTON (CBS) - MBTA security video shows a would-be fare jumper in action at Park Street station.

He climbs over the tall gate, squeezing through a gap, backpack and all.

He's foiled only when another T rider arrives at the gate and starts yelling at him.  That rider—MBTA General Manager Rich Davey.

"I said something like hey, you need to pay your fare or hey what the hell are you doing.  It was in a very loud voice.  I'm not equipped to tackle anyone, I did not touch him, but maybe embarrassed him enough that he climbed down."

Davey never told the man his name or the fact that he oversees the MBTA.

WBZ-TV's Peg Rusconi reports.

"He said he didn't have a Charlie card, I actually offered to pay for him.  He said no, told me off and said he would go upstairs to the other entrance where he could pay a fare."

"We have 1.3 million customers who pay every day and it's up to me and my team to capture every fare that's out there."  He just didn't expect to do it in person.

The would-be fare jumper wasn't charged.  Davey says officials have discussed raising the fine for skipping the fare.  It's currently $15.