In a social media campaign launched Thursday, MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng emphasized the importance of fare payment, stating that it is crucial for maintaining and improving transit services.

The MBTA announced that it will begin cracking down on fare evasion starting in September. Specially trained MBTA employees called the "fare engagement representatives" will be located on trains and at T stations throughout service areas to make sure that fares are being paid.

The MBTA will issue warnings and fines for fare evasion starting Sept. 8. Why it matters: It's the most aggressive the T's been about gate-jumping in awhile. By the numbers: A first offense carries a $50 fine.