MTA Tests New Fare Gates to Combat Subway Fare Evasion in NYC

New Fare Gate Designs

• 🎯 The MTA is testing four modern fare gate designs across 20 New York City subway stations this fall.
• 💡 These new gates generally use paddles that are difficult to force open, hold open, or climb over.
• 🧠 They incorporate modern sensor object detection and machine learning technology to ensure only fare-paying passengers can pass.

Expanding the Initiative

• 📈 The MTA plans to expand the new fare gate system to 150 stations within the next five years.
• ⚠️ This initiative aims to address the significant issue of fare evasion, which costs the agency between $700 and $800 million annually.

Complementary Strategies

• 🛠️ The MTA has already implemented strategies like adding "fins and sleeves" to existing turnstiles, which has reportedly reduced turnstile jumping by 60%.
• 🔄 Modifications to stop techniques like "backcocking" will be completed system-wide by this summer.
• 👮 The NYPD has also increased enforcement, doubling summonses for fare evasion last month, though the long-term goal is to reduce the need for tickets.

Improving the Payment Experience

• 💳 Acknowledging that easier payment can deter evasion, transit officials emphasize making the payment process more accessible.
• ⚠️ Concerns were raised about the phasing out of MetroCards by year-end, with a suggestion to ensure sufficient Omniard machines are available to prevent people from being unable to pay.