MTA Unveils New Smart Fare Gates to Combat Subway Fare Evasion

New Smart Fare Gates

• 🚇 The MTA has unveiled a new design for subway turnstiles called smart fare gates aimed at cracking down on fare evaders.
• 💡 These new gates are being piloted at the Broadway Lafayette and Third Avenue and 138th stations.

How the Smart Gates Work

• 🎟️ Riders scan their payment, and the gates open. If someone attempts to pass without paying, the gates remain closed and a loud beeping sound is triggered.
• 🤖 The gates utilize special sensors and AI technology to detect objects and people, aiming to prevent people from jumping over or shimmying under.
• ✅ The new design replaces traditional turnstiles and is intended to deter fare evasion, which saw over 300 instances per minute last year.

Rollout and Accessibility

• 📈 While fare evasion has decreased this year, the pilot program is expected to further reduce it.
• 💰 Over a billion dollars has been allocated for the installation of these gates.
• ♿ The gates are also designed with accessibility in mind, making it easier for individuals in wheelchairs or parents with strollers to pass through.

Future Deployment

• 🚀 The MTA plans to deploy these gates across 20 stations in the coming weeks.
• 🗓️ Following evaluation, the goal is to install these smart gates at 150 subway stations during their capital program, with a broader rollout starting early 2026.