The MTA has invested $154 million in new fare gates to combat fare evasion. Announcing this initiative at the Lexington Avenue-59th Street station, officials hope the technology will deter those considering fare jumping. However, initial testing raises concerns about its practical effectiveness as commuters find ways to circumvent the system.
Feedback from experts like former NYPD detective David Sahni suggests that fare dodgers might still evade the gates. Sahni indicated that while the new barriers may deter some, determined individuals will always find ways around. Commuters expressed mixed feelings, recognizing that although the gates are an improvement, they are unlikely to address the bigger issues of public safety and fare evasion.
Many riders advocate for a more comprehensive approach to fare evasion in subway systems. Suggestions range from installing robust barriers to revisiting the design of existing turnstiles to ensure maximum deterrence. The conversation around fare evasion highlights a critical need for the MTA to consider more effective long-term strategies to protect its revenue streams.
In a significant move to address the rising issue of fare evasion, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is rolling out new modern fare gates at select subway stations, starting at Lexington Avenue-59th Street. The rollout, which has an associated cost of $154 million, aims to deter fare dodgers and enhance revenue collection for the subway system. However, initial observations suggest that these new gates may not be as effective in preventing fare evasion as intended. According to MTA statistics, subway fare evaders amounted to a staggering $285 million in lost revenue in 2022 alone, and the first ten months of 2024 have already shown a 114% increase in fare evasion compared to the previous year. The MTA describes these modern fare gates as innovative solutions designed to better prevent fare jumping. Unlike traditional turnstiles, these gates attempt to eliminate the possibility of passengers easily jumping over them. However, reports from the first day of the rollout indicate that the new gates do not fully address the problems associated with fare evasion. Bystanders observed individuals maneuvering under or squeezing between the barriers, indicating that fare evaders may still find ways to exploit the system. Former NYPD detective David Sahni shared his insights on the new fare gates, expressing skepticism about their efficacy. He pointed out that dedicated fare evaders would likely find ways around any barriers put in place. Many subway riders echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the underlying issues necessitate more comprehensive solutions than just upgrading fare gates. Some even proposed implementing stronger barriers or re-evaluating existing turnstile designs to better combat fare evasion in the long run. As the MTA continues to roll out these high-tech fare gates, the question remains: will these gates significantly reduce the growing problem of fare evasion or simply become another hurdle in a system already challenged by dwindling revenues?People who commit fare evation should be arrested and if guilty, be sent to jail. Of course, this will not happen in New Yotk CIty.
Oh yeah...smart. Lets hope the fare evaders dont just crawl through underneath the modern fare gates 🤣. Hochul is a clown!
Looks like it would be easier to get over the turnstiles if you had upper arm strength and gloves. Other countries have an actual plexiglass barrier.
Ha ha ha! The MTA would be adorable if they were smarter. And if they didn’t waste money on ridiculous things like this. And if they completed their projects on time and under budget. And if the money from the congestion pricing program would actually go to MTA projects that would benefit riders. But the MTA are like a barrel full of cotton candy - pretty to look at but bad for my teeth.
Honeslty, i agree. Like how about they worry about peoples safety. They make money regardless. Why cant they adopt how japan does it? Like seriously.
The NY Post already has a story where someone already found a way around the spikes smh Seriously, get rid of Hochul, Adams, and stop bowing down to the MTA.
give out fines is more effective. first time $50, second $100, repeat $1000-$1500. I bet no one want to risk that.