NY Subway Tests High-Tech Gates Amid Fare Evasion Woes

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is piloting futuristic fare gates designed to significantly curb subway fare evasion, a persistent issue costing the system $1 billion annually. These advanced entries, featuring saloon-style glass doors, are set for a trial run in 20 stations across New York City starting in 2026. The transit authority intends to invest over $1.1 billion to install similar gates at approximately 150 stations, representing about one-third of the entire subway network, aiming to replace outdated turnstiles.

Three companies—Cubic, Conduent, and STraffic—are currently showcasing their gate prototypes, which have been implemented in transit systems globally, including Paris and London. While these new gates promise improved accessibility for riders with strollers or disabilities, early demonstrations at Broadway-Lafayette Street station highlighted potential challenges. Issues observed included a rider getting stuck briefly in the closing doors and another successfully bypassing the payment system, underscoring the complexities of adapting technology to New York's vast transit infrastructure.

The MTA plans to select one or more gate models for wider deployment next year, while simultaneously fortifying existing turnstiles with measures like "sleeves" and "fins." These efforts, alongside increased guard patrols, are projected to reduce fare evasion losses by $100 million in 2025. The success of this pilot program is crucial for the MTA's strategy to enhance revenue and improve the rider experience in one of the nation's busiest subway systems.