When will the new fare gates be installed in NYC subway stations?

A pilot program featuring new fare gates will begin in 20 stations in 2026, with broader installation planned over the next five years.

What are the key features of the new Metropolitan Transportation Authority fare gates?

The new gates have high-tech features like glass doors and sensors designed to prevent fare evasion and improve accessibility.

What challenges did the new NYC subway fare gates face during initial tests?

During early demonstrations, a rider was briefly trapped by the closing doors, and another managed to slip through without paying.

Home / Business and Economy / NY Subway Tests High-Tech Gates Amid Fare Evasion Woes

NY Subway Tests High-Tech Gates Amid Fare Evasion Woes

20 Dec

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Summary

New high-tech fare gates are being piloted in 20 NYC subway stations in 2026.
The MTA plans to spend over $1.1 billion to install these gates at 150 stations.
Initial tests showed a rider getting trapped by doors and another evading fare.

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gates at approximately 150 stations, representing about one-third of the entire subway network, aiming to replace outdated turnstiles.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.