NYC Tests New Subway Gates to Limit Fare Evasion

The mayor has taken a strong interest in enforcing fare collection at the city’s transit stations.

1 minute read

December 10, 2023, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Sepia-toned photo of New York City subway turnstiles.

littleny / Adobe Stock

Writing in Curbed, Clio Chang describes the new gates installed by the MTA at one Queens subway station as a pilot project to test their efficacy at preventing fare evasion. The design was recommended in an MTA Blue-Ribbon Panel report released in May.

According to Chang, the new gates, which are “a trial balloon in a wider campaign against fare evasion, a pet obsession of the mayor’s,” are also “significantly wider and easier for bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs to move through.” But “As is the case with all new tech, there are design glitches,” and one gate got stuck open during Chang’s visit to the station.

As Chang points out, fare enforcement comes with a cost. “Instead of all of this complicated and expensive work, perhaps public transportation could just be free?”

Thursday, December 7, 2023 in Curbed

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog