NYC Tests AI Fare Gates to Modernize Transit
MTA tests AI-powered fare gates at Brooklyn's Atlantic-Barclays station through 2026
Brooklyn Station Gets AI-Powered Fare Gates
Riders passing through Atlantic-Barclays station in Brooklyn now encounter AI-powered fare gates as part of a pilot program testing new technology, transit officials said. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority installed the second model of advanced gates at the major transit hub, which serves multiple subway lines. Officials said the gates use artificial intelligence and camera technology to improve fare collection, though specific details about how the AI system operates weren't immediately available.
Private Company Funds Technology Test
The pilot program represents an unusual funding arrangement for transit infrastructure testing. One of three private companies competing for future contracts is covering installation and testing costs at stations where the gates are deployed, according to the transit agency. Cubic, the manufacturer behind the OMNY contactless payment system used throughout the metro area, produced the new gates. Transit agencies typically bear the costs of infrastructure pilots, making this private-funded approach a departure from standard practice. Officials didn't specify the total value of the pilot program or how long the testing phase will last.
Second Model in Ongoing Evaluation
The Atlantic-Barclays installation marks the second fare gate model the MTA is testing as part of its broader effort to modernize fare collection infrastructure. Officials said the agency is evaluating different technologies before making larger-scale investments across the network. The gates integrate with the existing OMNY contactless payment system, which has transformed how riders pay for transit across New York and New Jersey. Specific performance metrics the MTA will use to evaluate the gates weren't available by publication time. Officials also haven't said which other gate models are being tested or at which stations.
Testing Continues Through Early 2026
The pilot program began in late December 2025, with the Atlantic-Barclays gates going live on December 24. Officials haven't announced when the testing phase will conclude or when decisions about system-wide deployment might be made. The MTA typically evaluates new technology for several months before determining whether to expand implementation. Transit officials said they'll release more information about the pilot program's results once the evaluation period is complete.
Major Hub Tests Fare Evasion Solutions
Atlantic-Barclays serves as a strategic testing location due to its status as a major transit hub with high passenger volumes. Officials said the AI-powered gates aim to address fare evasion while improving the rider experience, though they didn't provide specific data on current fare evasion rates at the station. The agency hasn't said whether the new gates will be installed at other stations during the pilot phase. Riders can check Moovit for real-time service information and updates about station changes as the pilot program continues.
