NYC Tests New Fare Gates — Safety Under Review
Rider suffers facial injuries after new MTA fare gate door closes on her at 23rd Street station
MTA Fare Gate Injures Rider at Manhattan Station
A Manhattan subway rider suffered facial injuries after a new fare gate door struck her face at the 23rd Street-Baruch College station, transit officials confirmed. Gail Buffalo was exiting through one of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's pilot fare gates on February 12 when the door unexpectedly closed on her, she told NY1. The incident raises safety questions about the new gate designs being tested across the system.
Background on MTA Fare Gate Modernization
The MTA is testing three new fare gate models as part of its effort to modernize aging fare collection infrastructure across New York City's subway system. Transit officials said the pilot program aims to improve the rider experience and update equipment that's been in service for decades. More than 1 million passengers have used the new gates since testing began, according to the transit agency. Officials didn't say whether safety testing was completed before the gates were installed in active stations.
Details of the Injury Incident
Buffalo described the experience as feeling like she'd been punched when the gate door struck her face, she told NY1. The incident occurred as she was exiting the station through one of the pilot gates. Specific details about the extent of her injuries weren't available by publication time. Officials haven't said whether the gate malfunctioned or if the incident resulted from a design flaw in the new equipment.
MTA Response and Timeline
The MTA hasn't announced whether it will suspend the pilot program or modify the gate designs following Buffalo's injury. Officials didn't provide a timeline for when they'll complete the evaluation of the three gate models being tested. The agency hasn't said how many stations currently have the new gates installed or when it plans to expand the program systemwide.
Impact on Riders and Safety Concerns
The incident highlights potential safety risks as the MTA continues testing new fare gate technology at stations across Manhattan and other boroughs. Riders using stations with pilot gates should exercise caution when entering and exiting through the new equipment. Officials haven't said whether additional safety measures will be implemented or if warning signage will be added at stations with the new gates. Moovit provides real-time service updates and station information for MTA subway lines throughout New York City.
