NYC Tests Smarter Fare Gates to Boost Access
MTA installs new fare gates at two Queens stations to combat $690M annual fare evasion
MTA Tests New Fare Gates at Two Queens Stations
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority installed new fare gates at two Queens subway stations in December as part of a pilot program to reduce fare evasion and improve accessibility. Transit officials said the gates went into service at Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue-JFK Airport and LIRR Jamaica Station, featuring designs from three vendors: Conduent, Cubic, and Alstom. The MTA reported fare evasion cost the system about $690 million in 2023, with a 5.8% evasion rate across the subway network.
Dual Goals Drive Modernization Effort
The pilot program addresses two critical challenges facing the transit system, according to the agency. Officials said the new gates are designed to prevent fare evasion while providing easier access for wheelchair users and riders with mobility disabilities. The MTA Board approved a capital program amendment in July 2024 that included fare gate modernization across the system's 472 stations. Transit officials said the competitive pilot allows the agency to evaluate different designs before committing to a system-wide rollout, though they haven't specified how long the evaluation period will last.
Three Vendors Compete in Pilot Program
The three companies participating in the pilot—Conduent, Cubic, and Alstom—each installed gates with different design features at the two Queens locations. Officials said the gates are taller and wider than current turnstiles, with commuters comparing them to modern fare systems commonly seen in European cities like London and Paris. Specific technical specifications for each vendor's design weren't available by publication time. The MTA hasn't disclosed the individual costs for each vendor's gates, though the broader fare gate modernization program is estimated at more than $100 million.
Evaluation Timeline Remains Unclear
Transit officials haven't announced a timeline for evaluating the pilot program or making a decision on system-wide implementation. The agency said it'll assess the gates' effectiveness at reducing fare evasion while ensuring they meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for accessible transit. Officials didn't specify what metrics they'll use to determine which vendor's design performs best or when additional stations might receive the new gates.
Riders Can Track Service Changes
The new fare gates represent part of the MTA's ongoing effort to modernize infrastructure while addressing revenue losses from fare evasion. Commuters using the two Queens pilot stations will encounter the new gates alongside existing turnstiles during the evaluation period. Transit officials said they'll release more information about the program's results before making decisions about broader installation. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on station accessibility features and service information across the MTA subway system.
