The MTA is getting serious about fare evasion.

In a bold move towards modernization, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced the introduction of advanced fare gates across 20 subway stations in New York City this fall. These modern gates are designed to combat fare evasion, which reportedly costs the MTA up to $800 million annually. Four vendors—Conduent, Cubic, Scheidt & Bachmann, and STraffic—have been selected to pilot these innovative fare gate designs. Jamie Torres-Springer, the President of MTA Construction & Development, highlighted that the new gates will feature tall glass paddles and intelligent object detection technology aimed at preventing common fare evasion tactics, such as climbing over or forcing gates open. The implementation of these futuristic gates is a component of a broader strategy by the MTA to regain trust among riders and modernize the transit experience, coinciding with the introduction of new subway maps that better reflect current commuting patterns. Furthermore, the MTA's anti-fare evasion initiative includes strategies like delayed egress doors, deployment of gate guards, and redesigned turnstiles to deter 'backcocking'—a maneuver used by some riders to sneak through turnstiles without paying. Early results indicate that turnstile jumping has dropped by 60% in areas where these new systems have been tested. With fares and tolls contributing to 40% of the MTA's operating budget, maintaining revenue flow is critical; this year, fare revenue reportedly climbed to $5 billion, marking an increase of $322 million compared to the previous year. Officials aim to expand the rollout of these modern fare gates to 150 stations over the next five years, indicating a decisive move towards reducing fare evasion and enhancing the integrity of the fare collection system. As New Yorkers begin to see these high-tech solutions invade their transit spaces, the MTA is not only focusing on immediate financial impacts but also on long-term improvements that prioritize rider trust and system efficiency. This approach signifies a commitment to balancing operational efficiency and public accountability, all against the backdrop of a complex urban transit landscape.