MTA to Expand Glass Fare Gates to 20 Additional Subway Stations

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is expanding its glass fare gates to 20 more subway stations across New York City. This decision follows a pilot program that reported a 35% reduction in fare evasion and potential savings of $100 million annually. The new expansion will replace all turnstiles at the selected stations, as opposed to just one turnstile in the initial pilot program. MTA officials stated that the pilot gates contributed to a significant decrease in fare evasion and could recover substantial revenue from unpaid fares. Governor Kathy Hochul commented on the initiative during a press conference at the MTA’s Consolidated Revenue Facility in Queens, emphasizing the improved experience for riders and the increased difficulty for fare evaders. The MTA estimates it loses approximately $350 million each year due to fare evasion. The upcoming installations will include high-traffic stations such as 14th Street-Union Square, Bedford Avenue, 161st Street-Yankee Stadium, and Flushing-Main Street. However, the MTA's projections have faced scrutiny regarding the effectiveness of the gates, as earlier claims were based on limited data. Concerns have also been raised about safety, following an incident where a child was injured by the gates. The MTA plans to add 50 more gates by the end of the year and aims to install them at all 472 stations in the future.