NYC Subway Gates Upgrade: What Riders Need to Know Now?

NYC’s subway system is launching new gates in 20 stations by fall to reduce fare evasion and support revenue growth for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The MTA will test four advanced gate systems from vendors including Conduent, Cubic, Scheidt & Bachmann, and STraffic. These gates differ from standard turnstiles and resemble full-height doors seen in airports and global metro systems.

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Each system will appear in five locations across the city. Their structure makes it far harder to jump, duck, or bypass without payment. This design aims to close the loopholes that gate jumpers currently exploit.

MTA Invests in Smarter Gates to Boost Fare Compliance

The MTA plans to invest $1.1 billion over five years to modernize gates in 150 stations. This initiative aligns with the authority’s broader strategy to strengthen fare enforcement and increase operating revenue.

Fare and toll collections account for around 40% of the agency’s annual budget. By upgrading fare gates, the MTA expects to recapture significant lost income and reinvest in service improvements.

In 2024, the agency reported $5 billion in fare revenue, up $322 million from the previous year. This rise reflects earlier enforcement measures, retrofitted turnstiles, and public education efforts.

New Gates Lead to Fewer Incidents and Higher Revenue

Turnstiles in many stations now feature “sleeves” and “fins” to block climbers. Other retrofits stop reverse manipulation or “backcocking,” further reducing evasion attempts.

Additionally, over 200 stations have hired guards to monitor gates, resulting in a 36% drop in fare evasion at those sites. These results reinforce the value of both physical deterrents and active supervision.

Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that enforcement and infrastructure will remain key pillars of the campaign. The MTA will continue to combine physical upgrades, staff deployment, and public outreach to maintain progress.

CEO Janno Lieber noted that the agency’s multi-pronged approach is working. With the gates pilot now in motion, the MTA expects even stronger results moving forward.

Source: www.fastcompany.com

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