Overview
- Prototype glass gates with loud alarms are now active at Broadway–Lafayette in Manhattan and Third Ave–138th St. in the Bronx, where reporters observed riders slipping under, doubling up and even climbing over to avoid paying.
- The MTA says more stations will get pilot gates in the coming days, but the promised opening at 42 St–Port Authority remained behind construction fencing on Monday with no explanation from the agency.
- Transit officials plan to choose among Conduent, Cubic and STraffic for a wider rollout to roughly 150 stations, with a vendor decision expected in 2026 and capital funding put at about $1.1 billion.
- Riders report frequent false alarms, confusing door behavior and snagged bags, even as others praise the design and MTA accessibility leaders tout easier entry for wheelchairs, strollers and luggage.
- Alongside the pilot, the MTA is finishing systemwide retrofits like spikes, paddles and fins—another $7.3 million approved—with officials claiming up to a 60% drop where installed while fare evasion remains a significant problem estimated at $400 million this year on subways.