Transit Systems Reinforce Gates to Tackle Fare Evasion and Crime

Efforts intensify nationwide as transit agencies aim to improve safety and recapture ridership lost during the pandemic.

St. Louis MetroLink is installing 8-foot metal gates to ensure only paying customers access platforms, shifting from its previous honor system.
Transit agencies in cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., are fortifying entrance gates to deter fare evasion and enhance security.
Nearly 94% of those arrested for violent crimes on the Los Angeles Metro from May 2023 to April 2024 had evaded fares.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority estimates annual losses of up to $68 million due to fare evasion.
While fare gates are seen as a security measure, experts suggest exploring additional behavioral strategies to improve transit safety.