MTA Introduces Tougher Fare Gates to Combat Fare Evasion

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is testing new subway turnstiles at the Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue station in Queens to deter fare evasion. The barn door-like gates with paddles make it difficult to jump or crawl under, but critics argue that it is easier to double up and push through on one swipe. The MTA lost $690 million to fare evasion last year. The new gates, costing $700,000, are being deployed at a few stations to determine their effectiveness before potential system-wide installation. The Eighth Avenue-Penn Station A/C/E station will be the next to receive the new turnstiles.