Dorothy, we’re not in the subway station anymore.
To add to the growing list of ch-ch-changes — the MetroCard’s demise, new turnstile spikes, increased fares — the MTA is introducing NYC to modern subway fare gates in an effort to curb creative commuters who are looking for ways to buck the system.
But it’s not just about those hopping the turnstile. The transportation network expects these gates to also “improve system accessibility and passenger flow.” How is it working thus far? We’ll tell you what you need to know.
All about the modern subway fare gates popping up across NYC
Still in its infancy, these wide aisle fare gates are larger than anything we’ve experienced in the city before. Once a rider taps or uses their OMNY card, these large glass doors open and close horizontally.
The debuted at the Broadway-Lafayette station on Friday, December 19th, and they’re continuing to roll out in stations across the city, including:
- 3 Av-138 St 6
- 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal ACE
- Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr BDNQR2345
- Bedford Park Blvd BD
- Broadway-Lafayette St/Bleecker St BDFM6
- Crown Hts-Utica Av 34
- Delancey St-Essex St FMJZ
- Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av/74 St-Broadway EFMR7
- Nostrand Av AC
Jamie Torres Springer, president of MTA construction and development commented on the pilot program and said, “It’s the future of the MTA system. These gates are going to be installed across the system to test them out over the next few months, and then we’ll be rolling them out to the majority of our riders over the next few years.”
In 2026, we can expect them to appear at 150 stations. Per Gothamist, spikes and paddles at turnstiles curbed fare evasion by 60%. Will these new gates increase that number?
Currently, as evidenced by footage across social media, people are already looking for ways to get through the gates without paying $2.90. But did we expect any less?
For more on the gates and other subway projects, visit the MTA website.