The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is taking steps to tackle fare evasion by testing out new turnstiles at the Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue subway station in Jamaica, Queens. The innovative design features gates instead of the traditional bars, aimed at deterring would-be fare beaters.

The barn door-like gates have paddles that make it challenging for individuals to jump or crawl under, addressing one common method of fare evasion. However, critics argue that it becomes easier to double up and push through on a single swipe or tap.

The installation of the new fare gates, the first full deployment of their kind, was carried out at the Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue subway station. This follows a successful pilot program at the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center subway station in Brooklyn earlier this year. The MTA spent approximately $700,000 on the installation.

Fare evasion is a significant issue for the MTA, with an estimated loss of $690 million last year alone. The introduction of these new turnstiles is part of the agency's efforts to reduce revenue losses and maintain fair access to the subway system.

Richard Davey, the President of New York City Transit, acknowledged the potential for individuals to double up and exploit the gates. However, he expressed optimism that testing the gates at several stations, including Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue, will help the MTA determine their effectiveness and whether they should be implemented system-wide.

Davey emphasized the importance of strike a balance with the gate's functionality, ensuring that they are efficient for passengers with luggage or strollers while preventing unauthorized entry. He explained, "You want to be sure that customers going through with luggage or a stroller, that they aren't closing quickly. At the same time, ensuring folks aren't piggybacking, which is something you sometimes see with these kinds of gates."

The Eighth Avenue-Penn Station A/C/E station is scheduled to be the next location for the installation of these new turnstiles, set to begin next week. While the MTA anticipates that some adjustments may be necessary based on the feedback received, they remain committed to finding an effective solution to fare evasion.

By implementing these new turnstile designs, the MTA hopes to strike a balance between enhancing security measures and ensuring convenient access for all subway riders. Ongoing testing and evaluation will play a crucial role in refining the system and minimizing fare evasion in the future.