In a bid to combat rampant fare evasion, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has installed new metal shields atop turnstiles at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station. However, the latest effort to curb $2.90 fare dodging has been met with skepticism from commuters, who observed that the shields are easily bypassed.
The installation of these crescent-shaped barriers comes just a month after similar modifications were attempted at another station. Despite the MTA’s intentions, many riders remain unimpressed. Commuters noted that the added height of the shields—approximately four inches—does little to deter those determined to evade fares. One commuter quipped, “If you can jump 36 inches off the ground, I think you can probably jump 38 inches off the ground.”
Witnesses at the station reported seeing individuals effortlessly clear the new barrier, with some even crawling underneath to access the platform. A security guard at the station humorously recounted seeing a fare dodger leap over the shields with ease, illustrating the futility of the MTA’s latest initiative.
The MTA has been grappling with a significant fare evasion problem, losing an estimated $500 million annually. Despite recent reports of a 26% decrease in subway fare evasion, commuters and officials alike question the effectiveness of the newly installed shields. Critics argue that the MTA’s approach is merely a temporary fix rather than a comprehensive solution to the ongoing issue.
As the MTA continues its struggle against fare evasion, the installation of these metal shields highlights the challenges of balancing security and accessibility within the subway system. With calls for more effective measures, including increased enforcement and innovative solutions, the agency faces an uphill battle in its quest to secure fare revenue.
