MTA Moves to Install Modern Subway Fare Gates
New York City is replacing legacy turnstiles after a pilot program successfully curbed fare evasion by 35%.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Remote Work
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The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority is launching a major initiative to replace 1990s-era tri-wheel turnstiles with modern fare gates. This rollout follows a pilot program at 20 stations that saw a 35% reduction in fare evasion.
Why it matters
The agency aims to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities and luggage while addressing the widespread issue of opportunistic fare evasion at emergency exit gates. The upgrades seek to balance station throughput with modernized security and accessibility standards.
The pilot program recorded 29 million entries and 34 million exits, with 40% to 50% of daily riders utilizing the new equipment. The MTA currently plans to install these systems at a total of 150 subway stations citywide.
The players
MTA
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is the public benefit corporation responsible for public transportation in New York City.
Governor Hochul
Kathy Hochul is the 57th governor of New York who oversees state-level infrastructure policy and transit initiatives.
Cubic
Cubic is a technology provider that specializes in transportation payment systems and automated gate infrastructure.
STraffic
STraffic is a transportation technology firm that develops solutions for automated transit systems and fare collection.
Conduent
Conduent is a business process services company that provides technology and payment solutions for large-scale public transit networks.
The details
The pilot project tested gate designs from manufacturers Cubic, STraffic, and Conduent to evaluate accessibility and maintenance requirements. While the initial test proved successful, the MTA is now calling for tenders to expand these gates to 20 additional stations.
Timeline
Original tri-wheel turnstiles were installed beginning in the early 1990s.
The MTA received responses to a gate supply request in 2024.
The agency began evaluating the pilot program results in autumn 2025.
Governor Hochul commented on the project success on October 7, 2026.
Installation of new gates at 20 additional stations is expected to begin by the end of 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition marks a significant shift in the agency's infrastructure strategy compared to the standard turnstile models implemented in the early 1990s. The move signals a broader trend of transit agencies upgrading aging assets to counter revenue loss and meet accessibility mandates.
Daily subway riders can expect the ongoing rollout of new gates to improve station accessibility, especially for those using wheelchairs or carrying luggage. Passengers may also experience different entry experiences as the MTA continues to test and refine gate throughput at more stations.
The takeaway
Replacing aging transit infrastructure remains a vital step for major cities looking to reduce fare evasion while improving accessibility. Riders should note that these upgrades indicate a long-term commitment to replacing legacy hardware across the entire subway network.
What happens next
The agency expects the deployment of modern fare gates at 20 additional stations to begin by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more information on transit infrastructure trends, visit the Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Railway Gazette International.
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