DC Metro reports 70% decrease in fare evasion with new gates.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Fare Gates Reduce Fare Evasion by Over 70%
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has implemented higher fare gates to combat fare evasion and the results have been impressive. Fare evasion has decreased by over 70% since the installation of these gates, which are specifically designed to prevent riders from leaping over them.
The new fare gates have already been installed at several Metro stops, including Congress Heights, Fort Totten, Pentagon City, Bethesda, Vienna, Mt. Vernon Square, and Addison Road. Construction is currently underway at Federal Center SW, Wheaton, and Court House, with completion expected in early September.
Positive Impact on Fare Evasion
At Fort Totten, the installation of the higher gates was completed on July 25. The percentage of no-tap rides, where riders fail to tap their fare cards, decreased from 13% before the retrofit to just 8% after the retrofit, representing a significant 71% change. Similarly, at Mt. Vernon Square, no-tap rides decreased by an impressive 84%, dropping from 15% before the gates were installed on August 16 to a mere 2%.
Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke expressed his satisfaction with the new faregate design, stating, “After testing multiple prototypes and getting feedback from customers, the new faregate design is having its intended effect — reducing fare evasion. It is critical for Metro to collect as much fare revenue as possible and keep the system safe so we have a transit system worthy of this great region.”
Improved Gate Design
The Metro introduced the new gate prototype in November 2022, replacing the old gates with an L-shape door style that features plexiglass on top. This design minimizes gaps between the openings, making it much more difficult for commuters to jump over the gates. The height of the barriers has also been increased from the original 28- to 48-inch prototype to an impressive 55 inches. Additionally, the new doors are 200 times stronger than glass, lighter in weight, and more durable, ensuring their long-term effectiveness.
With these innovative fare gates, the WMATA is not only reducing fare evasion but also creating a safer and more reliable transit system for the Washington metropolitan area.
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