MTA Deploys Spikes to Deter Fare Evasion
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is introducing an unusual deterrent against fare evasion in New York City’s subway system: spikes on turnstile handrails. These measures aim to discourage riders from using the handrails for leverage when jumping over turnstiles • Full Article
The spikes were spotted at the Lexington Avenue-59th Street Station, which serves the N, R, W, 4, 5, and 6 trains. While it remains unclear if the spikes will be rolled out system-wide, they are part of a broader initiative to address fare evasion, which costs the MTA an estimated $500 million annually.
In 2023, the MTA installed modern gates to curb fare evasion. However, a viral video exposed vulnerabilities, showing that riders could bypass these gates by swiping a hand over the exit sensor.
The spike initiative coincides with a broader subway safety plan outlined by New York Governor Kathy Hochul in her State of the State address. Hochul announced measures to enhance security, including:
•Deploying 750 NYPD officers across subway stations and 300 additional officers in train cars.
•Increasing the presence of National Guardsmen in stations.
•Installing modernized fare gates at 20 stations this year and 20 more by 2026.
•Adding LED lighting to all stations by the end of 2025.
Hochul emphasized the importance of preventing fare evasion while improving safety for riders. “The shameless fare evaders will finally be stopped with modernized gates,” she said, highlighting plans to install barriers in an additional 100 stations.
While the spikes at turnstiles are a visible attempt to curb fare evasion, it remains unclear if this tactic will be expanded to other stations. For now, the MTA’s focus appears to be on testing new approaches to reduce financial losses and improve the overall subway experience for riders.
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