MTA Tests New Sleeves to Stop Fare Evasion

By Y.M. Lowy

The MTA is testing new sleeves on turnstile arms to prevent fare evasion. These sleeves, which cost $1,500 each, make it harder for people to jump over turnstiles. The test is happening at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station for two weeks.

Fare evasion costs the MTA around $285 million annually. While the agency plans to eventually replace old turnstiles with new high-tech gates, it is improving the current ones meanwhile with features like tall fins and extra guards.

So far, efforts seem to be working. The MTA reported a decrease in unpaid rides, from 13.1% to 10.4%, in the last quarter of 2024.