SEPTA is introducing new gates and 3-D technology to replace turnstiles that have allowed riders to avoid paying the $2.50 fare. Fare evaders have cost the transit agency $30 to $40 million in revenue each year, but with the new gates, officials hope to decrease this loss.
According to SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie Richards, it is essential for people to pay their fare to ride on SEPTA. A pilot program at 69th Street in Upper Darby has been launched to install 20 new gates for riders traveling on the Market-Frankford Line and the Norristown High-Speed Line by the end of the month. If successful, more gates could be installed at other stations as well.
These new gates, the first of their kind in the United States, contain 3-D technology that can detect fare evaders and send data in real-time. SEPTA’s cameras will also capture images of individuals attempting to evade fares. The agency believes that these new gates and technology will help prevent serious crimes from occurring on SEPTA.
SEPTA Transit Police Department Chief Chuck Lawson mentioned that many instances of crime and disorder on SEPTA can be traced back to fare evasion. With crime down 42% from last year, riders are optimistic that this trend will continue with the introduction of the new gates. Although not foolproof, SEPTA plans to expand the project further if successful, possibly adding five or six more stations with an initial cost of $1 million.
In conclusion, while there may still be some who manage to avoid paying their fares using these new gates and technology, they will ultimately make a significant impact on reducing revenue loss while improving safety on SEPTA trains and platforms.
