Metro says that new faregates have reduced evasion.
Metro launched the higher faregates this summer to prevent customers from gate-hopping.
Preliminary data shows a more than 70% reduction in fare evasion, according to Metro on Tuesday. Metrorail stations with the new gates include Bethesda, which has shown a 78% reduction in fare evasion since the new gates were installed Aug. 7, according to data provided.
Installation at other stations including Wheaton is expected to be done by early September, according to Metro, to be followed by the rest of the Metrorail stations.
The agency said it will continue to monitor new faregate performance.
According to Metro, the new design has an L-shaped door panel that extends over the gate “to minimize gaps between the openings” and the barrier height increases from the 28-48 inch prototype to 55 inches.
Also, Metro stated it now publishes paid and unpaid ridership data online.
Featured image courtesy of Metro.
