Boosting Transit Safety: New Gates and Better Enforcement

In East St. Louis, Illinois, a tragedy at a MetroLink station highlighted the need for improved safety in public transit. A city that once bustled with commuters now sees about 74% of pre-pandemic riders returning as of September 2023. This has prompted transit systems to tackle the issue of safety and crime head-on by enhancing security measures. One major change is the installation of 8-foot metal gates at MetroLink stations, replacing the old honor system of fare collection. Other cities, like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, have always required upfront payments and are making their own security upgrades. But everyone wonders: will cracking down on fare evaders really reduce violent crime? Crossing a turnstile without paying isn't always a crime, but many criminals do evade fares. Kevin Scott from Bi-State Development sees the new gates as a way to improve overall safety by controlling access. Recently, there have been more incidents on transit platforms, so these changes aim to make commuters feel safer and deter crimes.

Assaults and homicides on public transit have been on the rise over the past decade, according to federal data. While there isn't a direct link between fare evasion and crime, Los Angeles found that almost 94% of people arrested for violent crimes on their Metro had skipped fares. Some systems are now making sure riders tap in and out at stations to validate fares. Joshua Schank, who studies free transit, raises an important question: should transit only be for those who can afford it? While gates are a quick fix, other ways to improve security should also be explored. In cities like New York and Washington, D.C., modifications aim to stop people from sneaking through turnstiles. Chicago saw a tragic shooting on an elevated train, pushing them to upgrade their L station gates. San Francisco's BART has had gates since its start but is increasing penalties for evaders. Seattle, however, won't install gates due to cost. In Philadelphia, the SEPTA estimates it loses up to $68 million a year from fare evasion. But pricey gate upgrades don't instantly pay off. The real goal is to make transit safer and fairer. Dominique Davenport, who works at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center station, appreciates the new security measures. The upgraded fare card system offers an extra layer of security, making the transit experience safer for all.

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