Make Transit Safer: Are Gates the Answer?

Imagine hopping on a train after a long day at work. You expect a safe journey home, but are worried about the crime that happens on public transit. This is a common concern. Transit systems are taking steps to assure riders like Dominique Davenport, who once heard gunshots at a MetroLink station in East St. Louis, Illinois. To boost security, many systems are installing gates to make sure only paid riders enter. In St. Louis, MetroLink is changing its old honor system where anyone could board without showing a ticket. Now, they're adding 8-foot metal gates to stop fare evasion. These gates are meant to keep criminals at bay, not just catch fare-skippers. But is this enough to reduce violent crime? Kevin Scott from Bi-State Development explains, "We aim to improve safety and change perceptions, not just catch fare evaders." These gates, also known as security gates, come with cameras to monitor stations. The goal is to prevent platform crimes, like shootings and stabbings.

Crime on public transit has roughly doubled since 2011, according to the Federal Transit Administration. However, data linking crime to fare evasion is limited. In Los Angeles, almost 94% of those arrested for violent crimes on the Metro hadn't paid their fare. Experts like Joshua Schank argue that gated entrances might not be the only answer. They question if transit should be free or just for those who can pay. In places like New York and Washington, D.C., they're also enhancing gates and patrols. “Fare evasion can erode trust in the system,” said Jim Allison from San Francisco’s BART. While they've had gates since 1972, they're now reinforcing them to make them harder to push open. Sound Transit in Seattle chose not to install gates due to high costs. The Philadelphia transit system also struggles with fare evasion, losing up to $68 million annually. Yet, they justify new gate installations for security and fairness. Davenport liked the changes at his local station. “If you show you’ll pay your fare, they let you through," he said. So, the question remains: Do gates truly make transit safer?

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