BART Says New Fare Gates Are Working. Here’s What’s Next.
BART says its new fare gates are already making a noticeable difference.
At its July 9 Board of Directors meeting, the agency shared early results from its Next Generation Fare Gates program, reporting that riders have seen fare evasion drop by more than 50% compared with before the new gates were installed.
BART also estimates the gates could generate about $10 million in additional annual fare revenue by reducing unpaid rides. The agency said maintenance has improved too, with nearly 1,000 fewer corrective maintenance hours logged during the first six months after installation.
The fare gates continue to receive upgrades, including stronger doors and locking mechanisms, improved software and a new entry and exit chime that’s easier for visually impaired riders to hear.
BART is also testing new technology designed to detect piggybacking and tailgating through fare gates, while continuing to harden stations by closing bypass points with taller barriers, fences and upgraded swing gates.
The transit agency says additional station hardening projects and software updates are expected to continue through 2026.
