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BART Unveils New “Jumper-Proof” Fare Gate Prototype

A prototype of a new swing-style fare gates recently installed at the Richmond BART station
By - posted 6/12/2020 No Comment

Thanks to KPIX5 for letting us know that BART unveiled a prototype of a new jumper-proof fare gate at Richmond station.

The Richmond BART Station now has a newly designed ADA accessible fare gate prototype to test BART’s next generation of fare gates.  The new design is the result of months of innovation by BART staff that has reduced the cost estimate for replacing fare gates across the system from $150 to $90 million, a 40% savings.

For now, the prototype is only for the ADA gates. Next BART will build prototype for the non-ADA gates.

Read more about BART’s New Swing Style Fare Gate.

The prototype gate includes two 5-feet high swing style barriers that discourage users from pushing through, jumping over, or maneuvering under the gates. These are first-of-its-kind pneumatic swing style barriers.  The barriers are operated with air pressure instead of a motor.  There are fewer moving parts and the gates can apply as much pressure as necessary to discourage someone from pushing the barriers open.  

There is no date set for the doors to be installed system-wide. BART’s Board saw a presentation on June 11 about the newly installed prototype, along with the new budget numbers.  See the staff presentation here.

The prototype can process a minimum of 30 riders per minute which is a required benchmark to ensure riders can quickly move through our stations. The accessible fare gate is for riders who need extra space and time to tag Clipper and pass through, such as people in wheelchairs or with strollers or bikes.  The barriers remain open longer than non-accessible fare gates.