When subway-goers enter the Lexington Avenue, 59th St. station in Manhattan they are greeted by boundaries of spikes.
The introduction of turnstiles equipped with spiked barriers was first announced during Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address on Jan. 14 and was officially implemented on Jan. 16.
The State of the State Address highlighted more than 200 initiatives including new steps to protect subway riders and transit workers along with combating fare evasion, which costs the MTA an estimated $500 million annually.
This loss strains resources that could be used to improve infrastructure and service.
The spikes serve as an attempt to make fare evasion more difficult, unappealing and potentially dangerous for those who participate.
Despite this, some New Yorkers are unimpressed with the addition; many expressing that the change will do nothing to combat the ongoing issue.
“I don’t think it’s going to prevent anyone from jumping the turnstiles,” Veronica Pisani, a frequent subway user, told the New York Post.
“I see fare evasion all the time. People will find a way. I just don’t really think this is [an effective] preventative measure.”
Chey Lee, a business major at Baruch College, shared her perspective on the new turnstiles, questioning its effectiveness in curbing fare evasion.
“It might be a little harder I guess, but I don’t think it’ll really stop them.”
Videos and images posted to social media also show fare hoppers unburdened by the spikes and continuing to leap over them as usual.
This skepticism is not unfounded, as this is not the first time the MTA has been unsuccessful in combating fare evasion.
According to Black Enterprise, electric gates installed in 2023 were also ineffective.
A creator on TikTok was easily able to bypass the system by simply swiping a hand over the exit sensor to activate the doors.
At this time, it is unclear whether spiked turnstiles will become the norm throughout the intricate subway network.
Regardless, they have not yet achieved the desired results.
On top of modernized gates and reinforced turnstiles, Hochul announced in her address that there would be increased law enforcement presence at stations and on trains between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. every day.
Hochul also announced the addition of protective barriers on subway platforms and LED lighting to increase visibility.
With violence on subway platforms and trains becoming increasingly prevalent, Hochul aims to quell fears and keep New Yorkers safe.
“No one should be in fear that they’ll be a victim of crime as they commute to work, go to school or enjoy a night out — that is why we’re partnering with law enforcement, improving our infrastructure and ensuring that New Yorkers struggling with mental illness get the support they need,” Hochul said.
While spiked turnstiles and other additions may initially grab the attention of subway riders, their effectiveness in curbing fare evasion and ensuring public safety will ultimately determine whether they become a lasting fixture in New York City’s transit system.
