SEPTA to install 100 full-length gates to combat fare evasion

SEPTA plans to install 100 full-length gates at Market-Frankford and Broad Street Line stations in an effort to combat fare evasion.

Following a successful pilot program at 69th Street Transportation Center, SEPTA will now expand the program with full-length gates at nine additional stations. The new gates will be installed at Somerset,  Huntingdon, Cecil B. Moore, 11th Street, 13th Street, Frankford Transportation Center, Allegheny, 52nd Street, and City Hall stations.

The full-length gates are designed to deter fare evaders from jumping over or crawling under the turnstiles. According to officials, SEPTA loses at least $30 million in revenue per year due to fare evasion.

“When people ride our system without paying, it is unfair to our customers who do the right thing,” said  SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards. “We also know that fare evasion can be a precursor  to other violations and more serious crimes.”

In April, SEPTA started testing 20 of the gates at 69th Street Transportation Center and SEPTA officials now project an increase of $300,000 in annual sales revenue at 69th Street with the gates in place.

“We are excited to see that the new gates are helping reduce fare evasion and enhance the quality of our service as a result,” said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. “We remain focused on efforts that are making SEPTA safer, cleaner, and more secure.”

The gates are equipped with 3D imaging technology, and the system is able to accurately count fare evaders who try to piggyback or force their way through the gates.

Installation of the additional gates is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.