New "smart" turnstiles installed in the New York subway to combat ticketless travel on the subway

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The New York City Transit Authority (MTA) has unveiled new “smart” entrance turnstiles designed to reduce the number of passengers using the subway without paying for their fare. The first such systems have already been installed at the Broadway–Lafayette station in the NoGo neighborhood of Manhattan, as well as at the Third Avenue–138th Street station.

The new turnstiles replace traditional mechanical structures. After scanning the payment, the gate automatically opens for the passenger. If someone tries to pass without paying, the system does not open and emits a loud sound signal, signaling a violation. reported the abc7ny.

According to the MTA, the new gates are equipped with special sensors and use artificial intelligence to recognize people and objects. This should make it impossible to jump through the turnstiles or go through the emergency exits - the most common ways to avoid paying the fare.

Photo: Marc A. Hermann/MTA/Flickr

At the same time, not all passengers are convinced of the effectiveness of the innovation. Some metro users believe that over time people will find a way to bypass this system.

According to official estimates, more than 300 ticketless rides were recorded every minute in New York last year. The MTA says that this year the number of violations has already decreased, and a pilot project with new turnstiles should strengthen this trend.

Photo: Dean Moses

More than $1 billion has been allocated for the implementation of the system. The department emphasizes that the new gates are being installed not only to combat violators, but also to improve accessibility - they are easier to use for people in wheelchairs and parents with strollers.

In the coming days, new turnstiles are planned to be installed at 20 more subway stations, and in the future, at 150 stations throughout New York.

 

 

 

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