"In August, BART completed the installation of new fare gates at station entrances and exits: Six-foot-tall saloon-style doors, made of plexiglass with metal frames, have replaced the waist-high barriers of the 1970s that were easy to duck or jump."
"The new gates have compelled more riders to pay their fare-revenue is projected to rise by $10 million a year. They have also led to an enormous drop in vandalism."
"This is a success story with lessons for all types of public spaces. Call it 'fare-gate theory': To protect the shared rooms of communal life, human intervention isn't always necessary, affordable, or desirable."
BART has installed new six-foot-tall fare gates, replacing outdated barriers, resulting in a projected $10 million annual revenue increase and a 41% drop in crime. Vandalism has decreased, with workers spending nearly 1,000 fewer hours on cleanup. The success of these gates illustrates the concept of 'fare-gate theory,' suggesting that physical barriers can deter negative behavior in public spaces without the need for constant human intervention. This approach addresses fare evasion while navigating complex social debates surrounding public transit.
Read at The Atlantic
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