San Francisco Subway Turnstiles Curb Fare Evasion, Reduce Maintenance Costs

New gates that can't be jumped led to a 96% drop in corrective maintenance, though some argue the focus on fare enforcement has detrimental effects.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:21pm by

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A photorealistic studio photograph of a single, polished metal subway turnstile gate floating on a clean white background, dramatically lit from the side to highlight the sleek, modern design.A new subway turnstile gate designed to curb fare evasion and reduce maintenance costs for the San Francisco transit system.San Francisco Today

San Francisco's Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system has installed new subway turnstiles that are more difficult to jump, leading to a 96% reduction in maintenance costs related to fare evasion and vandalism. While the move has improved the system's finances and safety, some critics argue the focus on fare enforcement disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.

Why it matters

BART has long struggled with fare evasion and the associated costs of maintaining its system, which has contributed to the transit agency's financial woes. The new turnstiles aim to address this issue, but the approach has drawn criticism from some who view it as unfairly targeting vulnerable populations.

The details

The new BART turnstiles are designed to prevent fare jumping, and the results have been dramatic - 'patron-related corrective maintenance' within paid station areas dropped by 96%. This includes not just damage to the gates themselves, but also other vandalism and issues. BART officials say the changes will generate an additional $10 million in revenue, though the full financial impact remains unclear.

  • BART installed the new turnstiles in early 2025.
  • A report criticizing the fare enforcement approach was released in May 2025.

The players

BART

The Bay Area Rapid Transit system, the public transit system serving the San Francisco Bay Area.

Center for Policing Equity

A Yale-based nonprofit that released a report criticizing BART's fare enforcement approach.

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What’s next

BART officials will likely continue to monitor the impact of the new turnstiles and respond to any concerns raised about their effects on marginalized communities.

The takeaway

While the new BART turnstiles have significantly reduced maintenance costs related to fare evasion, the approach has drawn criticism for potentially having detrimental impacts on vulnerable populations. The transit agency will need to balance improving system finances and safety with addressing concerns about equitable access.