New Yorkers react to the MTA’s futuristic-looking 'smart' fare gates to fight evasion
If your subway entrance suddenly felt more like airport security than a turnstile, that’s intentional.
The MTA has begun testing new “modern” fare gates at a handful of stations, including Atlantic Av-Barclays Center, Delancey St-Essex St and Flushing-Main St. The glass-paneled paddle doors slide open automatically when riders tap in using OMNY, a contactless card or a phone—and open on their own when exiting, no tap required.
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The agency says the gates are designed to deter fare evasion and improve accessibility, with sensors meant to detect tailgating, strollers and children traveling with adults. They’re part of a broader testing phase that could eventually lead to similar gates at up to 150 stations citywide.
Almost as soon as the gates appeared, social media filled with videos and commentary—riders praising the sleek, European look, others documenting alarms going off, doors snapping shut and bags getting caught mid-exit. Predictably, some New Yorkers are already speculating (or joking) about how fare beaters might adapt.
Love them or hate them, the new gates are already doing one thing well: giving New Yorkers something to argue about.
Here are some of the best reactions to the new apparatuses:
Watching people IMMEDIATELY figuring out how to get pass the new MTA fare gates pic.twitter.com/70PH9591Ot
— Eva Styles (@MissEvaStyles) December 21, 2025
The MTA is broke and millions in debt, yet they just found $1.1 Billion for new turnstiles? 🤡
— Desiree (@DesireeAmerica4) December 21, 2025
Here is the reality: These high-tech gates are easily defeated by a wave of a hand and piggybacking behind someone.This is about a massive contract payout to the elites. You could… pic.twitter.com/Ks08zyFZfR
Nah those new gates MTA replacing turnstiles with are crazy wym you’re scanning my height and body size when I pass through and that OMNY is tracking your movement patterns?? what in 1984 is going on 😭😭
— Addy 🇬🇭🇨🇮🇸🇳 (@Addynotaddy) December 20, 2025
New Yorkers will adapt and overcome. Their bodies will evolve to be thinner, more narrow, and continue to evade the MTA
— Matt Herrmann (@MattyHerrmann) May 19, 2023
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