WASHINGTON — Metro started to put taller gates in place at train stations across the DMV last summer, and now in an update officials say fare evasion is down.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) General Manager Randy Clarke stated on Tuesday that fare evasion is down by 60% compared to last year. He says the reason behind it is the taller fare gates.
"New gates are helping improve safety & fund the service we deliver for the community," Clarke said in a social media post.
WMATA has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars installing them at dozens of stations since last July, but they do not always work as some still evade. D.C.'s new crime bill lets Metro Police fine people who jump gates and arrest those who don't accept the ticket or give their ID.
Clarke says the drop in fare evasions may also be due to reduced fare programs for people in need.
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