The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is intensifying its efforts to combat fare evasion in New York City's subway system, deploying new physical barriers and station guards to deter riders from skipping payment. Innovations such as taller turnstiles, shark-tooth metal screens, and delayed-opening emergency doors have been installed in over 110 stations, alongside the presence of about 1,000 gate guards. These measures have led to a reported 31 percent reduction in fare evasion at guarded stations since 2022, and overall subway fare evasion has dropped from 14 percent to 10 percent between early 2024 and early 2025.

Despite these improvements, fare evasion remains a costly issue, with an estimated 174 million unpaid rides last year, accounting for more than a third of the $1 billion lost to fare and toll evasion. The agency plans to invest heavily in upgraded gates and deterrents, though challenges persist, including safety concerns and persistent fare beating compared to other major cities. The situation highlights both the progress made and the ongoing struggle to secure revenue for the city's transit system.