Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Metro

Fare Gates for Metro Trains Are Coming, But Slowly

7_13_2009_turnstiles.jpgPhoto of PATH Station in Newark, NJ: Ho0n/Flickr

Despite a Board Report available on Metro's website that states that fare gates will be installed on all Metro rail lines by the end of the year (look on page 16 of this link); Meto staff reports that gates aren't going to be up and running anytime soon.  Installation of gates has just begun at the Wilshire/Normandie Purple Line Station, but we're not at the point where we can even see the gates yet, they should start physically being installed by the end of the week or early next week.

Once the Wilshire/Normandie installation is completed, Metro will continue along the Red and Purple Lines, a process that Rick Jager estimates could take up to six months before moving on to the Green Line, then the Blue Line and finally, the Gold Line.  Metro hasn't yet completed installation for the pilot program at certain Gold Line stations that was, according to the schedule linked to above, supposed to be completed by the end of June.  A start date for the turnstiles to be operational hasn't been announced, nor whether they will begin operation "piecemeal" or wait until the system is installed at every rail stop.

While I still roll my eyes at the thought that these gates will Keep Us Safe From Terrorists, my real concerns are whether or not the gates will be a burden to those using the rails who are bringing extra baggage, baby strollers, bicycles or whatever onto the trains and whether or not the gates will cause a backup and make people miss their trains.

I'm going to be out of town at the end of this week and start of next, so if any Streetsblogger wants to take some pictures of the turnstiles as they're installed and describe how easy they are to use, there is a Streetfilms T-shirt in it for you.  Email me at damien@streetsblog.org.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Freeway Updates: 91 Widening, Repave 405, and 105 Safety Fixes

A Metro/Caltrans 91 Freeway expansion project is on hold. Caltrans 105/Studebaker safety enhancements are complete. Caltrans is planning $144M worth of repaving and upgrading for the 405 through the Sepulveda Pass.

April 22, 2025

This Week In Livable Streets

Metro board, Transportation Committee, Repave 405, and more

April 22, 2025

Deadline For Input on SGV Greenways Implementation Plan is Saturday

The 200+ page document provides a comprehensive look at how the region’s flood control channels can be remade into walk/bike paths

April 21, 2025
See all posts