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BART Says New Fare Gates Cut Crime and Fare Evasion One Year After Systemwide Rollout

Taller gates are credited with the gains as BART plans faster-closing mechanics and sensors to counter new piggybacking tactics.

Overview

  • BART marked the one-year anniversary on Tuesday by reporting a 67% drop in crimes against riders per million trips and a 47% fall in police and safety-related delays between December 2024 and June 2026.
  • The next-generation fare gates were fully installed across all 50 stations last September and are designed to make jumping or climbing over turnstiles harder.
  • Rider indicators improved as well: a June survey showed only 9% of riders witnessed fare evasion, rider satisfaction reached just over 91%, and July ridership rose about 16.5% year over year.
  • The Bay Area Council estimates the gate rollout recovered roughly $10 million in fares, a figure reported as an outside estimate rather than an audited total.
  • BART says some evaders adapted by 'piggybacking' behind paying riders, so the agency has sped gate closing, shown a quicker motor and gear assembly, will add sensors, and continues visible patrols and Transit Ambassadors to sustain gains and free officers for emergency response.