MBTA To Add Fare Gates At 3 Major Commuter Rail Stations

BOSTON (CBS) -- The MBTA is planning to install gates at three major commuter rail stations to collect more fares. Keolis customer service said the gates will be added at North Station, South Station, and Back Bay.

The goal is to cut down on ticket evaders, which costs the MBTA an estimated $10-20 million in 2018.

"If we can recoup that kind of money and put it into the serviceability of the trains, I think everyone would be much happier," said Elizabeth Derwin of Norfolk. "I think the idea that of using some technology to try get everyone that's on the train paying, for the train, is a great idea."

The gates are planned to begin being installed in early 2020. They would be like the gates at every subway station

"I would certainly have, you know, congestion concerns if you're talking about individuals having to go through a much smaller space," said Erik Rinemann of Westwood.

Canton High School student CJ Jambunathan said, "If it's automated, I feel like it would be a lot easier for the MBTA, and it would be less work for the staff, and they could put their resources and time elsewhere."

Keolis is still deciding where to place the gates within the stations.

The plan to add fare gates is part of the MBTA's Revenue Growth Proposal. They acknowledge even in the most "airtight, gated systems" there is about 3 percent lost in fare revenue.