New York City's subway system has long been plagued by fare evasion, with some estimates suggesting that up to 25% of riders are traveling without paying. To combat this issue, the MTA has turned to a unique solution: gate guards. These unarmed security personnel are stationed at subway entrances and exits, tasked with spotting and detaining fare evaders. But how effective are they in preventing fare evasion, and what are the challenges they face in doing so? A closer look at the role of gate guards in NYC's subways reveals a complex web of security, surveillance, and social dynamics that shape the way they interact with riders and enforce fare policies.
Unarmed and powerless: A closer look at how gate guards deter fare evasion in NYC subways amNewYork
