Fare gates on public transit systems have very little impact on fare evasion, crime and public disorder.
That’s the finding of a study carried out by Criminologist Darryl Plecas at the University of the Fraser Valley.
Plecas says while the introduction of turnstiles and fare gates is perceived by the public as a panacea to deal with fare evasion it’s really not the answer.
He also says there is little data to suggest the gates have a measurable impact on crime and/or public disorder.
“These gates are very expensive to install and when you look at how long it takes to get the payback from what you lose on fair evasion i think that at least some people conclude that at the end of the day they certainly don’t pay for themselves.”
The study – which cost five-thousand dollars – was commissioned by Transit Police whose role is already being questioned once the fare gates come in.
The first fare gates on Skytrain and Canada Line are expected to up and running in the fall.
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