Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The MBTA and Keolis began phasing in 40 new Commuter Rail fare gates at South Station Tuesday.
That means Commuter Rail riders will need to tap and scan their tickets to pass through the gates and aboard their trains.
Some riders told WBZ NewsRadio that they welcome the new additions.
“I’m ready for it,” Barry from Boston said. “It gives them more time to take care of the trains than deal with us. I think it's faster for them and better for us.”
The MBTA said the fare gates are aimed at cutting down on fare evaders and making fare collections more efficient. Conductors will still be checking tickets onboard the train.
Other riders added they anticipate a learning curb for everyone to get used the new gates.
“[This is] the first train in [the morning], so there’s not a lot of people on it,” another passenger said. “When the later trains come in, it’s going to be crazy because there will be more people.”
Fare gates are also planned to be added at Back Bay and Ruggles stations in 2026.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.
