Since the inception, unlike other subway stations all over the nation, LA Metropolitan transport Authorities had used gate-free honor system for passenger using the subway facility. Despite random checks and fines as high as $250 people did not quit taking their chances for a free ride in the subways in LA area.
After bearing an annual loss of $5 million per year, the MTA has wisely installed its first set of turnstiles at two different stations. This $46 million project is likely to be completed by the end of this year with 387 turnstiles and security fences installed at all the subway stations in LA area.
This is likely to improve security in the wake of recent terrorist threats that seem to lurk at all busy spots nationwide, and improve revenue collection at the same time.
Generally, LA public does not seem affected by this new step taken by the local government. What has to be seen in the future is that will these turnstiles be able to take the rush hour load without causing any inconvenience to the commuters?