The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and its operating and maintenance partner for the Commuter Rail, Keolis Commuter Services, began to phase into operation Commuter Rail fare gates at South Station on Tuesday.
Forty gates were installed around the concourse area. They allow passengers to tap or scan a ticket or pass to exit and to enter the track area. The new gates will improve fare collection, replace platform ticket checks, and create a more consistent fare-paying experience.
“The new fare gates at South Station – one of the busiest travel hubs in the Northeast – is another demonstration to our riders that we are committed to ensuring fares are collected and reinvested into the transit system to better serve the public,” Phillip Eng, Interim Massachusetts Department of Transportation secretary and MBTA general manager, said. “Fare gates allow the T and its operating partner to more consistently collect fares and ensure our riders pay.”
The gates opened at North Station in 2022, and there are plans to open the gates at Back Bay Station and Ruggles Station in the new year.
Today, beginning at 8 p.m., fares for all MBTA modes will be free with the fare gates open for entry and exit.