MTA installs turnstile 'spikes' at NYC subway station

The MTA is trying to crack down on fare evasion in the NYC subway system by using "spikes" on the turnstile handrails.

The goal is to deter straphangers who use the gate handrails for leverage when jumping over the turnstiles.

The spikes were seen at Manhattan's Lexington Avenue 59th Street Station, which services the N, R, W, 4, 5 and 6 trains.

By the numbers:

Fare evasion costs the MTA about $500 million a year. In 2023, the MTA installed new gates designed to stop fare beaters, but a TikTok hack showed the electric doors can easily be activated by simply swiping your hand over the exit sensor. 

NYC subway safety

What we know:

In her State of the State address on Tuesday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a plan to prioritize subway safety, which would include more NYPD officers on trains and platforms, new barriers, LED lighting and modernized fare gates at 20 stations this year, plus 20 more in 2026. 

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NY Gov. Hochul delivers 2025 State of the State Address

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her 2025 State of the State Address on Tuesday afternoon.

In her proposal, every subway station in New York City would have a uniformed officer onboard platforms and trains from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Hochul said she planned to partner with the city to increase NYPD presence on every subway platform and train for the next six months, in addition to the National Guardsmen.

Approximately 750 NYPD officers would be stationed across New York City with an additional 300 in the train cars themselves, Hochul's office said.

What they're saying:

"The MTA will be installing even more barriers in 100 additional stations," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said at Tuesday’s State of the State address. "Also, bright LED lighting in every station by the end of the year and the shameless toll evaders, fare evaders, will finally be stopped with modernized gates."

It's unclear if the MTA plans to install more spikes 

New York CityNYC SubwayKathy Hochul