$100M Fare Gate Project to Reduce Fare Evasion for WMATA, the US Capital City Transit System
- STraffic
- Sep 25, 2025
- 4 min read
Washington, D.C., the nation's capital city
Project Scope
Installation and later upgrade of over 1,300 fare gates across 91 metro station
Key Project Milestones
2018: STraffic America established in the U.S. (Vienna, VA)
2019: Won initial $90M WMATA faregate contract.
2022: Secured an additional $35M contract to upgrade clamshell barriers to swing-door-style gates as part of WMATA’s Barrier Performance Study.
2023: Washington Post reports fare evasion reduced by 70% after STraffic’s gates installed.
2024: WMATA Reports fare evasion was reduced by 80%
WMATA Reports systemwide reduction of 80% in fare evasion.
Components of a Successful Delivery
Importance of client engagement – strong stakeholder engagement resulted in a tailored strategy.
Customized Solutions – addressing WMATA’s specific goals: safety, efficiency, cost reduction.
Technology Differentiation – AI-driven monitoring, integration with existing systems.
Compliance & Sustainability – aligned with U.S. regulatory and environmental standards.
Trust-Building – on-site presence, transparency, and collaboration with local personnel.
STraffic Fare Gate Installation at WMATA in Washington D.C.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is a major transportation operator that serves millions of passengers annually through its public transit services in the Washington metropolitan area. As a public authority operating the subways in Maryland and Virginia, WMATA sought an operational solution to enhance passenger safety, improve system efficiency, and reduce operating costs.
In April 2018, STraffic established a wholly owned subsidiary, STraffic America, Inc., to expand into the global market, including the United States, thereby launching its first overseas business. Under the leadership of President Moon Chan-Jong, STraffic participated in WMATA bidding processes and proposed a differentiated solution that directly addressed the issue of fare evasion.
In a $90 million contract for the Washington Metro Faregate project, signed in July 2019. By December 2022, STraffic had installed 1,300 clamshell-style barrier-type faregates and a central control center system across 91 regional stations in Washington, D.C.
In 2022, STraffic signed an additional $35 million contract with WMATA, facing a $40 million deficit due to fare evasion, to improve gates (Barrier Performance Study) and replace the existing gates with Swing-Door-Style barriers.
Background of Barrier Performance Study
WMATA has conducted various research and improvement projects to ensure passenger safety, system efficiency, and operational cost reduction. One of these is the Barrier Performance Study, which assesses the performance of physical ‘barriers’ in regional and traffic systems and seeks to improve passenger safety. One reason for this was the need for a physical infrastructure that could protect passengers and employees from the risks of terrorism or crime while efficiently managing escape routes for passengers in the event of an accident.
WMATA also aimed to address the congestion problem on the commuting route through effective traffic flow management. To do this, it was necessary to analyze how barriers’ location, design, and function affected passenger journeys and provide data to enhance the system’s operational efficiency.
Along with developing technology, they also sought to improve infrastructure by integrating new smart technologies, including automatic access control systems, facial recognition, and sensor-based security technologies, with public transportation systems. Furthermore, one of WMATA’s main tasks was to build an eco-friendly and sustainable transportation system.
Additionally, reinforcement of regulations from the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding public transportation safety also necessitated establishing a new barrier system that complied with the latest safety regulations. STraffic successfully met these requirements and established a solid foothold in the North American traffic market.
STraffic Appears in the American Press
On August 22, 2023, the Washington Post published an article detailing STraffic’s equipment. According to the article, “WMATA officials announced that modified faregates have cut fare evasion by 70 percent” after they have been installed. The most significant improvement occurred at the Mount Vernon Square station, where the fare evasion rate dropped from 56% to just 15%. At the Addison Road station, the fare evasion rate decreased from 39% to 11%. Also, these gates stand 5 feet tall and are made of polycarbonate material, which is 20 times stronger than glass, as well as being more shatter resistant. Additionally, officials reinforced the design by adding a thicker, more durable door and a more powerful motor to withstand better the weight of passengers pushing against the door.
The Reasons Behind STraffic’s Success on the WMATA Project
Several factors contributed to STraffic’s success in our first project in the U.S. A key element was the comprehensive research and understanding of the US traffic market, and the extensive preparation for the WMATA project. We established a strong network with transportation authorities and stakeholders across the U.S., which allowed us to develop a solution strategy tailored to local conditions and requirements.
We also emphasized the development of customized solutions. WMATA’s core needs were increasing system efficiency and reducing operating costs. Therefore, we presented a tailored solution that monitors traffic flow in real-time via an intelligent operations system. This system automatically optimizes resource allocation and traffic signals. Our focus on real-time analysis functions using AI and big data also captured WMATA’s attention.
During the bidding process, STraffic’s technology played a significant role. We highlighted how installation and maintenance costs can be reduced by maximizing operational efficiency with Intelligent Traffic Control System (ITCS) and streamlined integration with existing traffic systems.
Our winning bid was built around differentiation and technology. We developed our proposal for the WMATA project with careful consideration of local circumstances and needs. By collaborating with local personnel, we ensured that our solutions met US regulatory and legal requirements, including a sustainability strategy that aligns with the goals of US transit authorities for building an environmentally friendly transportation system.
STraffic’s journey to winning this contract was full of challenges, particularly due to intense competition from various global companies. However, by visiting the area, communicating openly with stakeholders, ensuring transparent information, and preparing thoroughly, we were able to overcome significant barriers and build trust.
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