Tackling Fare Evasion and Station Inefficiencies Ahead of Global Events

Fare evasion had become a pressing challenge at several LA Metro stations, with non-paying riders frequently outnumbering paying customers. This growing imbalance underscored the urgent need for a more secure and efficient fare collection system.  

STraffic secured $26 million in contracts to modernize the system, replacing 20-year-old faregates that were no longer effective and lacked integration with modern payment technologies. Each of LA Metro’s 21 stations presented unique architectural and operational challenges, requiring solutions that would enhance security, improve passenger flow, and integrate modern fare technology. The upgrades also needed to maintain accessibility while minimizing disruption to daily commuters.

With major global events approaching, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Summer Olympics, LA Metro required a system that could handle increased passenger volumes safely and efficiently.

Paid versus unpaid entries at LA Metro stations, illustrating fare evasion patterns before system upgrades. Data provided by LA Metro.

Early Results Show Clear Reduction in Fare Evasion Across Key Stations

The upgraded faregates delivered immediate, measurable improvements across fare compliance, security, and passenger experience:

• Paid entries: Firestone Station saw a 248% increase, from 297 to 1,033, while Lake Station increased 107%, from 512 to 1,062. These increases demonstrate how the new gates effectively deter fare evasion while accommodating higher ridership.

• Security incidents: Reported incidents through the Transit Watch app fell from 16 to 4, a 75% reduction, highlighting the effectiveness of reinforced barriers, precise motion detection, and controlled emergency gate access.

• Passenger experience: Paddle-style doors replaced turnstiles, reducing congestion and improving accessibility for passengers with bicycles, luggage, or mobility devices, creating a safer and more convenient transit environment.

• Operational efficiency: API integration enables real-time monitoring, giving operators better oversight of paid and unpaid entries and allowing faster response to security incidents.
  

These results show STraffic’s ability to deliver complex, high-impact solutions that improve both station security and the overall passenger experience.

STraffic’s modern faregate in action at Firestone Station.

Improving LA Metro’s Transit Experience Through Advanced Technology

STraffic implemented advanced faregate technology across the network in two phases following additional contracts awarded by LA Metro. Phase 1 included 10 stations and launched in March 2025, while Phase 2 covers 11 additional stations, with installation starting in October 2025 and projected to complete in December 2025. Stations were selected based on data highlighting the highest fare evasion and misuse of emergency swing gates, ensuring improvements were targeted where they were most needed.

The new faregates are designed to provide enhanced security, accessibility, integration, and scalability:

• Security: Over 7 feet tall with reinforced barriers and electromechanical locks, the gates prevent forced entries, while precise motion sensors detect fare evasion attempts.

• Accessibility: Paddle-style doors replace turnstiles, improving access for passengers with bicycles, luggage, or mobility devices. All gates are fully ADA-compliant.

• Integration: The system supports smart cards, mobile payments, and contactless fare systems. API connectivity allows real-time assistance and potential integration with third-party security systems.

• Scalability: Designed to grow and adapt with LA Metro’s needs, the faregates can support additional stations, increased passenger volumes, new payment technologies, and future software or security upgrades without major disruption.

By combining advanced technology with operational flexibility, STraffic enhanced station security and passenger experience while preparing LA Metro’s network for increased ridership during major global events

A Proven Model for Reducing Fare Evasion and Enhancing Passenger Experience

STraffic’s advanced faregates transformed station operations at LA Metro, significantly reducing fare evasion and improving overall safety. Paid entries at early deployment stations increased by up to 248%, while reported security incidents dropped 75%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new system in real-world conditions. The upgrades also enhanced passenger experience, improving accessibility and flow for riders with bicycles, luggage, or mobility devices, creating a safer and more welcoming environment.

Implementing the system across multiple stations required navigating complex architectural and operational challenges while maintaining uninterrupted service for daily commuters. STraffic delivered a future-ready, scalable fare collection system that integrates modern payment technologies, precise monitoring, and advanced security features.

By achieving immediate, measurable improvements while rolling out a large-scale project on schedule, STraffic reinforced its expertise in modernizing automated fare collection systems. The success of this project strengthened LA Metro’s network and solidified STraffic’s position as a trusted leader in AFC solutions in the U.S., capable of addressing complex transit challenges while balancing operational efficiency and passenger experience.

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