Fare evasion at the new Boston T fare gates.

[randomness]

From http://charlieonthembta.blogspot.com/2007/01/is-fare-evasion-with-new-gates-easier.html:

"Its pretty simple really, the offender just follows you real closely through the gate."

This is the same method I've seen in Paris. "Often people sneak in for free behind someone who has paid."*

I've been warned that pickpockets in Paris will crowd in behind you and try to dip your back trouser pocket at the same time. It's probably just a matter of time before the pickpockets in Boston figure that one out, if they haven't already.

*http://www.paris-anglo.com/dedent/dedent.php?request=guide/ask/transportation/191.php

[Edit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/danslemetro/89871748/ shows a typical Paris metro fare gate.]

Comments

[infinitehotel.livejournal.com]

It may have changed, but the last time I rode the Paris Metro, you had to use your ticket both on the way in and the way out. A bad thing for fidgeters like me who tended to fold, spindle, and mutilate our tickets during the course of the ride. I'm wondering how long before the T puts in something like that. Then they'll be able to track you at both the start and end points of your ride.

[r-ness.livejournal.com]

It may have changed, but the last time I rode the Paris Metro, you had to use your ticket both on the way in and the way out.

Whether you need your Metro ticket to exit depends on the station. (You need to pass your ticket through the exit gate at all RER station exits, for example.) On the other hand, you're supposed to have your ticket on you for inspection at any point on your trip up to the "limite de validité des billets" sign.

I've never even seen a ticket inspector, much less had my ticket checked while in transit on the Metro.

I'm wondering how long before the T puts in something like that. Then they'll be able to track you at both the start and end points of your ride.

I'm sure it'll take the T a while to get around to that. :)

[frotz.livejournal.com]

This is one of those weird timing and travel pattern things; I've had my ticket checked on the Metro a whole big bunch of times. Had never happened to the guy I was living with there. Go figure.

[r-ness.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it really varies.

While I never saw one in Paris, my experience in Germany is that I tended to see fare controllers fairly often. Always had a valid ticket, too.

The nastiest controller I ever ran into was in Budapest. While he was extremely efficient and quick with me--I was carrying a day pass--he really hassled some other guy after me; really got in his face and everything.

[sea-bound.livejournal.com]

Same thing in DC.

[r-ness.livejournal.com]

Now that you mention it, it happened to a friend I was travelling with at Dupont Circle. She was pretty creeped out by it, too.

[awfief.livejournal.com]

yeah, but in DC there's a reason for it -- the fare is different depending on where you exit. In the Bay Area the rail systems I've ridden are all on the honor system.

[r-ness.livejournal.com]

I'm guessing you were on San Francisco's Muni or San Jose's Light Rail, because BART's fares work like the DC Metro. In fact, until they decided it was a bug, BART tickets and DC Metro tickets actually worked in each other's systems.

[r-ness.livejournal.com]

I've gotten followed closely into a gate twice now. Creeps me out completely.

Yeah. While it hasn't happened to me in Boston yet, it's happened to me twice in Paris so far. The first time, it was a polite guy in a jacket and tie who looked West African. He apologized as he pushed in behind me. The other time, at Chatelet-Les Halles, it was actually the guy of a young couple travelling together. I think she'd already gotten in, and he hadn't. They kind of looked like it was a high-spirited fun game.

Both times I was willing to be good-natured about it, partly because neither of the incidents were threatening, and partly because my interactions with random Parisians have all been fairly pleasant. Also, my stock of French curses is low. And both times, it was late at night, with no security around.

But if I had been in the habit of keeping anything in my back pocket on the Metro, I'd definitely have stopped after that.