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

[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.