NYC subway turnstiles getting spikey 'fins': Here’s why

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Turnstile “fins” may be coming to a subway station near you as part of the MTA’s push to stop fare evaders. 

The vertical, metal “fins,” as they’re called, have ridges on the top that are meant to deter fare evaders from jumping over the turnstile.

The 59th Street-Lexington Avenue subway station in Manhattan was the first to have the fins installed on Wednesday. 

Three other stations are expected to get them in the early part of the MTA's pilot. However, the agency did not immediately disclose the exact locations when asked by PIX11.

Despite the MTA's best efforts, some New Yorkers told PIX11 on Thursday that they have already seen riders continue to hop the turnstile or go under it.

“To me, it just, you know, it seems a little dangerous…people keep jumping it,” said PJ, a man who works near the subway stop and watched as the fins were installed. 

“When people are broke and they have no choice, they will find a way because they want to survive,” said Thando Thadani, another commuter at the station. 

The MTA plans to install fins at 10 more stations in the coming months.

“That’s not gonna stop [them]. It needs to be a closure; it needs to be a door instead of these things,” said Teresa, who described seeing people jump the turnstile often as she commutes. 

MTA leaders say they’re also exploring the use of glass paddle doors — dubbed wide aisle gates — to replace traditional emergency exits.

According to the Citizens Budget Commission, fare evasion cost the MTA an estimated $700 million in 2023.