The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's implementation of higher fare gates has reduced fare evasion by over 70% as the transit service continues to install gates aimed at preventing riders from leaping over the gates.

The fare gates have been installed at Metro stops at Congress Heights, Fort Totten, Pentagon City, Bethesda, Vienna, Mt. Vernon Square, and Addison Road as of Tuesday. Construction on the new gates should be completed at Federal Center SW, Wheaton, and Court House is expected to end in early September.

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At Fort Totton, the installation of the higher gates was completed on July 25. The percentage of no-tap rides decreased from 13% pre-retrofit to 8% post-retrofit, a 71% change. In Mt. Vernon Square, no-tap rides decreased by 84%, from 15% before Aug. 16, when the gates were installed, to just 2%.

"After testing multiple prototypes and getting feedback from customers, the new faregate design is having its intended effect — reducing fare evasion,” Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke said in a statement. “It is critical for Metro to collect as much fare revenue as possible and keep the system safe so we have a transit system worthy of this great region.”

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The Metro launched the new gate prototype in November 2022, with the old gates being replaced with an L-shape door style that has plexiglass on top to minimize gaps between the openings and prevent commuters from jumping over.

The increase in barrier height went from the original 28- to 48-inch prototype to 55 inches. The doors are 200 times stronger than glass, lighter in weight, and more durable, according to Metro.