STL Metro system is losing out on a lot of revenue (St. Louis: buying, costs)

[CamelJockey]

When you take the L-train in Chicago, you have to go through a turnstile after scanning your ticket. The ticket is void after 2-hours. But here in Saint Louis, you buy a ticket and then validate it, and just walk onto the metro. I've noticed the ink on the tickets can easily be wiped off, where you can just keep reusing the same ticket over and over. Also, I see a lot of people just walk on without even validating a ticket, which makes me think for sure they didn't even buy one. I'm pretty certain the STL Metro system is losing out on a lot of potential revenue

[billiken]

This comes up a lot. The argument against improvements is that the turnstile equipment is more costly than the lost revenue.

[glamatomic]

Plus, there are always those who will jump the turnstyles.

I have seen Metro officers come through the trains, checking for tickets before- although not on every ride. I'm sure that is a small deterrent at least.

[RisingAurvandil]

I've ridden the trains in New York and Chicago. They have turnstyles, usually revolving turnstyles. Thus, most cannot be jumped.

Can you board a plane without a ticket? Amtrak without a ticket? A toll road without a toll? Why is Metrolink an exception?
StL needs them to ensure riders have paid their fare and restore the confidence of law-abiding riders. It's that simple. No free rides.

[mjtinmemphis]

Originally Posted by RisingAurvandil

I've ridden the trains in New York and Chicago. They have turnstyles, usually revolving turnstyles. Thus, most cannot be jumped.

This isn't NYC or Chicago! Most turnstiles in Chicago can be jumped.

Can you board DART LRT without paying a fare? Yes! Can you board METRO Rail in Houston Denver and Mineapolis without paying a Fare? Yes. Apparently the smaller lower ridership LRT honor system is cheaper than turnstiles. It isn't just St. Louis!

I would love to see turnstiles. I do have enough knowledge and been on differ LRT systems to know that may not be cost effective with our ridership.

[1grin_g0]

Originally Posted by CamelJockey

When you take the L-train in Chicago, you have to go through a turnstile after scanning your ticket. The ticket is void after 2-hours. But here in Saint Louis, you buy a ticket and then validate it, and just walk onto the metro. I've noticed the ink on the tickets can easily be wiped off, where you can just keep reusing the same ticket over and over. Also, I see a lot of people just walk on without even validating a ticket, which makes me think for sure they didn't even buy one. I'm pretty certain the STL Metro system is losing out on a lot of potential revenue

I totally agree that turnstiles are badly needed. It would help over the long term with revenue, but more importantly, it would improve security in my opinion. Somebody that refuses to comply with the boarding process (buying a ticket, validating it, etc.) is more likely to cause a disturbance. Turnstiles would also potentially cut costs by reducing the need for security officers on the platforms. I say potentially because I'm not sure what the additional maintenence costs would be with the turnstiles. Also, if passengers feel safer, then they are likely to share their positive experience with others. That could translate to more passengers for Metrolink, word of mouth is an effective and free source of marketing. The benefits wouldn't be realized immediately, as it would take a few years for Metrolink to repair its reputation. A break even point analysis would reveal how long it would take to recover the up front expenditures. Just a guess, but I doubt it would take longer than 10 years, especially if the turnstiles are strategically phased in... focusing on the stations in the rougher areas first. It's a no-brainer in my opinion.

[FrankMiller]

Metro is currently working through the multi-year, multi-million dollar process of adding turnstiles to the MetroLink system. So don't worry, soon they will be recovering almost enough lost revenue to maintain the turnstiles, which will stop all violent criminals who don't have $2.50 to buy a MetroLink ticket.

[OyCrumbler]

It’s not worth the cost of turnstiles and inconvenience. Better that they found a way to do value capture by developing good TOD policies.

[Metal To The Core]

Originally Posted by FrankMiller

Metro is currently working through the multi-year, multi-million dollar process of adding turnstiles to the MetroLink system. So don't worry, soon they will be recovering almost enough lost revenue to maintain the turnstiles, which will stop all violent criminals who don't have $2.50 to buy a MetroLink ticket.

Today was the first time I rode the MetroLink in like a year. I used to enjoy taking it downtown or to the airport, but after hearing seven or eight stories about shootings or beatings, I got discouraged. Yes, you can often get in and out of there easily without ever having to present a ticket, let alone a validated one. I heard something about how they were trying to extend it to have a North/South line as well.

[Scottiegal]

Originally Posted by Metal To The Core

Today was the first time I rode the MetroLink in like a year. I used to enjoy taking it downtown or to the airport, but after hearing seven or eight stories about shootings or beatings, I got discouraged. Yes, you can often get in and out of there easily without ever having to present a ticket, let alone a validated one. I heard something about how they were trying to extend it to have a North/South line as well.

How is the metro link currently? We are new to the area and all I have heard is to NEVER get on it. I’m used to the Chicago ‘L’ my guess it’s worse than that?