Use any major transit system in the country and you won’t find one quite like Los Angeles County's Metro.
That’s because it’s the only subway in the nation that uses the honor system.
Turnstiles meant to secure the system were installed last year, but they are not fully operational, which makes catching a free ride less of a challenge and more like an invitation for fare evaders.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is revoking that invitation, at least temporarily at four of its subway stations.
At the end of the month, the MTA will begin test-locking turnstiles at the Hollywood/Western and Vermont/Beverly stations on the Red Line and the Wilshire/Normandie and Wilshire/Western stations on the Purple Line.
The agency’s goal is to have all its customers using a debit style plastic card called TAP (Transit Access Pass) that customers load and use for rides and transfers.
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The test closure at the four stations will take place one afternoon a week, over the course of four weeks.
There will be Metro personnel on hand during the closures to assist riders who do not currently use TAP cards.
Testing is scheduled to begin the last week of September.
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