While London Underground revenue inspectors provide a visual deterrent, they do not pay for themselves (they cost far more than the revenue/compensation they 'generate').As for the barriers (that, laughably, the NYC Metro are now installing as their 'Holy Grail' of fare evasion), they offer fairly low resistance when pushed as - in the case of a real emergency - those of average strength should be able to push through them (assuming they haven't automatically opened in the case of an evacuation). Getting the balance right with gates is something many world metros (continue to) struggle with. Personally, I think it's a people problem, not an infrastructure one. For instance, Vienna is just one of many metros that doesn't have gates... but its people behave (better), something that's driven by better parenting perhaps? The demographic of the fare evader in 2024 has changed, especially since the pandemic. While the feral youth (16-22) and labourers still make up the majority, you'll see more families herding their (chargeable) offspring thought the gates as well as tourists and even 'smart' professionals these days.As for data and CCTV, LU has a department that goes after the 'big money' evaders; the Rolex-wearing suited professionals who think they've found a loophole to shave thousands off their yearly commute. Seeing these types cry and beg to be 'let off' when they get a tap on the shoulder is quite the sight, and phrases like "you'll ruin me" is something you'll often hear.London has become a real mess, and a day doesn't go by when the High Road shops aren't targeted by thieves clearing out shelves in Greggs, Tesco, Boots and M&S. But what can we do? I hear a lot of "the staff should do something" from onlookers, but until you've been spat at, or worse, it's all very easy to lay the blame elsewhere. I'm not sure what the answer is but, like the title of this thread, I'm not sure it's fixable in my lifetime (although I live in hope).
Mike Smith ● 46d