eli5: why do long distance train systems (like Amtrak) and a lot of regional rails (like the Long Island Rail Road) use on-board ticket collectors to verify tickets, instead of turnstile systems at individual stations (like metros and subways use)?

Question

It just seems like a terribly inefficient system to verify someone’s right to access the train once they are already on the train…..

In: Other

Answer 1

If they did that half of the passengers of these far more costly trains would get away without paying. (See the turnstile jumping issue with NYC transit, SF’s BART, Philly’s SEPTA, Chicago’s CTA, DC’s Metro etc. )