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

Eli5: there are too many remote stations with too few staff to implement such a rigid controlled method of passenger control.

Many of these railroad lines rely on distance traveling rather than volume traveling.

Typically the tickets are priced according to your zone or destination, while a turnstile type of rail is typically a flat price throughout the network.

If a regional rail implements something like this, it would require major infrastructure and staffing changes that would be cost prohibitive.

…

So just FYI, I grew up on Long Island and took the LIRR frequently.

Where would you install the turnstiles? There are multiple entrances and exits, some of them don’t even have designated entrance and exits because they’re just on street level.

There are no employees at most of these stations, only the ticket vending machines.

Many platforms for the LIRR, are just a concrete platform with nothing there, maybe a set of stairs leading up to the tracks.

Major stations, like Mineola, you could probably get this implemented… but then where would you install the turnstiles because it’s a pretty congested and crowded station to begin with.

Then you have stations like country Life press, or Port Jefferson… Pretty remote and the trains only come once an hour.