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

Our train boards outdoors. There’s no internal area to restrict with a turnstile. you walk 10 feet from the parking lot to the door of the train and they check your ticket as you step on.