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

The biggest reason is because the fare is higher the farther you ride. If they only used turnstiles, they would have to charge a flat rate for rides, and that would reside in short rides becoming far more expensive.