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

Regional rail is usually fare by distance. It costs more the further you travel. If just a turnstile people would pay for going one station and then travel even further.

There are trains that travel through many cities with many stops.