NYC Subway: “Shark Teeth” to Stop Fare Evasion

“Shark Teeth” Aimed at Subway Fare Evasion in New York City

New York City’s subway system is deploying a novel, and somewhat jarring, deterrent to fare evasion: large, fiberglass “shark teeth” installed at turnstiles. The structures, standing at 5½ feet tall, are intended to discourage riders from jumping the fare, a practice costing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

The initiative, first reported by La Voce di New York on February 14, 2026, represents a visible escalation in the city’s efforts to combat fare evasion. While the MTA has previously employed increased police presence and revised turnstile designs, the “shark teeth” represent a more unconventional approach.

The visual impact of the structures is deliberate. According to the report, the intent is to create a psychological barrier, making potential fare evaders think twice before attempting to bypass the system. The fiberglass teeth are designed to be imposing and attention-grabbing, serving as a constant reminder of the consequences – both legal and now, visually unsettling – of unpaid fares.

Fare evasion has become a significant concern for the MTA, with losses impacting the system’s ability to maintain service and invest in improvements. The problem isn’t unique to New York; other cities are grappling with similar issues. A TikTok video from December 6, 2024, highlighted similar efforts in Toronto, where undercover police officers were tackling fare evasion. The video showed tactics used by authorities to catch those avoiding payment.

The use of striking visual deterrents also echoes discussions around public safety and order within the transit system. A TikTok post from April 23, 2025, showed a report on fare evasion in New York City, alongside footage of shark teeth hunting at Navarre Beach, Florida, suggesting a parallel between the predatory nature of sharks and the pursuit of those evading fares.

The effectiveness of the “shark teeth” remains to be seen. Some transit advocates have questioned whether the structures are a proportionate response to the problem, arguing that they may create an unnecessarily hostile environment for riders. Others have pointed to the need for more affordable fare options and improved service as long-term solutions to fare evasion.

The MTA has not released detailed data on the cost of installing the “shark teeth” or a timeline for their widespread deployment. However, the initiative signals a commitment to addressing fare evasion through innovative, if unconventional, means. The move also comes amid ongoing debates about funding for the subway system and the balance between security and accessibility for riders.

Further complicating the issue, a TikTok trend documented with the hashtag #evasionsusa highlights the prevalence of fare evasion and the various methods employed by those attempting to ride the subway without paying. The trend suggests a degree of normalization of the practice, making it a more challenging problem to address.

The installation of the “shark teeth” is the latest chapter in a long-running story about the financial challenges facing New York City’s subway system and the ongoing efforts to ensure its sustainability. Whether this particular tactic will prove successful remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a unique moment in the city’s transit history.