<P> Production Automated Fare Collection (AFC) implementation began on January 6, 1994 . New turnstiles, including unstaffed high wheels, and floor - to - ceiling service gates, featured lessons learned from trials . As AFC equipment was rolled out, evasion plummeted . Fare abuse agents, together with independent monitoring, were eliminated . </P> <P> The MTA had tried to reduce station agent positions since full MetroCard vending machine (MVM) deployment in 1997 . Agents, whose primary responsibility was selling tokens, now sell MetroCards . However, AFC eliminated long token booth queues, so fewer clerks were needed . Passengers now interact with agents only for requests like mutilated farecards, concessionary fares, or travel directions . Clerks were not cross-trained for AFC maintenance; that function was assigned to turnstile maintainers . The MTA determined that each station required only one full - time booth, serving dominant (or both) travel directions . Some booths were removed altogether because it was felt that MVMs would be sufficient . </P> <P> Some thought the station destaffing plan would lead to potential evasion increases, and consequently more general crime . The original FATF (1988--1997) was reconvened in 2009 to review trends and coordinate mitigation strategies between MTA and New York City Police Department (NYPD)'s Transit Bureau . Further confusing the issue, agents themselves historically provided evasion counts in their normal course of duty . </P> <P> Decision to eliminate agents turned out controversial with both riding public and elected officials . Representatives were concerned about constituents' jobs, whereas riders were concerned about susceptibility to crime . </P>

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