Key That Opens All Subway Gates Is Just $27

In the Daily News, reporter Pete Donohue shows (off) a key that apparently opens all the gates in NYC's subway system. One man who bought his copy of the key from a MTA transit worker for just $27 said, "I've been saving a lot of money. There are 468 stations in the city and you can use it at any one of them... If you find an area that's not supervised by the police, you're in. It's like a key to the city."

The News, which points out that $27 is the same price as a one-week Metrocard, tried out its own key at 15 stations—"including Yankee Stadium on the B line in the Bronx, Junction Blvd. on the No. 7 in Queens and 68 St. on the Lexington Ave. line"—and found it worked at each one. Police have arrested 15 suspects with gate keys this year alone (they arrested 33 last year); cops also say the suspects also use the keys to sell rides at the gates. While the scammers may be locked up for a spell, they have back-up keys stashed, of course.

The MTA's Inspector General vowed an investigation while NYC Transit spokesman Charles Seaton said the keys should only be in the possession of MTA personnel, the FDNY and NYPD, "We take this issue very seriously and are working closely with the NYPD, which has been aggressively tackling the issue.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on April 25, 2010 12:08 PM

Comments [rss]

RoboticInsides

I think homeless people get these for free.

rasputinsghost

free subway rides are the key to the city?

a more proper key to the city should be something like the ability to get reservations anywhere, no matter when, or free cab rides forever. sure he's saving a good chunk of change in the long run but he's still getting the same subway that we all are

inoyourider

Another bunch of scumbags trying to cheat the system.

theLtrain

This isn't even a big deal, all those keys do is open up the emergency gates. So what? Most of the time those are opened up by annoyed people in a rush anyway, and even if you didn't have a key simply hopping over the turnstile, doubling up, or waiting for someone else to open the door would grant you the same access. It's not a "key to the city" it's not a major security threat. It's a non-story. It's nothing. Stop it Gothamst.

G

Fuck you gothamist

Continually blowing up underground shit, and ruining it for everyone in the know.

Josh

G don't you know that the only way to become "in the know" is to read about it on Gothamist?

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

Dead Himmler, are you behind this? Did you make those copies?

pointsguy

Well, I guess this calls for a fare hike.

fosiacat

..they keys didn't have the "do not duplicate" stamp on them? i mean, i know thats not exactly a fool proof system... but.. i imagine it would make it a bit harder than not?

used_up_shoe

Are you serious?

scrappymcgee

Thanks, now the MTA will have to spend millions on new locks and a better system

thewildpansy

Why not just hop the turnstile?

used_up_shoe

I think it's pretty clear the real threat here is from terrorism, not fare scamming.

The MTA needs to install electronic locks requiring personal codes on sensitive areas.