Which Type of Turnstile is Best for Subway?

2025-09-11
6:44 上午

Subways are among the busiest transportation systems in the world, with millions of passengers relying on them every day. Managing such heavy pedestrian traffic requires reliable, durable, and secure access control solutions. That’s where turnstiles play a crucial role.

But with so many types of turnstiles available—tripod, swing gate, sliding, full-height, and flat barrier—which one is best suited for subway systems? Let’s break it down.

Why Subways Need Turnstiles

Before identifying the best type, it’s important to understand the key reasons why subways rely on turnstiles:

Passenger Flow Management:Ensure smooth entry and exit during peak hours.
Fare Collection Control:Prevent fare evasion by allowing only ticketed passengers through.
Security: Help restrict unauthorized access to platforms.
Durability:Withstand continuous heavy use every day.
Efficiency: Reduce waiting times and congestion at entrances.

Types of Turnstiles for Subway Systems

1. Tripod Turnstile

Description: Features three rotating arms, allowing one person at a time.
Pros: Cost-effective, durable, compact.
Cons: Can slow down passenger flow during rush hours.
Suitability: Good for small subway stations with moderate traffic.

2. Full-Height Turnstile

Description: A tall, cage-like turnstile providing maximum security.
Pros: Prevents tailgating and climbing, highly secure.
Cons: Slower throughput, bulky design.
Suitability: Rare in subways; better for restricted areas like staff entrances.

3. Swing Gate Turnstile/Optical Turnstile

Description: Uses swing barriers (metal or acrylic), often wider for accessibility.
Pros: Accommodates wheelchairs, strollers, and luggage; stylish and modern.
Cons: Slightly higher cost than tripods.
Suitability: Often installed alongside other turnstiles for accessibility.

4. Sliding Gate Turnstile

Description: Uses retractable or sliding glass panels for quick and smooth access.
Pros: Fast, efficient, handles high passenger flow; integrates with smart card/ticketing systems.
Cons: Higher initial investment.
Suitability: Excellent for modern subway systems with large daily traffic.

5. Flat Barrier Turnstile

Description: A sleek turnstile design featuring flat, retractable panels that rise and fall (or slide) quickly to control access. It combines aesthetics with high throughput capacity.
Pros: Very fast operation, modern appearance, integrates easily with RFID, QR codes, or biometric systems.
Cons: Provides medium security (can be jumped over if not monitored).
Suitability: Ideal for subways, airports, and other high-traffic environments where speed and style are equally important.

Which Turnstile is Best for Subway?

For subway systems, the best turnstile types are flat barrier turnstiles and swing gate turnstiles.

Flat Barrier Turnstiles: These are the most popular choice for modern subways. They feature fast-rising and retractable flat panels, allowing quick entry and exit even during peak hours. They integrate seamlessly with RFID cards, QR code scanners, or biometric systems, making them perfect for high-volume, high-speed passenger management. Their sleek design also fits well in modern subway stations.

Swing Gate Turnstiles: While flat barrier turnstiles handle most traffic, swing gate turnstiles are essential for wheelchair users, passengers with strollers, and travelers carrying luggage. They ensure accessibility while maintaining the same ticket validation and access control standards as other lanes.

Recommendation: The ideal subway setup is to use flat barrier turnstiles as the primary solution for fast and efficient passenger flow, paired with swing gate turnstiles for accessibility lanes. This combination ensures speed, inclusivity, and reliability in daily subway operations.

Final Thoughts

Subway systems demand turnstiles that can handle massive passenger flow efficiently while maintaining security and convenience. Among all the options, flat barrier turnstiles stand out as the best choice for modern subway stations thanks to their fast operation, sleek design, and seamless integration with smart ticketing systems.

At the same time, swing gate turnstiles are indispensable for ensuring accessibility—providing wider lanes for passengers with wheelchairs, strollers, or heavy luggage.

In short, the most effective subway solution is a combination of flat barrier turnstiles as the primary entry control and swing gate turnstiles for inclusive access. Together, they create a balance of speed, safety, and accessibility, ensuring smooth passenger movement even during rush hours.

At Kapaisi, we provide high-quality flat barrier turnstiles and swing gate turnstiles, customizable with OEM/ODM services to meet the exact requirements of subway projects worldwide. Our solutions are built for durability, efficiency, and long-term reliability—making them the smart investment for urban transit systems.