Do rail systems without ticket gates lose money compared to those that do?

Question

....that do have gates I mean!

Answer 1

Not at all look at NJ Transit as an example.

No gates.

pre purchase ticket or on board  and there is an additional fee or surcharge.

look at the revenue and rate of return.

can go to NJtransit.com

But it is not a loss leader.

Thanks for letting me comment.

Answer 2

Are you talking about proof-of-payment or "honor system"?   That works too, because the penalties are fairly severe for being caught without a valid ticket, and there's virtually no way to talk your way out of it.   So only the most brazen or desperate try it, and those are the same people who would hop over faregates or dodge the conductor.

Answer 3

i doubt it, because those that don't have conductors who collect the tickets, and make you pay if you don't have one

Answer 4

I ride CalTrain and ACE in California which use a proof-of-payment system, and they claim it actually SAVES them money because they have fewer conductors on the train, no ticket-staff, and the penalties are VERY stiff for those attempting to take a free-ride.

CalTrain is still not a money MAKER and relies on County, State, and Federal fund... like all passenger service in the USA.