Starting today, all riders at the Rockaway Parkway L train station must swipe or tap to enter the platform—even if they’re just coming off the bus.

News 12 first told you about this change back in April, when the MTA began installing new fencing and turnstiles to fix a major flaw in the station’s design.

Before today, riders using buses like the B42, B6, or B82 could walk straight from the bus stop onto the train platform without going through any turnstile. That open layout made it easy for some to skip paying their fare.

Now, the MTA says that the side entrance is fully fenced off, and new turnstiles are in place. Anyone heading to the train must swipe their MetroCard or tap their phone—even for a free transfer.

The change is part of the MTA’s plan to reduce fare evasion, which cost the agency nearly $700 million in 2022 alone.

The MTA says bus-to-subway transfers will still be free—riders just have to go through the new entry point to make sure their trip is counted.

News 12 will be checking in with commuters throughout the day to see how they’re adjusting to the change.