Turnstile

Turnstiles in Alewife station, August 2005

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Bath Rec, old turnstile

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Q-Lane Space Saver Turnstiles

Turnstile is a mechanical gate consisting of revolving horizontal arms fixed to a vertical post, allowing only one person at a time to pass through. It is used in a variety of settings, including public transport stations, stadiums, amusement parks, and museums, to manage access and control pedestrian traffic. Turnstiles can be manual or electronic, with the latter offering features such as ticket scanning, card reading, or biometric verification for entry.

History

The concept of the turnstile is not new, with early versions being used in the 19th century to control the flow of people. Initially, these were simple tripod barriers, but over time, they have evolved into sophisticated systems integrated with modern technology for enhanced security and efficiency.

Types

There are several types of turnstiles, each designed for specific applications and levels of security.

Tripod Turnstiles

Tripod turnstiles are the most common type, consisting of three rotating arms. They are cost-effective and widely used in public transport systems and stadiums.

Full-Height Turnstiles

Full-height turnstiles resemble revolving doors and offer maximum security. They are often used in high-security areas such as industrial sites and military bases.

Optical Turnstiles

Optical turnstiles use infrared beams to detect a person passing through. They are designed for locations that require a minimal physical barrier but need to monitor and control access.

Drop Arm Turnstiles

Drop arm turnstiles have a horizontal arm that drops to allow passage upon receiving a valid signal. They are commonly used in office buildings and lobbies.

Applications

Turnstiles are employed in various sectors to secure entry and exit points, manage crowd flow, and collect entrance fees or fares.

Public Transportation

In public transportation systems, turnstiles are used to control access to subways, trains, and buses, often integrated with ticketing systems.

Stadiums and Arenas

Stadiums and arenas use turnstiles to manage the entry and exit of large crowds, ensuring that only ticket holders gain access.

Amusement Parks

Amusement parks utilize turnstiles not only for entry and exit control but also to count the number of visitors and manage queues for rides.

Corporate and Industrial

In corporate and industrial settings, turnstiles enhance security by restricting access to authorized personnel only, often integrated with ID card systems.

Advantages

Turnstiles offer several advantages, including enhanced security by preventing unauthorized access, efficient crowd management, and the ability to integrate with various ticketing and access control systems.

Challenges

However, turnstiles also present challenges, such as accessibility issues for people with disabilities and the potential for creating bottlenecks during peak times.

Future Trends

The future of turnstiles lies in further integration with technology, such as mobile ticketing and biometric verification, to improve convenience and security.

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