[M2inOR]

The gates simply are there to slow everyone down.

Normally when they're functioning properly, the gate closes and opens for each car.

As others noted, they help the carts on the MMP when they are crossing the roadways.

Most people stop, even when the gate arms are missing because someone in their car or cart didn't wait properly.

When the gate arms are damaged and missing, some vehicles zoom thru without slowing down or stopping. In the last 2 weeks after the tropical storm recovery, I see a number of arms that have been damaged by inconsiderate drivers. They also ignore the temporary stop signs.

Cloned cards may be a problem. With other technologies, cloning is and should be difficult or impossible to do. Imagine if it was easy to clone your chip-enabled credit or ATM card. Bad enough that store and restaurant people can take a photo of your card and sell to others to use.

Bottom line, whatever system is used for safety at the gates, let's hope that improvements make it safer for everyone.