In an attempt to combat fare evasion, BART started testing out new double barrier fare gates a few weeks ago at the Richmond station. Commuters don't seem to be thrilled.

"Step right up, get your face smashed by BART's new fare gates," wrote Twitter user Brian McGuire.

ALSO: BART intensifies crackdown on rule breakers, fare evaders

It all started when Corbette O'Toole, a disability rights activist, shared a photo of herself on Facebook next to a new fare gate showing how it is dangerously positioned for wheelchair users.

"The top gate will crush my head whenever it malfunctions. Would they do this to their non-wheelchair riders? Absolutely not," wrote O'Toole.

Social media users have been both shocked and amused by the new fare gate design.

"I don't know, but the new season of American Ninja Warrior has some pretty intense obstacles I tell you," joked Twitter user Chris Conrady.

Others pointed out how the new gates would encourage fare evaders to practice their parkour or limbo skills. One user called them "guillotine" fare gates.

But do they work? A few weeks ago, ABC7 News watched people at the Richmond station to see if the new gates actually deterred fare evaders. Seven people snuck through in 10 minutes, either "doing the limbo" under the gates or slipping behind paying customers.

Click through the gallery above to see the best social media reactions to the new BART fare gates.

Madeline Wells is an SFGate editorial assistant. Email: madeline.wells@sfgate.com | Twitter: @madwells22

