The myki gates at Richmond station will remain closed after football games at the MCG this year, rather than being opened to let large crowds through.

Public Transport Victoria decided late last year to close the gates at Richmond station, after "new-generation" myki readers and additional gates were installed at the Brunton Avenue and Olympic Boulevard entrances.

Fans queue at Richmond station. Credit: Nikki Henningham

Richmond station services Melbourne's major sporting stadiums, including the MCG, Rod Laver Arena and AAMI Park.

The organisation said the move was made to regulate the flow of people through the gates and curb fare evasion, which costs more than $50 million a year.