BOSTON (WHDH) -- Commuters got a free ride on the train when a gate was left open at an MBTA station Tuesday night.

Several people told 7News they found gates open at 10:40 p.m., 11:15 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. Tuesday.

“It happened the other day too,” said Susan Penta, an MBTA customer.

Some customers wanted to report the issue, but found no employees in sight, which prompted safety concerns.

“What if somebody needed help or what if there’s an accident,” said Lindsey Garison.

An MBTA spokesperson said there have been intermittent mechanical problems with the automatic gates at Haymarket Station. A technician fixed them early Wednesday morning.

At a time when the ‘T’ is strapped for cash, some believe the transit authority should be more careful about collecting fares.

“When they’re cutting all the bus services -- I don’t know why they’d let us all in free,” said Penta.

On Wednesday the gates were operating normally and employees were helping passengers, answering their questions.

One MBTA employee said there should have been someone on duty Tuesday night. He said the gates do sometimes swing open unexpectedly.

“If the gates malfunction we have no control over it,” said one employee.

The MBTA said an employee is scheduled to work there regularly. On Tuesday night someone called in sick and the post wasn’t filled. The MBTA said from now on they will make sure the shift is staffed at all times.