'The TTC is not free': Transit agency launches fare evasion campaign, increases fare inspection
The Toronto Transit Commission says it lost $124 million in revenue last year due to fare evasion, so it is launching a new campaign to remind people of the importance of paying fares.
A newly released internal audit report found that fare evasion was at nearly 12 per cent in 2023, almost double the 2018 rate of six per cent.
The problem is most prevalent in streetcars, where the fare evasion rate is 29.6 per cent, with an estimated revenue loss of $30.2 million.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
It is followed by buses (12.9 per cent) and subway stations (6.3 per cent).
The report also found that 94 per cent of riders who used child passes were not 12 years old and under.
The results of the report prompted the TTC to roll out a new fare evasion campaign this week.
“The TTC is not free, and even with a significant City of Toronto operating subsidy, we rely heavily on fares. They fund safe, reliable service for hundreds of millions of customers every year and they allow us to keep those fares reasonably priced,” the transit agency’s CEO Rick Leary said.
“We need those who willfully deprive our system of funds to understand that their actions have consequences, including less service for others and a fine for themselves.”
Riders will soon see posters across the transit system that will highlight the importance and benefits of paying for their fares.
One poster reads: “Tap to improve service,” while another says: “Tap to improve safety.”
Another poster advertises the city’s fair pass program for those who cannot afford to pay a fare.
In addition to the campaign, the TTC said riders can expect to see increased fare inspection at locations where it is known to be prevalent.
“Transit Fare Inspectors will be patrolling the downtown streetcar network and transfer points in stations and there will be an increased presence of supervisors and Special Constables on the bus network. These measures not only deter fare evasion, they help make the TTC safer through increased visibility of staff,” the agency said.
Early last year, the TTC brought back fines for fare evasion after a three-year pause due to COVID-19, saying it had become a huge problem.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.