The Toronto Transit Commission says it lost $124 million in revenue last year to fare evasion and is launching a new campaign to remind people of the importance of paying their fares.
newly released internal audit report According to research, fare evasion rates will reach nearly 12% in 2023, nearly double the 6% rate in 2018.
The problem is most prevalent on streetcars, with fare evasion rates of 29.6% and revenue losses estimated at $30.2 million.
This was followed by buses (12.9%) and subway stations (6.3%).
The report also revealed that 94% of passengers used child passes even though they were not under 12 years old.
The report’s findings prompted the TTC to roll out a new fare evasion campaign this week.
“The TTC is not free and despite receiving significant operating subsidies from the City of Toronto, we rely heavily on fares. It provides the funding to provide those services, which allows us to keep those fares affordable,” said Rick Leary, the transit agency’s CEO.
“Those who deliberately take away our funding system must understand that their actions have consequences, including reduced service to others and fines for themselves.”
Passengers will soon see posters across the transit system highlighting the importance and benefits of paying their fare.
One poster says, “Tap to improve your service,” while another says, “Tap to improve your safety.”
Another poster promotes the city’s FairPass program for those who can’t afford to pay the fare.
In addition to the campaign, the TTC said passengers can expect increased fare checks in locations where transmission is known to be widespread.
“Transit fare inspectors will be patrolling the downtown streetcar network and station transfer points, and there will be more supervisors and special constables on the bus network. These measures will only deter fare evasion. “It also helps improve TTC safety by increasing staff visibility,” officials said.
Early last year, the TTC reinstated fines after a three-year suspension due to COVID-19, citing fare evasion as a major problem.
