Watch Live: CityNews at Six Vancouver

Fewer fare cheats on transit these days: TransLink

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Transit officers aren’t writing nearly as many tickets these days.

It’s been a month since a legal loophole was closed, and there has been a big drop in the number of fare evaders.

Transit enforcement has been stepped up and riders appear to be getting message. Derek Zabel with TransLink says last September, 5,000 fare evaders were caught. This year, “there have been 230,000 fare checks with as little as 2,900 fare infraction tickets handed out.”

“You’re seeing 40 per cent more checks and almost 50 per cent fewer tickets,” says Zabel, but he adds it’s too early to call this a trend.

“I believe that these results are due to three key factors: more people are aware, increased enforcement, and also, the serious consequences. The new legislation gives us the tools to pay their fare share,” he explains.

The new legislation means ICBC can now refuse to issue or renew your license if you don’t pay your outstanding tickets.

Zabel notes transit officers will continue to be out in full force to make sure people are paying.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today