Steep new fines loom for GO Transit and UP Express commuters that don't provide proof of payment.
The new fines are proposed in a report by Metrolinx staff.
The report, which goes to the Metrolinx board meeting on Thursday for approval, recommends strengthening the graduated penalty structure for fare evasion, which was introduced four years ago.
"When enforcement increases the likelihood of detection, penalties set clear, proportional consequences, and communications ensure riders know both, the result is higher voluntary compliance, with fewer repeat offences, and lower fare evasion," according to the report.
The current fine for a first offence is $35 plus a $25 late payment charge if a person is unable to show a valid ticket to a revenue protection officer. Under the proposed new penalty structure, the fine will climb to $200 for a first offence, with a $25 late payment charge.
Those fines continue to increase under the new structure, with a fifth offence for fare evasion resulting in a provincial offences notice with a set fine to be determined by the courts. Those nabbed for a sixth or subsequent offences will face a provincial summons with a fine of up to $1,000 to be determined by the court.
The report says the new fine system will generate approximately $6.79 million to $10.18 million in additional revenue, which is based on the assumption that about 40 to 60 per cent of the fines will be successfully collected on.
Metrolinx estimates that about 5 per cent of riders across its network in 2025 did not pay their fares.
Under the proposal, the new enhanced penalty structure would be implemented Sept. 8.
