Metrolinx, the operator of GO Transit yesterday announced that effective September 8, fines for fare evasion on GO Transit and UP Express will increase – and repeat offenders will face progressively higher fines with each offence.
The move is aimed to strengthen fare enforcement.
New Fines Structure
Metrolinx said riders travelling without valid proof of payment will face the following fines:
- First offence: $200
- Second offence: $300
- Third offence: $400
- Fourth offence: $500
- Fifth offence: A Provincial Offence Notice with a set fine established by the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice
- Sixth offence and subsequent offences: A court summons, with fines of up to $1,000 upon conviction
Previous Fines Structure
Metrolinx had introduced a graduated fine structure to add a middle ground between warnings and large fines. This was approved by the Metrolinx Board of Directors in September, 2022.
- First time offenders were to be issued a $35 fine, reduced from $100 to add a middle ground between warnings and large fines
- Second offences, the fine was to be $50
- Third offences, a $100 fine was to be issued
- Passengers with four or more offences would be automatically served a Provincial Offence Notice, with a set fine of $200.
Metrolinx said fare evasion affects everyone. Increasing fines helps protect a transit system that’s reliable and sustainable for all riders.
Pay your fare before you board to avoid fines, it advised.
Key Tips
Metrolinx provided some key tips to help avoid fare payment issues and potential fines:
Tap at the start and end of every trip. Tap your Presto card, credit card or Interac Debit card before you board and tap off at the end of your trip. Remember to tap the same card every time you transfer, between GO Transit and UP Express, GO trains and buses, and GO and connecting transit agencies. Tapping correctly ensures that you receive discounted transfers through Ontario’s One Fare. You don’t need to tap when transferring between GO trains connecting at Union Station.
Override your default trip when needed. If you have a default trip set on your Presto card but are travelling to a different station, press the mode button on the Presto device and then tap your card on the device to select your destination. Then tap off at the end of the trip.
Have the right fare type and carry your ID. If you’re a student, senior or veteran, make sure you have the correct fare type set on your Presto card. You may be required to present valid identification, such as a student card or veteran card, during fare inspection.
Plan ahead. Arrive at your station with enough time to load funds onto your Presto card and tap on before you board. If you are travelling with a GO or UP e-ticket or group pass, activate it before you board. E-tickets become valid five minutes after activation.
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