Some Torontonians have mixed feelings about the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) decision to deploy plainclothes fare inspectors in order to crack down on fare evasion.
On Wednesday, the transit agency said some fare inspectors will begin patrolling the system and issuing tickets in plain clothes to those who are not paying their fares.
The TTC says all inspectors will carry identification and be equipped with body-worn cameras to record customer interactions.
“Inspectors will continue to use discretion, whether in uniform or plain clothes, to ensure tickets are predominantly issued in cases of willful evasion,” the agency said in a press release.
According to the TTC, it has previously tested this practice back in 2018 and just re-introduced it three weeks ago with plainclothes inspectors educating those riding illegally. Every year, the TTC says it loses $140 million to fare evasion.
Fines for fare evasion range from $235 to $425 depending on the nature of the evasion, with the money going directly to the courts.
“While the TTC receives considerable operating funds from the City, we rely heavily on the fare box to support our operations. When people don’t pay, that impacts our ability to increase service and keep fare prices low,” TTC CEO Greg Percy said, adding that this is their way of letting people know they’re serious about curbing fare evasion.
This is the second new fare evasion initiative implemented this fall by the TTC. The first was in September when the network eliminated the ‘no-tap’ fare gates at subway stations, the transit system says.
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REACTIONS TO PLAINCLOTHES FARE INSPECTORS
Transit advocacy group TTCriders was quick to call the move a “mistake.”
“The TTC should be a welcoming public service for everyone. Plain clothes fare inspection is a mistake that will fuel conflict and an environment of mistrust that could be abused. The TTC has an open payment system. Does the TTC really expect transit riders to hand over their credit and debit cards to strangers claiming to be fare inspectors?” TTCriders Executive Director Shelagh Pizey-Allen said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Trying to ‘catch’ riders contradicts the TTC’s plan to bring back a ‘taps before tickets’ approach. According to TTC data, 50 per cent of riders pay when asked to,” she continued.
As an alternative solution, Pizey-Allen suggests hiring “greeters” on streetcars who could
make transit users feel safer and encourage people to tap without instilling fear and mistrust.
Although TTC data proves additional non-enforcement staff in subway stations has a positive impact on rider safety, Pizey-Allen claims TTC staff also have a track record of racial profiling.
Meanwhile, online, some users have mixed reactions to the move.
“There’s so much wrong with this, hard to know where to start…If the point of fare enforcers is to encourage people to pay fares, why be in plain clothes? What would not wearing a uniform accomplish that wearing one wouldn’t?” one X user said.
“Focusing on fare evasion as a priority misses the mark, especially given the growing safety concerns on the TTC. The TTC should redirect efforts toward ensuring a safe environment, as that should always be the top priority,” another user said.
“That’s fine I’m still not paying,” another user commented.
“This for $3. Lmaooo,” another comment read.
On the other hand, others don’t see the issue with having plainclothes fare inspectors on board.
“If people didn’t do anything wrong, they shouldn’t be concerned about someone approaching them and asking them to prove that they paid their fares. Also, I would trust that the inspectors will identify themselves,” one user commented.
“Great idea!! Fare dodgers are getting out of hand,” another comment read.
