What to know
- The TTC may be stepping up enforcement against fare evasion, with reports suggesting Provincial Offences Officers could begin checking proof of payment on subway trains.
- While the TTC did not confirm specific internal details, it emphasized that fares can be inspected anywhere within fare-paid areas, including subways, and non-payment can possibly lead to fines of up to $475.
- Online reactions were mixed: many supported stricter enforcement as overdue, while others questioned whether officers would also address broader issues, including safety, disorderly behaviour, and vulnerable riders on the system.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) could be cracking down on fare evasion, with Provincial Offences Officers (POO) possibly starting to check proof of payment on subways.
A social media post that was claimed to have come from an internal TTC memo, shared that as of April 20, POO would begin checking customers on subways to confirm they paid their fare prior to boarding.
In an email to Now Toronto on Thursday, a TTC representative did not specifically confirm that inspectors would be on subway cars, but said fare is inspected anywhere applicable.
“The rule for everyone traveling on the TTC is fare must be paid,” the representative wrote. “We inspect across all modes to ensure proper compliance.”
When asked to confirm whether fare would be checked on-board subways or just in TTC stations they reiterated their previous statement.
“Customers anywhere in fare-paid areas of the TTC may be asked to provide proof of payment.”
Anyone who hasn’t paid may be subject to a fine of up to $475 dollars, as an officer is allowed to use their discretion to provide a ticket or a warning.
The TTC did not confirm if subway fare inspection was put in place on Monday.
Anyone using any method except PRESTO card to pay is expected to pick up a proof-of-payment slip at the start of their trips, either on board a bus from the driver, or from a read transfer box on streetcars and subway stations. Failure to provide one upon request may also result in a fine.
Online reaction
The post caused some confusion online, with a few Reddit users adding they thought it was a system already in place.
“They weren’t already doing this?” one Reddit user wrote.
“Actually shocked there wasn’t already fare inspection on the subway given its prevalence on GO and the buses,” another Reddit user added.
Many people agreed with the move, saying it was something that was a long time coming.
“I am OK with that,” one Reddit user wrote.
“Much needed!” another said.
Others also claimed they already began seeing fare inspections being conducted on subways just this week.
“Saw them fare inspecting on the subway yesterday, I was surprised as I’ve never seen them doing it on the subway rather they would usually be around the station near gates,” one Reddit user said.
“Good,” a different Reddit user shared their opinion. “Wonder if we’ll see a side effect where fare inspectors can report disorderly people as well.”
With an increase of vulnerable people, as well as those facing homelessness, who are using the TTC, many Reddit users wondered if the offenders would also be tasked with interacting with these communities.
“Are they going to toss out the homeless and drug addicts riding the trains or just keep ignoring them?” one Reddit user wrote.
“It is nice that there will be inspectors on board the trains,” another Reddit user said. “Hopefully, they can also deal with disruptive passengers, smoking, vaping, drug use, lying down, feet on seats, not using headphones, etc.”
With a long laundry list of concerns, some Reddit users say they hope the presence of these officers will be a welcome change.
“There haven’t been enough patrols on board trains or on platforms to deter bad behaviour. It will also allow the [officers] to do inspections while they are moving from place to place.”
