The TTC has blocked an entrance at a subway station after reports of people sneaking in without paying their fare.
Over the weekend, two TTC staff workers were seen at Eglinton Subway Station at the Duplex Avenue exit to prevent people from illegally entering. This entrancehas been a consistent area for fare evasion as many are able to walk through and enter the zone without paying, the transit agency says.
Fare evasion includes illegal entry into a subway station through a bus bay, entering a fare gate without paying, boarding a bus or streetcar without paying and lastly, using a fare type that you do not qualify for.
According to a local resident on social media, there were also fare inspectors on site to redirect riders attempting to enter for free.
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The TTC says during its fare evasion audits, it identified areas that are prone to fare evasion and this location was one of them.
“We are increasing our staff presence and enforcing bylaw infraction notices for people who willfully evade fare or try and cheat their way onto the TTC. These willful acts are costing us tens of millions of dollars a year that could, and should be going into improving service,” TTC Spokesperson Stuart Green said in a statement to Now Toronto on Tuesday.
This comes following a recent internal audit report that found that fare evasion is at an all-time high. As of 2023, TTC auditors found that fare evasion was at nearly 12 per cent and cost the system close to $124 million in lost revenue.
The standard TTC fare for an adult is $3.35, $2.40 for youth and $2.30 for seniors. Not paying the fare is illegal and could cost a person a fine of up to $425, according to the TTC.
Some people online say riders have been avoiding fares at this station for a long time.
“This has been happening for decades at Eg and Yonge (and other above-ground stations)
When I lived there (20 yrs ago) I witnessed groups of teens sneaking in every day. TTC never did anything about it,” one X user said.
“I use that bus terminal all the time and the amount of people who just walk in without paying is quite something. It has been the case for years but nothing has been done about it,” another user said.
“It happens at most stations. TTC does nothing to stop people from doing this. I never see security or special constables anywhere,” another user commented.
Meanwhile, others claim this happens at several other TTC stations across the city, including Finch, Rosedale, St. Clair, and Ossington stations.
