The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is confronting an increase in fare evasion, which is expected to cost $123 million this year. The majority of this loss occurs at major transit stations like as Eglinton Station, where people use bus lanes and back entrances to avoid paying, entering bus bays without tapping their fare cards. Some are spotted strolling parallel to the station, slipping in near the bus stop, and then heading to the busses or subway platform.
Despite warnings and periodic enforcement by TTC officers, fare evaders persist. A recent investigation by Global News revealed that while enforcement efforts temporarily deter some individuals, the problem returns as soon as officers leave the scene. This has led to frustration among paying customers and nearby residents who see the rule-breaking as unfair and unregulated.
The broader issue extends beyond Eglinton Station. According to the TTC’s Audit Risk and Compliance Department, fare evasion costs have more than doubled, skyrocketing from $60.7 million in 2018 to $128.8 million in 2023. Buses account for the most significant loss at $67.1 million, followed by streetcars at $30.2 million, and subways at $26.5 million. In response, the TTC has identified multiple “hot spots” across its network and is deploying special constables to prevent illegal entries and recover lost revenue.
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