Fines for riders caught fare-skipping on GO Transit and the Union Pearson Express are set to skyrocket next month as strict new rules kick in.
Beginning Sept. 8, provincial transit agency Metrolinx will hike its fares to $200 for a first-time offence.
The new fines will be:
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- 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 and subsequent offences: A court summons with fines of up to $1,000 upon conviction.
The new fines are substantially higher than the existing system.
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Under Metrolinx’s current rules, a first-time fare evasion offence is fined $35, with $50 for the second and $100 for the third. There are extra penalties based on how quickly it is paid.
“Transit riders deserve a safe, fast and reliable transit system,” Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said in a video. “Paying your fare helps make that possible.”
Will they get a discount if they cringe dance like Chow?
Go transit or metrolinx takes ZERO accountability for unknown ETA for departures or return many times during rush hour. There is ZERO accountability for passenger safety and over crowding at Union station during rush hour. There is ZERO accountability for no airconditioning or heating. NOW slap the hapless first time offender with a hefty fine. Good going metrolinx…way to make public transit – a private transit.
Fines mean nothing if they aren’t enforced