Bus fare enforcement is paying off, city says

The City of Winnipeg says a crackdown on bus fare evasion is paying off. CTV’s Jeff Keele explains.

Winnipeg Transit estimates it loses between $7 million and $10 million a year, because of fare evasion, but that could be changing.

The city announced a crackdown in September with transit safety officers and transit inspectors.

Since then, the city is reporting 4,944 denied rides, more than 2,670 people who walked away before being prompted to pay, 931 warnings, and 359 riders who paid after being asked.

Police also started patrolling the transit system too, and the city says this resulted in 278 enforcement operations, 41 interventions related to fare evasion, and nine Criminal Code arrests.

Public Works Committee Chair Janice Lukes said the city is trying to fix the problem.

“It’s astounding how many criminal charges have been laid, it’s astounding how many people have been stopped from getting on the bus,” said Lukes.

Derek Hanley is with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505. He said 90 per cent of assaults are related to conflicts over unpaid fares. He said the extra enforcement is starting to pay off.

“Our members are starting to feel a little bit safer, knowing that they’re out there,” said Hanley. “It’s going to have a residual effect of more people are going to feel safer on the bus and more people are going to start taking the bus again.”

While the crackdown will continue, Lukes does want people to know the officers won’t be heavy handed with all fare evaders.

“Obviously if it’s a mom with kids, you know has her hands full, or if it’s a senior or whatever the situation they use discretion,” said Lukes.

The city is also planning a fare-payment campaign that will include bus, bench, shelter and digital ads.