Winnipeg increasing fare enforcement on buses

The City of Winnipeg is taking steps to put a stop to fare evasion on buses.

On Friday, Mayor Scott Gillingham announced the city is expanding Winnipeg Transit’s fare enforcement with safety teams increasing fare checks.

It notes that up until recently, transit inspectors were largely in charge of fare enforcement. However, as of late August, community safety officers have taken on fare checks as part of their daily patrols.

“Safety staff and drivers use good judgment, and they know when someone genuinely needs help,” Gillingham said in a news release.

“But we’re hearing from the Amalgamated Transit Union—and from riders—that fare evasion is often tied to assaults on drivers and harassment of passengers. That’s a serious concern, and we’re stepping up enforcement to deal with it.”

Winnipeg Transit estimates that between $7 and 10 million is lost annually due to fare evasion.