TransLink, the public transportation authority in British Columbia, is taking a strong stance against fare evasion in an effort to discourage an estimated $5 million in lost revenue.
According to TransLink, fare evasion has been a persistent issue, with an estimated 4.5 million instances of fare evasion in 2019 alone. This not only results in significant financial losses for the transportation system, but also creates an unfair burden on honest riders who pay their fares.
To address this issue, TransLink has implemented a number of measures to crack down on fare cheats. This includes increasing the number of fare checks by transit police and transit security officers, as well as installing new fare gates at SkyTrain stations.
In addition, TransLink has also introduced a new fare evasion ticketing system, which allows transit officers to issue tickets on the spot to those caught without a valid fare. This system has been in place since May 2021 and has already resulted in over 1,200 tickets being issued.
TransLink’s efforts to combat fare evasion have been met with mixed reactions. While some applaud the stricter measures, others have raised concerns about the potential for racial profiling and discrimination in fare checks.
In response, TransLink has emphasized that fare checks are conducted randomly and that officers are trained to avoid any form of bias. They have also stated that the new fare gates are equipped with technology that can detect when a person with a disability or mobility issue is attempting to enter without paying.
Despite these concerns, TransLink remains committed to reducing fare evasion and ensuring a fair and sustainable transportation system for all riders. They urge all passengers to do their part by paying their fares and reporting any instances of fare evasion they witness.
As the crackdown on fare cheats continues, TransLink hopes to see a significant decrease in fare evasion and a positive impact on their revenue. They also remind riders that the cost of fare evasion ultimately falls on the shoulders of honest riders, and urge everyone to do their part in keeping the system fair and efficient.
