Tougher fines for fare evaders on BC transit starting Sep 4
New penalties for not having a valid proof of payment in a fare paid zone will come into effect on September 4, including a $173 fine which can go up to $213 after 180 days, and $273 after a year. Outstanding fines may be referred to a collection agency. In addition, ICBC may refuse to issue or renew a driver’s licence or vehicle insurance for unpaid fines.
The South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Act now includes a fare collection bylaw that replaces the current provincial statute. This will allow TransLink to take over responsibility for issuing fare infraction tickets, collecting fines, and implementing dispute and appeal processes. The legislation also enables Transit Security, along with Transit Police, to issue TransLink fare infraction tickets.
“Fare evasion is theft and it impacts everyone,” said TransLink CEO Ian Jarvis. “The new regulation is critical to reducing theft. The provincial government has given us an important new tool to safeguard a significant source of revenue.”
“The vast majority of our customers pay their fares and will not notice any changes,” adds Chief Operating Officer Doug Kelsey. “But, they can be assured that we’re taking action on those who choose not to pay their fare. Our goal is to ensure everyone is paying their fair share across the board.”
The new bylaw is a result of the provincial government’s Bill 51 introduced in May.
