Fare evasion fines increasing for GO Transit, UP Express

Metrolinx says fines for fare evasion on GO Transit and UP Express are set to increase starting Sept. 8.

Repeat offenders can expect to face progressively higher fines with each offence to strengthen fare enforcement.

Customers travelling without valid proof of payment will pay $200 for a first offence, scaling up to $300, $400 and $500 for the second, third and fourth instances.

Those receiving a fifth offence will be given a Provincial Offence Notice with a set fine established by the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice.

A six offence or any offence after that will result in a court summons and fines of up to $1,000 upon conviction.

Metrolinx says fare evasion affects everyone, and increasing fines helps protect a transit system that’s reliable and sustainable for all riders.

Transit users are advised to pay their fare before boarding to avoid fines.

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