TTC Deploys Undercover Fare Inspectors in Major Crackdown on Evasion

In a new effort to combat fare evasion, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has begun deploying undercover fare inspectors across its transit network. The initiative, which launched on December 4, 2024, marks a critical step in the agency’s ongoing battle to curb fare cheating, which is costing the city an estimated $140 million annually.

The TTC’s decision to introduce plainclothes inspectors comes after a successful pilot in 2018 and a recent trial period over the past three weeks. During this trial phase, undercover inspectors were focused on educating riders who were caught riding without a valid fare. As of Wednesday, however, the inspectors will start issuing fines to those who refuse to pay for their rides.

According to TTC officials, the fines for fare evasion range between $235 and $425, depending on the severity of the infraction. However, this revenue does not benefit the TTC directly. Instead, it is channeled to the courts.

TTC interim CEO Greg Percy emphasized the importance of fare revenue to the transit agency’s operations. “While the TTC receives considerable operating funds from the City, we rely heavily on the fare box to support our operations. When people don’t pay, that impacts our ability to increase service and keep fare prices low,” Percy said. “We prefer all customers pay for their rides rather than issue tickets. At the same time, we have to let people know we’re serious.”

The TTC’s new approach is just one part of its broader strategy to reduce fare evasion. The agency’s most recent estimates show that fare evasion costs them approximately $140 million each year, a significant loss for the transit system.

The plainclothes inspectors, equipped with body-worn cameras and proper identification, will be actively monitoring transit riders. These inspectors are instructed to use discretion and will primarily issue fines in cases of willful evasion. This means that passengers who knowingly skip fares will face consequences, while others may receive warnings.

This move is part of the TTC’s broader strategy to enhance fare compliance across its network. In September 2024, the TTC also introduced changes to its subway stations, eliminating the “no-tap” fare gates and redeploying staff to assist passengers. These adjustments are aimed at capturing lost fares, further supporting the transit agency’s efforts to address fare evasion.

With these new measures in place, the TTC is sending a clear message to riders: fare evasion will no longer be tolerated. By using plainclothes inspectors, the transit agency hopes to catch those who attempt to evade fare payments and recover some of the significant revenue lost each year.

For more information on the TTC’s fare evasion program, including fines and policies, you can visit [TTC Fare Evasion](https://www.ttc.ca/Fares-and-passes/Fare-information/Fare-evasion).

By continuing to innovate in its efforts to combat fare evasion, the TTC hopes to reduce losses and ensure that the city’s transit system remains sustainable for all passengers.