Winnipeg Transit (CITY OF WINNIPEG / FILE)
Winnipeg Transit says its expanded fare enforcement efforts are delivering results, with nearly 5,000 rides denied to fare evaders since September.
Transit inspectors have completed more than 6,800 fare checks, while safety officers logged 1,400 enforcement hours. The campaign led to 4,944 denied rides, 931 warnings, and 359 riders who paid after being asked. Another 2,670 people chose to walk away before paying.
“We’re investing more than ever to make the system safer and more reliable, and we need everyone to do their part,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham, in a release.
“Enforcement keeps the system fair for paying riders and helps ensure Transit has the funds for additional service improvements.”
Alongside fare checks, transit and Winnipeg police are working together to improve safety through the violent crime intervention strategy, which includes on-bus patrols and shelter monitoring.
Winnipeg Transit will also soon launch a fare education campaign and plans to roll out a new tap-to-pay system next year to make fare payment easier and improve accountability.
