The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is expanding its crackdown on fare evasion to its bus system.

Customers riding streetcars and entering subway stations through fare gates are already subject to random fare inspections, however, adding the bus network is another step in the TTC’s enhanced efforts to protect some of the $140 million lost to fare evasion yearly.

“Despite a significant operating subsidy from the City of Toronto, the TTC still relies heavily on the farebox to fund our service. When people don’t pay, that impacts our ability to increase service and keep fares down,” said TTC CEO Greg Percy. “Our preference is that all customers pay for their rides rather than issuing tickets. We must let those who intentionally cheat the system know we’re serious.”

Bus Fare Crackdown

To maximize efficiency, inspections will be carried out on bus platforms at integrated stations where customers could be required to show proof-of-payment between exiting buses and entering the subway system.

All Fare Inspectors will be uniformed and equipped with body-worn cameras to record customer interactions, with the agency saying they will continue to use discretion to ensure tickets are issued fairly.

This is the third new fare evasion initiative implemented in the past several months. Already, the TTC has started closing the “no-tap” fare gates at subway stations, and in December, plain clothes fare inspectors were introduced.