On Wednesday, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) introduced new security features to its Metropass, weekly pass and GTA weekly pass in an effort to thwart an increase in counterfeiting.

Since January, TTC Special Constables and Toronto Police have seized more than 2,500 counterfeit passes and pressed more than 500 charges. The TTC estimates lost revenue would exceed $2 million this year if changes to its passes were not made.

Starting in July, all passes sold by the TTC and its authorized agents will carry a custom-designed hologram that is unique to the TTC. In addition, a sticker will be affixed to passes that must be removed before use, much like the sticker on a new credit or debit card. The sticker cannot be re-applied and will end an increase in “pass renting” that has been observed over the last several months, whereby some ticket agents return passes to the TTC for a full refund as “unsold” fare media.

The TTC also reminded its customers to purchase passes only from TTC Collectors, pass vending machines, or authorized agents who sell TTC fares to its customers.