CCN: Fare Evasion fines increasing as of Sept 8

CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS NOTICE

INTERNAL USE ONLY

Subject:	Fare Evasion fines increasing as of Sept. 8
Impact Date(s):	September 8
Reference Number / PCD:	208 / PCD 1692
Internal Customer Communications Contact:	Constantina Ellinas

THIS INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL.

DO NOT SHARE UNTIL AUGUST 4, 2026.

Fare Evasion: fines are increasing for fare evasion on GO Transit and UP Express starting September 8, 2026.

Here’s what you need to know:

Customers travelling without valid fare will now face the following fines:

First offence: $200
Second offence: $300
Third offence: $400
Fourth offence: $500
Fifth offence: A Provincial Offence Notice with a set fine established by the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice
Sixth offence and subsequent offences: A court summons, with fines of up to $1,000 upon conviction

Here’s why:

We recognize and appreciate that most customers pay their fares. However, fare evasion affects everyone. Increasing fines helps protect a transit system that’s reliable and sustainable for all riders.
We regularly review fare policies and enforcement approaches to ensure they remain effective and align with the needs of our transit system. These updated fines are part of a broader effort to strengthen compliance and safeguard transit revenue.

Communication to customers will begin on August 4, through the following channels:

Customer Handouts
Digital Signs at Stations
GO Transit Website
UP Express Website
Station / Train Announcements
Bus Ticker
Posters onboard and at stations
Train Postcard Drop
On the GO Alerts (email / SMS)

Before Oct 2022: A flat $100 fine applied to all fare evasion cases, with optional educational warnings.

In October 2022, Metrolinx’s fare-evasion fines shifted from a flat payment to a graduated system that targets repeat offenders.

1^st offence: $35.00
2^nd offence: $50.00
3^rd offence: $100.00
Passengers with four or more offences will be automatically served Provincial Offence Notice, with a set fine of $200.00 or a Part 1 Summons

Effective Sept. 8, 2026: Fines increase across all tiers:

1^st offence: $200
2^nd offence: $300
3^rd offence: $400
4^th offence: $500
5^thoffence: A Provincial Offence Notice with a set fine established by the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice.
6^th offence and subsequent offences: A court summons, with fines of up to $1,000 upon conviction

The updated structure strengthens deterrence, supports revenue protection, and reinforces fairness for paying customers.

QUESTION

ANSWER

What are the changes to Metrolinx’s fare evasion fines?

Starting September 8, 2026, fines for travelling without paying a fare on GO Transit and UP Express will increase:

1^st offence: $200

2^nd offence: $300

3^rd offence: $400

4^th offence: $500

5^th offence: A Provincial Offence Notice (a legal ticket) with a set fine to be determined by the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice

6^th offence and subsequent offences: A court summons, with fines of up to $1,000 upon conviction

Why are the fines increasing?

We recognize and appreciate that most customers pay their fares. However, fare evasion continues to be an issue that affects everyone who uses GO Transit and UP Express.

Increasing fines helps protect a transit system that’s reliable and sustainable for all riders.

We regularly review fare policies and enforcement approaches to ensure they remain effective and align with the needs of our transit system. These updated fines are part of a broader effort to strengthen compliance and safeguard transit revenue.

How is Metrolinx ensuring fines are applied fairly?

Metrolinx is committed to fair, consistent and respectful interactions with all customers. The fine structure was developed using an anti-racism and equity lens. This includes training for officers, clear guidelines to reduce bias and ongoing monitoring of enforcement practices.

When do I need to pay my fine? Is there a late fee?

You have 15 days to pay your fine. A $25 late payment fee will be added after 15 days, and an additional $20 collection fee may be added after 75 days. You can find more information on the GO Transit and UP Express website.

Can I appeal my fine?

Yes. If you receive a Notice of Violation (administrative fine), you have 15 days to pay the fine or request an administrative review. A Screening Officer will review your case and send a written decision. Visit the GO Transit and UP Express website to learn more or submit a request.

What if I disagree with the Screening Officer’s decision?

You can request a hearing within 15 days of receiving the decision. A Hearing Officer (independent from revenue protection) will review your case and make a decision to confirm the fine, reduce or change the fine, cancel the fine, or extend the timeline to pay the fine.

The hearing officer’s decision is final within Metrolinx’s administrative process.

Am I eligible for a lower fine if it’s been a number of years since my last fine?

Yes. In accordance with industry standards and records retention, your record resets after two years.

What is a Provincial Offence Notice (PON)?

A Provincial Offence Notice is a legal ticket issued under Ontario’s Provincial Offences Act. It applies to more serious or repeated fare related offences. Unlike a Notice of Violation, a PON is not an administrative fee. This means it is handled through the provincial court system rather than Metrolinx’s internal process. You must follow the instructions on the ticket to pay or dispute it through the court.

I saw an officer not ticket a vulnerable individual. Are vulnerable people exempt from fare evasion fines?

Everyone is expected to pay their fare. However, in situations involving vulnerable individuals, officers are focused on maintaining safety and helping connect them with appropriate support.

I saw an officer offering a warning to a customer, not ticket but I received a fare evasion fine. Why didn’t I get offered a warning?

Refer to Compliance Service Agent.

I forgot to override my default trip before tapping on. Will I be fined if I am going to a different station?

Forgetting to override your default trip does not automatically result in a fine. Revenue Protection Officers will verify that you have valid proof of payment for your journey. To avoid fare payment issues, remember to override your default trip when travelling to a different destination

What if my phone dies before a fare inspection?

Officers have equipment that can verify your proof of payment even if your phone is not charged.