If you’re someone who taps in every time you ride transit, thank you! You’re a part of helping support a transit system that works for everyone. But when some people choose not to pay, it puts a burden on all riders.

Over the past year, we’ve been taking targeted steps to reduce fare evasion across our system. Most customers already pay their fare, but we know it feels unfair when others don’t. That’s why we launched a fare enforcement initiative focused on encouraging compliance, educating customers, and making better use of our resources.

What we did

In mid-2024, we rolled out a fare evasion mitigation program with a few key goals in mind: reduce lost revenue, increase fare compliance, and reinvest in better service. The approach included:

• Increasing fare checks by Transit Security and Metro Vancouver Transit Police
• Adding more education around the importance of fare compliance
• Focusing enforcement on high non-compliance routes (like RapidBus and the 99 B-Line)
• Making it easier for customers in need to access discounted or free passes through community partners

What we’re seeing

The good news? More people are paying the correct fare, and the system is already seeing the benefits.

• Fare checks increased by 80 per cent in the second half of 2024, resulting in more than half a million dollars in additional revenue per month
• 50,000 more adult passes are being purchased each month, while concession misuse has dropped
• Fare evasion is down on high-ridership articulated buses where we increased inspections
• These changes mean more revenue going directly back into transit service — helping keep the system reliable and affordable.

Why it matters

Every dollar we recover through fare compliance supports better service, cleaner stations, and a more reliable transit system. When people pay their fair share, it means fewer cuts and more investment where it’s needed most.

As CEO Kevin Quinn says, “Most of our customers already pay their fair share, and we’re pleased to see even more doing so thanks to our education and enforcement initiatives. Fare revenues are essential to funding and improving the transit system for everyone.”

Supporting those who need it

We also understand that not everyone can afford to pay. That’s why we work with organizations like the Homelessness Services Association of BC to distribute free or subsidized passes. Seniors and persons with disabilities may also qualify for discounted fares through the BC Bus Pass Program.

What’s next?

We’ll continue monitoring fare evasion and adjust our approach to focus on the areas and routes that need it most. Early signs show that our mix of enforcement and education is making a real impact, and we’re committed to continuing that work.

Because when everyone pays their fare, the whole system benefits.