Starting next month, fare evasion penalties on GO Transit and UP Express are set to increase significantly, potentially reaching thousands of dollars for repeat offenders.
Metrolinx announced that the new penalties will come into effect on Sept. 8, 2026. Repeat offenders will face escalating fines, starting at $200 and reaching up to $1,000 for the sixth and subsequent offenses.
If caught traveling without valid proof of payment, passengers will now be subject to much higher fines than the current penalties in place.
Metrolinx believes that these increased fines will lead to improved compliance, fewer repeat offenses, and reduced fare evasion overall.
Additionally, projections suggest that the higher fines could generate an extra $6.79 to $10.18 million in revenue, with staff reporting a significant number of fare inspections conducted during the previous fiscal year.
