Fare cheats cost Calgary Transit millions

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Calgary Transit continues to lose millions to fare cheats.

In 2018, CT estimates fare evasion was roughly 2.3 per cent of ridership.

That resulted in about $2.3-million in lost revenue.

“We generally look at every one per cent of fare evasion costs about $1-million in lost revenue,” said Brian Whitelaw, Calgary Transit’s Coordinator of Public Safety.

READ MORE: Most transit users pay for service: study

Whitelaw said the figure is a reasonable estimate, adding it is difficult to get a precise handle on the number of fare cheats.

Despite the seemingly small percentage, the number is still significant. Considering CT had about 105-million individual trips last year, it works out to approximately 2.4-million unpaid trips.

READ MORE: Calgary Transit seeing an increase in ridership

Most fare evasion occurs along LRT routes where riders face an honour system of payment. But Whitelaw said there are no plans to erect barriers like turnstiles at C-train platforms.

“We’ve always maintained an open transit system, and that’s in keeping with how transit systems are developing.”

Whitelaw pointed out the vast majority of transit users are honest.

“That’s essential for a system that depends on the honesty of people to make sure we can keep our fare prices low.”

Cheaters run the risk of a $250 dollar fine for non-payment.