Victoria introduced legislation yesterday that gives TransLink more power to force fare evaders to pay fines – and one new weapon in its arsenal is that car drivers will not be able to renew their driver's licence or vehicle registration if they have unpaid transit fines.
TransLink has used collection agencies in the past to go after fare evaders. It will now be able to refuse transit service to people until their fines are paid. TransLink may now also go to court to access the assets of people who do not pay.
The changes are set to take effect this summer.
"People who have been stealing from the transit in Metro Vancouver have been put on notice, and the free ride will be over," said Transportation Minister Blair Lekstrom. "While most people pay their fares, those that are caught without fares and ticketed will face serious consequences if they do."
TransLink estimates that it lost about $7.4 million to fare evaders on SkyTrain last year and $7.9 million in lost fares on buses.
All extra revenue that it collects from fines will help pay for fine administration, dispute resolution services and collection costs.
TransLink will be required to report annually about the fine revenue and collection process.
TransLink continues to forge ahead with its plan to have fare gates at SkyTrain stations.
TransLink CEO Ian Jarvis, however, told media last month that two of the system's busiest stations (Main Street and Metrotown) will not get fare gates next year because there is not enough money in the budget.
@GlenKorstrom
