Fare evasion

Riding the TTC is not free. Customers who willfully avoided paying their fares cost the TTC $124 million in 2023. That’s almost 12 per cent of customers who didn’t pay their fair share – nearly double the numbers in 2018.

The fares we collect help us limit fare increases, deliver service and maintain our system. When you choose not to pay your fare, you affect our ability to do this.

Not paying your fare is illegal and could cost you a fine of up to $425.

What is fare evasion?

Fare evasion amounts to stealing TTC rides, which includes:

• Illegal entry into a subway station through a bus bay.
• Entering a fare gate without paying including pushing a gate, hopping over a gate, walking behind someone – also known as tailgating – or holding a gate open.
• Boarding a bus or streetcar without paying.
• Using a fare type that you do not qualify for. For example, an adult paying a youth, senior or post-secondary student fare.

What we’re doing about it

We have ramped up fare enforcement system-wide. Fare inspectors ride high priority streetcar and bus routes at busy times and patrol subway stations where fare evasion happens most often.

We are also rolling out a new campaign as a reminder of why paying fares is important and as a warning to those who choose to steal rides that they will be fined. 

Ways to pay your fare

It’s easier than ever to pay your TTC fare! You can pay with cash, debit or credit card including cards loaded in your mobile wallet, TTC ticket or token, PRESTO in Google Wallet or a PRESTO card with money or a monthly pass loaded onto it. You can also buy a one-ride, two-ride or day pass PRESTO Ticket, available from Fare Vending Machines at select subway stations.

Plus, the new One Fare program eliminates double fares when you transfer between TTC, GO Transit and other GTA transit agencies.

Don’t be caught without paying your fare. Do the right thing and pay your share!

Learn more about Proof-of-Payment (POP) on the TTC.