Transit troublemakers are about to take a bigger hit when they’re caught by the long arm of the law.
Edmonton Transit wants to boost the typical fine for almost three dozen offences to $250 from the current $50, saying current penalties aren’t tough enough, according to a report released Thursday.
“Passenger-conduct related fines are among the lowest in Canada when compared to other public transit operators of similar size and scope,” the report says.
“An increase in monetary penalties acts as a tipping point and provides further incentive to encourage bylaw compliance.”
For example, there’s less than a $30 difference between the fine for not paying a fare and buying a monthly adult pass, leaving “little or no deterrent” to evading payment, the report says.
The new charges, which apply to such offences as using an expired transfer, littering, swearing, eating or drinking on transit property, putting your feet on a seat and leaning a bicycle against equipment, are proposed to start Aug. 1.
The proposal will be discussed Tuesday by council’s transportation and infrastructure committee.
Fines were last increased in 1998.
Comments