Fare enforcement update on Winnipeg Transit

Winnipeg, MB – Joint fare enforcement efforts are paying off on Winnipeg Transit.

Since announcing expanded fare enforcement in September, Transit Inspectors have performed more than 6,800 fare checks and Safety Officers have spent more than 1,400 hours enforcing issues on Winnipeg Transit.

Their efforts resulted in:

• 4,944 denied rides
• More than 2,670 people who chose to walk away before being prompted to pay
• 931 warnings
• 359 riders who paid after being asked

“The tax-funded subsidy to Transit is up 84 percent since 2020,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “We’re investing more than ever to make the system safer and more reliable, and we need everyone to do their part. Enforcement keeps the system fair for paying riders and helps ensure Transit has the funds for additional service improvements.”

Winnipeg Transit estimates it loses between $7 million and $10 million annually through fare evasion.

“While both Transit Inspectors and Safety Officers use discretion when denying rides, we want to ensure Winnipeggers know the expectation is that every rider pays a fare,” said Councillor Janice Lukes, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works. “Our Transit system is meant to provide Winnipeggers a convenient and sustainable transportation option. Fares help keep the system running and accessible to all Winnipeggers.”

Ongoing safety improvements

Inspectors and Safety Officers are also supporting bus operators on-street and providing a general presence on buses to deter undesirable behaviour as part of the Winnipeg Transit Violent Crime Intervention Strategy.

This is a collaborative effort between the City of Winnipeg and Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) aimed at addressing violent and disruptive behaviour and enhancing safety on Winnipeg Transit.

In addition to Transit Inspectors and Safety Officers, WPS members are on Transit and conducting foot and cruiser car patrols at Transit shelters, stops and hubs.

Since implementation, WPS has:

• Conducted 278 WPS enforcement operations
• Made nine Criminal Code arrests
• Engaged in 41 officer interventions related to fare evasion enforcement

Fare education campaign

It’s everyone’s responsibility to pay their fair share. Fare payments help cover the costs of delivering an important service residents rely on. Fare evasion challenges Winnipeg Transit’s ability to continue providing scheduled and expanded services in the future.

In support of the ongoing joint fare enforcement program, Winnipeg Transit is launching a fare education campaign in the coming weeks. It includes bus, bench, shelter and digital advertising that encourages passengers to be aware of their fares and have them ready when boarding buses.

In the coming weeks, all buses will start playing an audio message as they approach stops reminding passengers to have their fare payment ready before boarding.

Winnipeg Transit offers discount fares for low-income people, seniors, youth and students. It also provides free rides for kids 11 and under as long as they ride with a fare-paying passenger

To make paying fares easier, the 2025 Budget included funds for a new payment system that will let riders tap their phone, debit, or credit card in addition to existing fare options. The new fare payment system is expected to help Winnipeg Transit better track fare evasion.