Winnipeg Transit’s crackdown on fare evasion has denied nearly 5,000 rides in just over two months, according to new figures released Wednesday that the city says shows progress on curbing revenue loss and safety concerns.
Since expanded enforcement began in September, transit inspectors have completed more than 6,800 fare checks while community safety officers have logged more than 1,400 hours on buses and at transit stops.
The city says those efforts have resulted in 4,944 denied rides, another 2,670 people walking away before being prompted to pay, 931 warnings and 359 riders paying after being asked.
Especially considering that if those transit trips replace car trips, even having the fare be free is a net financial positive in the reduction of road maintenance, traffic enforcement, lane widening, and emergency services costs.