Metro Vancouver’s transit system is aiming to reduce a funding gap by catching those who are free-riding.

In a release Tuesday, TransLink says it plans to catch people by increasing fare enforcement patrols throughout the system to “reduce fare evasion, educate riders about fare payments, and improve safety.”

Riders who are caught without a valid fare could be issued a $173 fine.

TransLink says its goal is to reduce fare evasion by $5 million every year, to reduce a funding gap.

This effort is part of TransLink’s $90 million in cost-cutting measures that were unveiled a couple of months ago.

“Transit fares are an integral part of how we pay for transit services in Metro Vancouver, and the vast majority of people using our system pay their fair share,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn.

“It’s unfair that some customers who are able to pay, are choosing not to and this undermines our finances and our ability to operate the transit system.”

TransLink says riders can expect higher visibility patrols at transit hubs and on vehicles, officers asking and scanning proof of payment, education on how to pay and what fares to choose from, and increased safety with higher police and security presence at stations.

“Over 100,000 riders were checked by Transit Security last month, a 60 per cent increase compared to last year,” it said.

TransLink says for people who are unable to pay for transit, there may be free or subsidized resources available for those who are eligible for the BC Bus Pass Program.

It says resources may be available at other charitable organizations that TransLink donates free passes to such as the Homelessness Services Association of BC.

TransLink says increased patrols will continue to ramp up in the next few months throughout Metro Vancouver, and enforcement locations could change regularly.

In June 2024, the transit provider released a series of “efficiency measures,” including “corporate cost reductions and reduced staffing.” It also said it would not “include any cuts to transit services for customers and is instead structured to safeguard structured to safeguard transit service for as long as possible.”

-With files from Charlie Carey.