GO Transit fare evasion fines jump to $200 starting Sept. 8, drawing criticism from riders
Metrolinx raises first-time fares evasion penalties from $35 to $200. Repeat offences reach $500. Riders say the increase hits low-income commuters hardest.
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Metrolinx will raise fines for fare evasion on GO Trains, GO buses and UP Express starting Sept. 8, with first-time offenders now facing a $200 penalty — a jump from the current $35 fine.
The new penalty structure escalates rapidly. Second offences carry a $300 fine, third offences $400, and fourth offences $500. Fifth offences result in a Provincial Offence Notice with a fine set by the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice. Sixth offences and beyond trigger a court summons with potential fines of up to $1,000 upon conviction.
Metrolinx expects the increases to bring in $6.79 million to $10.18 million in revenue if 40 to 60 per cent of ticketed riders pay. A report to the board said higher fines typically reduce instances of voluntary payment behaviour. The proposal was approved by Metrolinx's board in June.
The increase has drawn sharp criticism from riders. One commuter recounted being charged $35 as an 18-year-old after accidentally boarding a GO train without tapping — a mistake they would have found "devastating" at the new $200 rate. Others pointed out the fine targets transit users who can least afford it. "It's bigger fines for those with the least money," one rider said on social media. Critics also questioned whether the increase distinguishes between good-faith mistakes — forgetting to tap a valid ticket — and deliberate fare evasion, and noted that fare inspectors have become less lenient in recent years.
Will Metrolinx track whether the higher fines actually reduce fare evasion or simply increase revenue from low-income riders?
What appeals process exists for riders who paid the fare but failed to tap — and can they contest the $200 charge?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When do the new GO Transit fare evasion fines take effect?
September 8, 2026. Metrolinx will begin enforcing the increased penalties on GO Trains, GO buses, and UP Express.
How much is the new fine for first-time fare evasion?
$200. This represents a jump from the current $35 penalty for first-time offenders.
What is the fine for a second fare evasion offence?
$300. The penalty structure escalates further to $400 for third offences and $500 for fourth offences.
How much revenue does Metrolinx expect from the fare evasion fine increases?
Between $6.79 million and $10.18 million, based on projections that 40 to 60 per cent of ticketed riders will pay the new fines.
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