The transit advocacy group TTCriders has staked out its opposition to the Toronto Transit Commission’s move to deploy plain clothes fare inspectors into the system.
The group called the roll out a “mistake” and warned it could “fuel conflict and an environment of mistrust” among transit users.
According to the TTC, fare inspectors in plain clothes began patrolling the transit system and issuing tickets on Wednesday.
All plain clothes inspectors are carrying ID and are equipped with body-worn cameras to record customer interactions, according to the TTC. The transit agency’s goal is to crack down on fare evasion, which the organization said costs the system $140 million annually.
But TTCriders said this is the wrong approach.
“Does the TTC really expect transit riders to hand over their credit and debit cards to strangers claiming to be fare inspectors?” the group wondered.
TTCriders also warned about racial profiling and other potential abuses.
In an interview with TorontoToday, TTCriders executive director Shelagh Pizey-Allen said more and more people are using their credit and debit cards to pay on the TTC.
“Its a situation that could be abused by scammers. I think people are going to be quite mistrustful of people coming up to them and saying they’re fare inspectors.”
She added that TTC data shows the highest rate of fare non-compliance happens on streetcars where there is no staff except the driver, who is behind glass.
“Why not hire ‘greeters’ on streetcars,” she said.
TTCriders also warned about racial profiling and other potential abuses by the ticketing officers.
“If the TTC wants to get creative, why not hire ‘greeters’ on streetcars who could make all transit users feel safer and would encourage people to tap without creating more fear and mistrust,” it said in a press release.
A report presented to the TTC Board earlier this year found an increased number of customer service agents in subway stations had deterred fare evasion.
Expanding that program would be a better move than trying to “catch” transit users for non-payment, TTCriders said.
Tickets for not paying for a bus, streetcar or subway ride range from $235 to $425 depending on the nature of the offence. That money goes to the courts, not directly to the transit service.
Earlier this week, interim TTC CEO Greg Percy said fare evasion impacts the agency’s ability to keep fare prices low.
"We prefer all customers pay for their rides rather than issue tickets. At the same time, we have to let people know we’re serious,” Percy said.
This story has been updated to include comments from the TTCriders executive director.
