Metrolinx can’t fine UP Express fare evaders due to loophole: report

By News staff

Thousands of people are taking the UP Express without paying, and there is apparently nothing Metrolinx can do about it.

The Toronto Star reports that due to a legal loophole Metrolinx can’t fine anyone who doesn’t pay to ride the UP Express, like it does on GO Transit.

According to the report, UP isn’t covered by Metrolinx regulations, which means the transit agency has no authority to fine riders who break the rules.

As a result, this is reportedly costing the agency an estimated $400,000 a year.

Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins told 680 NEWS payment is often checked before riders get on the UP.

“If you haven’t paid, you have the option of buying a ticket on board, we set it up like that for international visitors. It is at a premium price, a couple of bucks more,” Aikins said.

For those who still refuse to pay, she said transit safety officers can charge people with trespassing, or police can lay criminal charges.

“If we find someone that said they haven’t paid, they have no intention on paying, we can call in our transit safety officers, and they can remove them, they can charge them with trespass, they can even call the police — a criminal charge can be laid,” Aikens said.

She said Metrolinx is working to fix the fine issue and to expect changes in the new year.

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