TTC rebrands fare inspectors as Provincial Offences Officers to tackle fare evasion 

July18,2025

RED FM News Desk

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is stepping up its efforts to combat fare evasion by rebranding its fare inspectors as Provincial Offences Officers, a change set to take effect this Sunday, July 20. 

As part of the transition, officers will debut new grey uniforms and vests, clearly identifying them in their updated role. Their duties will remain the same, checking for proof of payment, providing customer education, and issuing fines to riders who fail to pay the proper fare. Penalties for fare evasion range from $245 to $425. 

The move follows recommendations made in a 2019 Toronto Auditor General’s report, which called for a stronger inspection presence to improve fare compliance. 

A 2023 TTC audit revealed that fare evasion is costing the transit system up to $140 million annually—funds that could otherwise support better services, system maintenance, and affordable fares.

“The TTC receives a significant City of Toronto operating subsidy but also relies heavily on fares to support its operations,” said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali in a statement. “This transition to Provincial Offences Officers is one of several initiatives aimed at improving fare compliance. When customers choose not to pay their fare, it directly impacts our ability to increase service and keep fares low.” 

To address the growing revenue loss, the TTC has implemented a series of measures alongside this rebranding, including: 

• Hiring more fare inspectors, including officers in plain clothes 

• Eliminating ‘no-tap’ subway gates to prevent fare skippers from entering unnoticed 

• Deploying body-worn cameras for fare inspection staff 

• Introducing mobile ticketing options to simplify fare payment 

Despite these enforcement efforts, the TTC has opted to freeze fares at 2023 rates for its 2025 budget, while it works to recover lost revenue and improve compliance. 

Transit officials say these changes are part of a broader strategy to modernize fare enforcement, enhance system integrity, and ensure the TTC remains a reliable and accessible service for all Toronto residents.