Despite a change in legislation to force fare cheats to pay their fines, Translink says they aren’t yet seeing much of a difference. Spokesperson Derek Zabel says rate of payment of fare evasion tickets is up by less then one percent compared to 2010. We are seeing about an 18-percent return right now but there is a lot of people within that … [Read more...]
Translink disagrees with study on fare gates
February 1, 2013 by
Not surprisingly, Translink is giving 'thumbs down' to a study by a University of the Fraser Valley criminologist that says fare gates on transit systems don't do much when it comes to deterring fare evasion, crime or public disorder. Translink's Derek Zabel says that's not true, "You've got that visual, you've got that physical barrier and in … [Read more...]
Study finds transit fare gates don’t curb crime
February 1, 2013 by
Fare gates on public transit systems have very little impact on fare evasion, crime and public disorder. That's the finding of a study carried out by Criminologist Darryl Plecas at the University of the Fraser Valley. Plecas says while the introduction of turnstiles and fare gates is perceived by the public as a panacea to deal with fare … [Read more...]
Fare evaders scott free, so far
January 28, 2013 by
It appears BC's efforts to better enforce fines for transit fare evaders have yet to yield any results. It's been six months since new laws came into effect that, among other things, allowed ICBC to withold renewing your insurance or driver's licence if you didn't pay your fine. ICBC officials say they have put a hold on 583 files, but … [Read more...]
Ferry group wants fare reductions
December 12, 2012 by
A group representing Islanders who depend on BC Ferries wants government to rollback fares by 25 percent. The BC Ferry Advisory Committee speaks for Gulf Island, Sunshine Coast and minor route residents. They say that crippling fares are leading to lost jobs and crumbling tourism. Saltspring Island ferry advisory committee chair Harold Swierenga … [Read more...]
Mayors say Translink fare hikes will not address funding shortfall
November 15, 2012 by
After Translink announced transit fares will be going up in the new year the Vice Chair of the Mayors Council admits running the system isn't an easy task. Langley City mayor Peter Fassbender says when it comes to transit affordability is always an issue. "It always is a challenge. On one hand there are people who say we should have a … [Read more...]
Transportation minister not surprised with transit fare evasion numbers
October 22, 2012 by
The Transportation Minister says she is, and isn't surprised, that fare evasion on Coast Mountain buses is so rampant. Mary Polak says the estimated number of fare evasions was lower than the actual number of 2.1-million last year. However Polak says she always thought it was much higher compared with the estimated number. "My own view for … [Read more...]
Translink is losing millions of dollars to fare evasion, on buses alone
October 17, 2012 by
The numbers are staggering. CKNW news has learned there were several million people riding the Metro Vancouver bus system for free last year. On board Coast Mountain buses is a button drivers are to push if someone gets on and refuses to pay. Last year drivers pushed that button 2.1 million times. If you multiply that number with the minimum … [Read more...]
Transit police aren’t going anywhere yet despite new fare gates
October 1, 2012 by
The role of Transit police once the new fare gates are in place on Metro Vancouver's transit system is still up for discussion. Translink Chief Operating officer Doug Kelsey says Transit police aren't going away but what they do once the gates are open hasn't been decided. "I think we're going to have to monitor that over time. But, if you go … [Read more...]
