New strategy targets fare evasion on public transport

A new strategy to address fare evasion will be developed after an audit highlighted gaps in oversight and data collection. The audit found that officers focus mainly on bus, CityCat, and ferry routes, lacking effective tools for train routes. Currently, bus and ferry drivers can report fare evasion, but train drivers do not have this capability. The audit revealed that fare evasion costs up to $37 million annually, prompting a need for improved data and oversight. Translink plans to enhance its fare evasion policy and explore advanced technology for better data analysis. The introduction of 50¢ fares, now permanent, aims to alleviate cost-of-living pressures while addressing fare evasion.