TTC Fare Inspectors to be known as Provincial Offences Officers

Beginning this Sun., July 20, TTC Fare Inspectors will be known as Provincial Offences Officers. They will continue to be responsible for fare compliance, education, and providing customer service across the system.

Starting this weekend, customers will notice employees in a new uniform, consisting of a grey shirt and vest identifying them as Provincial Offences Officers. They will continue to request proof of payment and could issue tickets to customers who have not paid the proper fare. Tickets for fare evasion range from $235 to $425. 

The change in name and uniform is consistent with a 2019 Toronto Auditor General’s report that found an enhanced inspection presence could increase fare compliance.

The last TTC audit in 2023 found as much as $140 million is lost to fare evasion every year. That’s money that would otherwise go to enhance service, safety and cleanliness.

“The TTC receives a significant City of Toronto operating subsidy but also relies heavily on fares to support its operations. This transition to Provincial Offences Officers is one of several initiatives that we have rolled out recently to encourage fare compliance,” said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. “We remind customers that when they choose not to pay their fare, it impacts our ability to increase service and keep fare prices low.”

This rebrand is another in a series of ongoing steps the TTC has taken to recoup lost revenue. Last year, the TTC began eliminating the ‘no-tap’ fare gates at subway stations to capture lost fares. Collectors were redeployed to assist those customers who require help with gates. In addition, the TTC has also introduced plain clothes inspectors across the system. Further changes include hiring more fare inspectors and introducing body-worn cameras and mobile ticketing.

More information on the TTC’s Fare Evasion program is available at https://www.ttc.ca/Fares-and-passes/Fare-information/Fare-evasion.