TTC unveils POO inspectors and they clearly didn't think that acronym through

On Friday, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) announced that effective Sunday, July 20, its fare inspectors would be officially designated as Provincial Offences Officers, a title meant to reflect their evolving responsibilities in fare compliance, education, and customer service. 

The updated designation comes with new uniforms, namely grey shirts and vests bearing the new title, which have already started to appear across the transit system. According to the agency, the rebranding aligns with the recommendations from the 2019 Toronto Auditor General's report, which called for enhanced inspection presence. 

And while the intent behind the rebrand may have been serious, the acronym quickly became an internet punchline. 

"You named them POO??" one commenter wrote in disbelief, reacting to the change. Toronto City Councillor Josh Matlow also chimed in on the situation online, writing, "We're going to have to do some work on the acronym though." 

POO inspectors? Really?

— Chad 🇨🇦 (@ChadOhman) July 21, 2025

A Reddit thread discussing the new name even garnered nearly 200 comments, with one user summing up the change with, "Instead of the popo. They are now the poopoo. Someone definitely didn't think this one through." Another user simply wrote, "[leaning right into the mic] fare inspectors are POOs now."

A TTC spokesperson clarified to blogTO that the acronym was thought through, but the designation was not the agency's to begin with, existing in Ontario legislation long before the TTC began using it this past weekend. 

"We thank the snickering, puerile 12-year-old boys who dominate the internet for their insights. However, it does not negate the fact that fare cheats face fines of hundreds of dollars – which is no laughing matter," they said. 

Despite public mockery, the TTC is moving forward with the changes as part of a larger strategy to address and curb fare evasion, which costs the transit agency a staggering $140 million annually.

Under the new destination, Provincial Offences Officers (or POOs...ba dum tss) will continue to request proof of payment and may issue tickets to those who have not paid their fare. Fines range from $235 to $425, depending on the infraction. 

The rebranding is one of many steps the TTC has taken recently to recoup lost revenue. The agency has phased out the "no-tap" fare gates at subway stations, deployed collectors to assist riders at fare gates, introduced plainclothes inspectors, and introduced body-worn cameras and mobile ticketing.