Fare-evaders on Toronto transit will soon face court dates and fines up to $2,400

Fare-evaders on Metrolinx's GO Transit and UP Express routes will soon face stiffer fines that can add up to a whopping $2,400 for repeat offenders.

Metrolinx announced on Thursday that it will significantly increase penalties for fare evasion effective Sept. 8, 2026.

The new fine structure will see fare-jumpers charged incrementally higher penalties and be subject to court summons in Metrolinx's latest bid to clamp down on offenders. 

Passengers who board GO or UP Express without paying fares will be subject to the following fines:

• First offence: $200 
• Second offence: $300 
• Third offence: $400 
• Fourth offence: $500 
• Fifth offence: A Provincial Offence Notice with a set fine established by the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice 
• Sixth offence and subsequent offences: A court summons, with fines of up to $1,000 upon conviction 

The transit agency advises passengers to make sure they pay fares before boarding, and by tapping Presto, credit, or debit cards at both the beginning and end of trips.
 
According to Metrolinx, "Tapping correctly ensures that you receive discounted transfers through Ontario's One Fare," adding that "You don't need to tap when transferring between GO trains connecting at Union Station."