Past and future fare evaders, beware: the B.C. government is giving TransLink additional powers to go after unpaid fines.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced Monday it was sharpening the transit provider's claws and introducing "serious consequences" for those who continue to steal public transportation.
"The free rides are over," Minister Blair Lekstrom said in a statement. "Every passenger who takes advantage of the system by not paying a fare only increases the costs for those who do."
Under new rules set to be implemented this summer, TransLink will take over fine collection from ICBC and receive all the revenue collected for its administration and collection costs.
The company will have the authority to set fine amounts, handle dispute resolution and go after unpaid fines that are up to 10 years old using collection agencies. It can also file for access to fare evaders' assets in court.
It will have the power to refuse service to those with unpaid tickets and withhold transit passes until scores are settled. Motorists who haven't paid up will also be unable to renew their driver's licence or registration.
TransLink says there may also be discounts for early payments and, in extreme cases, provincial support to help evaders reduce their fines. The company will also report annually on its collection process and fine revenue.
The government estimates a decade of overdue fines could provide the cash-strapped company with a $40 million windfall.
Specific regulations have yet to be developed, but TransLink Chief Operating Officer Doug Kelsey says the company will begin working on them immediately.
"The tools that have been given are exceptionally helpful," Kelsey said. "This is behaviour-shaping legislation."
The transit provider estimates that fare evasion costs $18 million annually. Though Transit Police issued 57,000 tickets in 2011, prior to Monday's announcement there were few enforcement mechanisms in place to force payment.
The new rules will also allow employees to issue tickets along with police.
TransLink is also planning to construct SkyTrain fare gates and introduce a new electronic fare system called the Compass Card in 2013 to further cut down on free rides.
