SkyTrain fare evaders who get caught will face stiffer penalties from today.
The fine for getting caught in a fare-paid zone without paying the fare will stay at $173. But, starting today, if the ticket is not paid after 180 days, the fine will jump to $213. If one year passes without payment, the fine will increase to $273.
TransLink is upgrading its website to enable people to pay fines online.
The provincial government announced legislation August 31 that changes the way fare evasion tickets are given and collected.
The new legislation, dubbed the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Act, allows TransLink to issue fare infraction tickets, collect fines and govern the dispute and appeal process.
Previously, the provincial government was in charge of collecting the fines through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).
ICBC will not renew drivers’ licences for those who have not paid their fare evasion tickets.
