Bus riders in Victoria will have new company this month, as BC Transit announces the rollout of its new Fare Awareness and Enforcement Program.
"We want to make sure people are aware of the appropriate fares for them to be paying, and that's why we're launching this," said Jamie Weiss, senior media relations and public affairs advisor for BC Transit.
The new program comes amid recent fare hikes for BC Transit, as well as the rollout of new ways to pay such as UMO, an app that allows riders to pay their fares digitally.
In practice, the program will consist of uniformed transit supervisors who will engage with riders aboard the bus, at exchanges and other areas across the Victoria Regional Transit system. Supervisors will be checking fares visually and with a digital handheld device. They will speak with riders who may be evading fare payment and distribute educational materials to them.
For the moment, Weiss assures that the program is strictly educational.
"We want to talk to people," he said.
"We want to make sure that they're aware of the importance of paying their fares and what it means to the transit system, and also that they're paying the appropriate fare for riding the bus."
However, stricter measures may come in the future. In a news release, BC Transit stated: "As the program continues, BC Transit plans to introduce stronger enforcement measures."
According to Weiss, transit supervisors will have the authority to issue fines or ask riders to leave the bus, although these measures are not expected to be implemented at this time, and there is no timeline for moving into future enforcement phases when such measures may be included.
Many riders seemed to be in favour of the program. "The fares the fare – you have to pay," said one rider who did not give their name.
Most transit users seemed to expect the program to be effective, like Zach Sousa, who says he isn't worried about it because he pays his fare every day.
"I do think it would disrupt a lot of people's days, though, because they do rely on the friendliness of the driver letting them on," said Sousa.
Other riders have their doubts and expect fare evasion to continue.
"I don't know if it's going to do anything because a lot of the druggies get on the bus at the back," said one rider named Sean who did not give his last name.
"I think it's a good idea, though, because then they'll stop doing that."
Some were quick to bring up drug users as the target of the fare evasion program and called for fines to be implemented.
However, other transit riders like Sousa acknowledged that all sorts of people evade fares, whether they can afford the bus or not.
'I've seen a lot of people throughout every walk of life evading fare," he said.
"It would be very difficult to determine who is rightfully getting on the bus for free and who is trying to save money. Because I know some people do need it."
Tao Reid was one rider who said there should be more leeway given to commuters who may not be able to pay the fare. He also doubted the program would stop people from trying to ride for free.
"Some people can't afford the bus and they have to take the bus to work, school, places like that," said Reid, who admitted there were times when even he attempted to fare evade, or hoped a bus driver would let him on.
"Just let people on the bus if they can't afford it," Reid said.
BC Transit does know that some people cannot afford the bus.
"We also recognize that affordability is a challenge for people, and we partner with a variety of organizations to provide support for people that may be struggling to pay for public transit," said Weiss.
Weiss explained that some tolerance will be given to some people who need rides.
"Our transit supervisor team is very respectful, they're great at communicating, and yes, there will be some compassion and some room there. Safety is the most important thing. For safety, if people need to take the bus, that's an option for them. That's why phase 1 is all about education and conversation with our customers."
Riders can expect to see transit supervisors, beginning Monday, July 7. They will be randomly dispersed throughout the region and will not be on every bus ride you take. They'll also only be engaging with riders as they get on the bus, and not those who board prior to their arrival.
