Fare evaders will soon be getting a bigger slap on the wrist, thanks to the Public Transport Council.
Starting on Monday, the PTC will impose a higher penalty fee of $50 for fare evasion, a $30 increase from what it is right now. The $50 penalty fee will similarly apply for commuters who misuse concession tickets.
Enforcement action can also be taken against commuters found attempting to travel with paying the appropriate fare — currently, action can only be taken against them after they actually travelled. That means you’re getting into trouble even if you’ve simply tail-gated at fare gates.
“The tougher measures are intended as a strong deterrence against the evasion of public transport fares, and hence minimise free-riding behaviour,” says PTC Chief Executive Alvin Chia. “This is only fair to the large majority of our commuters who pay the correct fares for their journeys.”
