The Queensland Government will ramp up its public transport enforcement regime after figures reveal fare dodgers have cost the government
The Queensland Government will ramp up its public transport enforcement regime after figures reveal fare dodgers have cost the government around $16 million in unpaid fares.
In the 12 months to June 1, 2009, TransLink Transit Officers issued 20,557 fines for fare evasion.
Most fare evaders on south east Queensland public transport are likely to be young; more than 82 percent of all fare evaders were under the age of 30. That’s the equivalent of 16,981 tickets, 261 full buses or 45 full three-car-trains.
In the same period commuters between the ages of 30 and 49 were issued 3,289 fines (or 16 per cent) while those over 50 years old received 206 fines (one per cent).
A government spokesman says the three age brackets are represented equally in actual commuter numbers. That is, Gen Y, Gen X and the Baby Boomer generation each comprise an equal third of the total commuter base.
Transport Minister Rachel Nolan says the Queensland Government will crack down on fare evaders with a range of measures, such as securing fare gate access at city train stations and new powers and legislation for specially-trained TransLink Transit Officers.
Commuters face a $200 on-the-spot fine for fare evasion.